Sewer Lateral Program
Private Sewer Lateral Regulations and Replacement Program
Preventing the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment through leaky or unsound sewer lines protects the public health, safety, and welfare of our community. For this reason, Ironhouse Sanitary District requires timely inspections, maintenance, repair, and replacement of private sewer laterals.
The property owner is responsible for maintaining the sewer lateral, which connects their property’s sewer pipes to the public sewers. The property owner is also responsible for complying with all District ordinances relating to the discharge of sewage.
It is the responsibility of all property owners to maintain their private sewers in a manner that prevents sewer overflows or spills. Any sewer overflows or spills, cleanup, and damage are the responsibility of the property owner.
A permit from Ironhouse Sanitary District is required to construct a private sewer lateral or private main sewer, or make a connection to the public sewer. All plans for work on private sewers, prepared by a California Civil Engineer, must be supplied to the District’s engineer for review prior to commencement of all work. The District shall require the inspections of any project it deems necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the public sewer service in Oakley and Bethel Island? Ironhouse Sanitary District is a California Special District responsible for the public sewer system in both Oakley and Bethel Island. All permits regarding the sewer system are received from Ironhouse.
Who is responsible for the private lateral? The property owner is responsible for the sewer lateral from their home, including the connection to the public sewer line. A private owner hires a plumbing contractor to assess the lateral condition (typically a video survey of the line), obtains permits from Ironhouse Sanitary District, and performs the required work. Ironhouse may inspect any work completed on the sewer lateral lines.
What are the problems associated with private sewer laterals? Over time, these pipes can crack, become disjointed or displaced, and can be subjected to intrusion by tree roots, causing leaks and blockage. Rainwater and groundwater can enter the sanitary sewer system through sewer lateral defects, potentially overloading the treatment system and causing other problems.
Does my property require a Backflow Prevention Device (BPD)? There are some properties where the District requires a BPD. They include when the elevation of the lowest floor of the building is less than 12 inches above the rim elevation of the nearest upstream manhole; on buildings where a pump is used to lift sewage to the lateral sewer line; on buildings where the elevation of any floor is at or below the invert of the sewer main. The installation cost of the BPD is the responsibility of the property owner.
When is it required to CCTV sewer laterals?
All private main sewers and lateral sewers serving a building or property shall be inspected, that the owner's expense by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspection, have their operational conditions verified and tested by means approved by the District Engineer, and obtain a Compliance Certificate upon the occurrence of one or more of the following general conditions in order to continue operation:
- Upon the occurrence of a qualifying sewer lateral service call.
- Upon issuance of a building permit with a valuation of $25,000 or more if no inspection has occurred within the previous 20 years prior to issuance of the building permit.
- The occurrence of one sanitary sewer overflow caused by the private main sewer or lateral sewer.
- Upon discovery of unpermitted work.
- The change of use of a structure from residential to non-residential, a non-residential will result in higher flows, or non-residential structure has been vacant for 3 years or more.
- Upon subdivision of property.
- Upon sale of property over 20 years old.
- Upon replacement or repair of sewer main or lateral.
- Upon significant repair of sewer main or lateral.