Legal Documents of Kingston

When connection of building sewers to the public sewer by gravity flow lines is impossible due to elevation difference or other encumbrances, Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) or Grinder Pump (GP systems may be installed subject to the regulations of the city.

1. Equipment requirements.
   
   
   
   
   1. Septic tanks shall be of water tight construction and must be approved by the city.
   2. Pumps must be approved by the city and shall be maintained by the homeowner or business owner.
2. Installation requirements. Location of tanks, pumps, and effluent lines shall be subject to the approval of the city. Installation shall follow design criteria for STEP and GP systems as provided by the utility director.
3. Costs. STEP and GP equipment for new construction shall be purchased and installed at the developer's, homeowners, or business owner's expense according to the specifications of the city and connection will be made to the city sewer only after inspection and approval of the city.
4. Use of STEP and GP systems.
   
   
   
   
   1. Home or business owners shall follow the STEP and GP users guide provided by the utility director.
   2. Home or business owners shall provide an electrical connection that meets specifications and shall provide electrical power.
   3. Home or business owners shall be responsible for maintenance of drain lines from the building to the STEP and GP tank.
   4. Prohibited uses of the STEP and GP system.
      1. Connection of roof guttering, sump pumps or surface drains.
      2. Disposal of toxic household substances
      3. Use of garbage grinders or disposers.
      4. Discharge of pet hair, lint, or home vacuum water.
      5. Discharge of fats, grease, and oil.
5. Tank cleaning. Solids removal from the septic tank shall be the responsibility of the homeowner.
6. Additional charges. The city shall be responsible for maintenance of the STEP and GP equipment. If the city receives regulatory fines related to equipment failure and sewage overflows, all such fines will be passed on to the user.
7. Failure to properly operate and maintain. In the event the homeowner or business owner of a septic tank effluent pump or grinder pump system fails to properly operate and maintain the equipment and causes an overflow of sewage onto their property or adjoining property or into "waters of the state," or the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation gives notice to the city of such a case then the owner of such equipment shall:
   
   
   
   
   1. Allow the city to enter the property to make such repairs and clean-up steps as are appropriate.
   2. Legally transfer ownership of the equipment to the city,
   3. Provide the city an easement for maintenance of the city's equipment,
   4. Maintain an unblocked access to the equipment for city forces,
   5. Pay all costs related to repairs, clean-up, and upgrading the equipment within thirty (30) days of notification,
   6. Begin to pay the septic tank effluent pump or grinder pump sewer rate which includes city ownership of the equipment and proper operations and maintenance of the equipment.