9.22.050 Discharge requirements and prohibitions.
(a) Allowable Discharges. The following types of discharges shall not be considered illegal discharges for the purposes of this chapter unless the city determines that the type of discharge, whether singly or in combination with others, is causing or is likely to cause pollution of surface water or groundwater:
(1) Diverted stream flows;
(2) Rising ground water;
(3) Uncontaminated ground water infiltration to storm drains as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(20);
(4) Uncontaminated pumped ground water;
(5) Foundation or footing drains (not including active groundwater dewatering systems);
(6) Water from crawl space pumps;
(7) Air conditioning condensation;
(8) Irrigation water from agricultural sources that is commingled with urban storm water;
(9) Springs;
(10) Natural riparian habitat or wetland flows;
(11) Discharges from emergency firefighting activities.
(b) Conditional Discharges. The following types of discharges shall not be considered illegal discharges for the purposes of this chapter if they meet the stated conditions, or unless the city determines that the type of discharge, whether singly or in combination with others, is causing or is likely to cause pollution of surface water or groundwater:
(1) Planned discharges from potable water sources, including water line flushing, hyperchlorinated water line flushing, fire hydrant flushing, and pipeline hydrostatic test water shall be dechlorinated to a concentration of one-tenth ppm or less, pH-adjusted if necessary, and volumetrically and velocity controlled to prevent resuspension of sediments in the MS4.
(2) Lawn watering and other irrigation runoff are permitted but shall be minimized through, at a minimum, public education activities and water conservation efforts.
(3) Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges shall be dechlorinated to a concentration of one-tenth ppm or less, pH-adjusted if necessary, and volumetrically and velocity controlled to prevent resuspension of sediments in the MS4. Swimming pool cleaning wastewater and filter backwash shall not be discharged to the MS4.
(4) Street and sidewalk wash water, water used to control dust, and routine external building wash down that does not use detergents are permitted if the amount of street wash and dust control water used is minimized to avoid washing pollutants into the MS4. At active construction sites, street sweeping shall be performed prior to washing the street.
(5) Nonstormwater discharges covered by another NPDES permit; provided, that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, or order and other applicable laws and regulations; and provided, that written approval has been granted for any discharge to the storm drain system.
(6) Discharges specified in writing by the authorized enforcement agency as being necessary to protect public health and safety.
(7) Dye testing is an allowable discharge, but requires a verbal notification to the authorized enforcement agency prior to the time of the test.
(8) Other nonstormwater discharges shall be in compliance with the requirements of a stormwater pollution prevention plan reviewed and approved by the city, which addresses control of such discharges.
(9) Discharges from fundraising car washes are allowed, provided they comply with the requirements of Chapter 4.39 of the Selah Municipal Code, required fees have been paid, and a car wash discharge collection device is in use when so required.
(10) Water from water distribution system leaks or breaks as long as they are repaired promptly.
(c) Prohibition of Illegal Discharges. No person shall throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause or allow others under its control to throw, drain or otherwise discharged into the municipal separate storm sewer system, surface waters, groundwater, or watercourses any materials including, but not limited to, pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than storm water.
(d) Prohibition of Illicit Connections. The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the municipal separate storm sewer system is prohibited. This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection. A person is considered to be in violation of this chapter if the person connects a line conveying illegal discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system, or allows such a connection to continue. (Ord. 1768,, 2009.)