HomeMy WebLinkAboutAttachment 1
City of
Chula Vista
Sewer
System
Management
Plan
April 2021
City of Chula Vista
Sewer System Management Plan
(SSMP)
April 2021
Prepared by:
Engineering & Capital Projects Department
Wastewater Engineering Division
Tim Weinman, Engineering Tech II
Reviewed by:
William Valle, Director of Engineering and Capital Projects/City Engineer
Frank Rivera, Principal Civil Engineer
Kalani Camacho, Public Works Superintendent
Mark Sanchez, Public Works Manager – Wastewater
Beth Gentry, Senior Civil Engineer - Wastewater
Sandra Hernandez, Associate Civil Engineer
Certified by:
_______________________________
Matt Little, Legally Responsible Official
Director of Public Works
______________
Date
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
Element I. SSMP Goals 4
Element II. Organization 6
Element III. Establish Legal Authority 11
Element IV. Operation and Maintenance Program 16
Element V. Design and Performance Provisions 24
Element VI. Overflow Emergency Response Plan (OERP) 27
Element VII. Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Control Program 28
Element VIII. System Evaluation & Capacity Assurance Plan (SECAP) 34
Element IX. Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications 39
Element X. SSMP Program Audits 41
Element XI. Communication Program 42
Change Log 45
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Attached Appendices
A State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ
B State of California Water Resources Control Board Order No WQ 2013-0058-EXEC
C San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board Order No. R9-2007-0005
D Resolution approving 2021 SSMP
E City of Chula Vista Sanitary Sewer Overflow Prevention Plan (OERP)
F City of Chula Vista Municipal Code Title 13 Sewers
G Chula Vista Subdivision Manual Section 3-300 – Sewer Design Criteria
H 2017 Chula Vista Design and Construction Standard Drawings Sewer Section (SWR)
I City of Chula Vista Standard Special Provisions, dated April 2019
J California Water Code Section (CWC) 13271
K San Diego Regional Standard Drawings Section S – Sewerage Systems
L City of Chula Vista Wastewater System – GIS Information
M City of Chula Vista Council Policy No. 570-01 – Sewer Maintenance
N City of Chula Vista Vehicle Inventory as of February 2, 2021
O City of Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 15.28.010
P City of Chula Vista Food Establishment Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit
Q City of Chula Vista Grease Spill flyer
R City of Chula Vista Improvement Program - Sewer Projects
S Sewer Capacity based Projects for Capital Improvement Plan from the Wastewater Master Plan 2014
T SSMP Audits 2011 to 2019 and 2009 Resolution Approving SSMP
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Abbreviation and Acronym List
Abbreviation and Acronym List
BMP Best Management Practice
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
CCTV Closed Circuit Television
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CIP Capital Improvement Program
City City of Chula Vista
CMMS Computerized Maintenance Management Systems
CMOM Capacity Management Operations Maintenance
CPC California Plumbing Code
CWEA California Water Environment Association
d/D depth to pipe diameter ratio
EDU Equivalent Dwelling Unit
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
FOG Fats, Oils and Grease
FSE Food Service Establishments
FEIWDP Food Establishment Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit
Gpd Gallons per Day
GIS Geographic Information System
hcf Hundred Cubic Feet
I&I Infiltration and Inflow
IIMS Integrated Infrastructure Management System
Lucity Maintenance Management Software
Metro City of San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater
MGD Million Gallons per day
NASSCO National Association of Sewer Service Companies
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
OERP Overflow Emergency Response Plan
OES Office of Emergency Services
O&M Operations and Maintenance
Ord. Ordinance
PACP Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program
PM Preventative Maintenance
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SFD Single Family Dwelling
SSMP Sewer System Management Plan
SSO Sanitary Sewer Overflow
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
TSS Total Suspended Solids
UPC Uniform Plumbing Code
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
WDR Waste Discharge Requirements
WEF Water Environment Federation
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Executive Summary
Page 1
Executive Summary
The City of Chula Vista is in southwestern San Diego County, approximately seven miles north
of the international border with Mexico. Incorporated in 1911, the City has grown to be the second
largest city in the county encompassing over 50 square miles and serving a population of over
280,000 residents.
The City provides sanitary sewer service for all areas
within the City limits and owns, operates, and
maintains, more than 500 miles of sewer main lines
and 13 pump stations. City collection facilities
convey wastewater flows generated within the City’s
eight sewer basins to regional sewage facilities
located parallel to the San Diego Bay to ultimately
be treated in the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment
Plant operated by the City of San Diego’s
Metropolitan Wastewater Department (METRO).
Wastewater services provided by The City of
Chula Vista are subject to guidelines created
by the State Water Resource Control Board
(SWRCB) and the San Diego Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB), both of
which have been aggressively addressing
sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) for several
years. In May of 1996, the RWQCB adopted
Order No. 96-04 which includes General
Waste Discharge Requirements Prohibiting
Sanitary Sewer Overflows by Sewage Collection Agencies and Sanitary Sewer Overflow
Reporting Procedures for Sewage Collection Agencies to address what they perceived as an
increasing number of sewage sewer overflows (SSOs) in the region. To reduce SSOs, protect the
water quality of local water resources, and improve public health, Order No. 96-04 implemented
regulations for collection systems prohibiting sanitary sewer overflows at any point upstream of a
treatment facility.
When enacted, Order No. 96-04 had little effect on Chula Vista as the City was already subject to
similar requirements imposed by METRO on all agencies transporting flow into the Point Loma
Wastewater Treatment Plant. As such, the City already had plans in place including, but not
limited to, a Sanitary Sewer Overflow Response Plan and a Sanitary Sewer Overflow Prevention
Plan.
On May 2, 2006 the SWRCB adopted Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ, Statewide General Waste
Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems (Appendix A). This Order superseded Order
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April 2021
Executive Summary
Page 2
No. 96-04 and is the primary regulatory mechanism for sanitary sewer systems statewide
establishing minimum requirements to prevent SSOs. All public agencies that own or operate a
sanitary sewer system that is comprised of more than one mile of pipes or sewer lines which convey
wastewater to a publicly owned treatment facility must apply for coverage under Order No. 2006-
0003-DWQ. In addition, it is required that agencies establish a Sewer System Management Plan
(SSMP). Enrollees are required to maintain compliance with the Monitoring and Reporting
Program. In 2013, the SWRCB passed Order No. WQ 2013-0058-EXEC Amending Monitoring
and Reporting Program for Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer
Systems (Appendix B). The Amendment added a third category and changing the reporting to
“event” based instead of the original “location” based. It was the position of the SWRCB that this
would aide and advance the SSO Reduction Program objectives. The SWRCB’s Order No. 2006-
003-DWQ and WQ 2013-0058-EXEC Amendment together constitute the SWRCB’s “SSS
WDR”.
As a result of the SSS WDR each RWQCB could issue more stringent WDRs and on February 14,
2007, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board issued Order No. R9-2007-005
(Appendix C) which included all of the elements of the SWRCB’s Order NO. 2006-0003-DWQ
in addition to some criteria taken from the SWRCB’s Order No. 96-04 such as the required
reporting of SSO due resulting from private laterals.
Chula Vista’s SSMP is organized according to State guidelines and meets the requirements of both
the SWRCB and the RWQCB. The SSMP includes eleven elements as listed in Section D.13 of
the SWRCB’s SSS WDR or Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ, with each element addressing Chula
Vista’s procedures or processes that are either in place, or will be implemented, to meet both state
and local requirements.
The mandatory Elements of the SSMP are specified below:
I. Goal
II. Organization
III. Legal Authority
IV. Operation and Maintenance Program
V. Design and Performance Provision
VI. Overflow Emergency Response Plan (OERP)
VII. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program
VIII. System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Program (SECAP)
IX. Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
X. SSMP Program Audits
XI. Communication Program
On April 28, 2009 the City of Chula Vista’s City Council approved the SSMP in Resolution 2009-
095. As required in Section D.13(x) SWRCB Order No. 2006-003-DWQ SSMP programs audits
have at least every two years, available on the City’s website at (www.chulavistaca.gov).
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Executive Summary
Page 3
Per Section D.14 the SSMP must be updated every five (5) years and must include significant
program changes. Re-certification by the governing board of the Enrollee is required in
accordance with D.14 when significant updates to the SSMP are made. Significant updates have
not been implemented since the City’s SSMP original inception in 2009. However, audits
completed every two years were presented to City Council through Informational Items. The 2021
SSMP was approved by the City’s governing board on April 20, 2021. Future Five (5) Year
Updates will be approved by the City’s Council. Each of the Five-Year Updates will follow
Section D.14 of the SSS WDR for re-certification with the City (Enrollee) entering data in the
Online SSO Database and mailing the form to the SWRCB, as described below:
State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Water Quality
Attn: SSO Program Manager
P.O. Box 100
Sacramento, CA 95812
The 2021 SSMP was approved by the City Council on April 20, 2021 in Appendix D which is
publicly available on the City’s website (https://www.chulavistaca.gov/). Also included on the
website are appendices from the SSMP.
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April 2021
Element 1. SSMP Goals
Page 4
Element I. SSMP Goals
The WDR issued by the State defines the “Goal” Element of the SSMP as:
(i) Goal: The goal of the SSMP is to provide a plan and schedule to properly
manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the sanitary sewer system. This will
help reduce and prevent SSOs, as well as mitigate any SSOs that do occur.
The City of Chula Vista’s goal is to continually improve the sanitary sewer system efficiently,
economically, and in a manner that meets or exceeds the public’s expectations. To achieve this
goal the City’s Public Works Department and Engineering & Capital Projects Department work in
a collaborative manner to operate, maintain, and upgrade the City’s wastewater collection system.
Specifically, the Public Works Department strives to:
1. Continue the exemplary level of service that has been provided to the City of Chula Vista
by maintaining, cleaning, and inspecting the sanitary sewer system.
2. Continue to maintain the most current and reliable Sanitary Sewer Overflow Response
Procedures, so that in case of an overflow the respondents contain the spill with the
minimum effects to the residents and to the environment.
3. Continue to monitor and evaluate the sanitary sewer system in order to maintain adequate
capacity throughout the system and account for continued development and growth.
4. Identify those areas in need of significant rehabilitation, and work with the Department of
Engineering & Capital Projects and the Finance Department to acquire the necessary
funding to complete the rehabilitation.
The Engineering and Capital Projects Department’s Wastewater Division strives to:
1. Manage the use, expansion, and modification of, the City’s wastewater collection system.
2. Ensure necessary funds to maintain and expand the City’s wastewater collection system as
well as pay for the treatment of wastewater transported to the METRO system.
3. Maintain accurate development projections relating to wastewater generation within the
City of Chula Vista through strong working relationships with the City’s Development
Services Department staff in order to maintain the level of service provided to Chula Vista
residents.
4. Continue to work diligently with the Public Works Department to track maintenance
activities and create improvement projects to solve maintenance problems or improve the
efficiency of the wastewater collection system.
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April 2021
Element 1. SSMP Goals
Page 5
5. To create and maintain a Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program aimed at
monitoring restaurants and other grease generating businesses to reduce the volume of
FOG entering the collection system.
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Element II: Organization
Page 6
Element II. Organization
The WDR for wastewater collection agencies regarding an agency’s organizational structure are
met by a variety of City employees. The WDR requirements for the “Organization” Element are
listed below followed by a brief description of how the City of Chula Vista fulfills its obligations:
(ii) Organization: the SSMP must identify:
(a) The name of the responsible or authorized representative as described in Section
J of this Order.
The SSMP is signed and certified by the Director of the Public Works Department, who is a
principal executive officer and the City’s Legally Responsible Officer (LRO). As the Director of
Public Works and City’s LRO, Matt Little signed and certified this SSMP. Additional LROs have
been authorized in writing by the City’s LRO to ensure continuous LRO coverage. The LRO
documentation is provided in Overflow Emergency Response Plan (OERP) in Appendix E shows
the SWRCB Legally Responsible Official Registration Form for the SSO Database for the City of
Chula Vista.
Any changes of a registered LRO, including deactivation or a change to the LROs contact
information, have been submitted by the City to the SWRCB. As changes occur, they will be
submitted to the SWRCB within 30 days of the change by calling 866-79-CIWQS (24977) or by
email at ciwqshelp@waterboards.ca.gov.
(b) The names and telephone numbers for management, administrative, and
maintenance positions responsible for implementing specific measures in the
SSMP program. The SSMP must identify lines of authority through an
organization chart or similar document with a narrative explanation;
An organizational chart specific to Wastewater is provided in Figure 1 and contact information for
all current LROs is provided in the OERP in Appendix E. A narrative explanation on the lines of
authority is provided below. The positions responsible for implementing specific measures in the
SSMP program is provided in Table 1.
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Element II: Organization
Page 7
Figure 1. WASTEWATER ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
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Element II: Organization
Page 8
City Manager. Reporting to the City’s governing body, Mayor and City Council, is the City
Manager. The City Manager establishes policies, allocates resources and delegates responsibility.
Deputy City Manager. The Deputy City Manager reports to the City Manager. Each Deputy City
Manager has several Departments for which they are responsible. The
Deputy City Manager listed is responsible for the Public Works,
Engineering and Capital Projects and the Development Services
Departments.
Director of Public Works (PW). The Director of PW reports to the
Deputy City Manager. This position establishes policies, plans,
strategy, leads staff advocates resources and delegates responsibility.
The Director of Public Works is the legally responsible official (LRO)
with several other positions delegated with the LRO responsibility as
noted in Table 1. LROs can report SSOs to SWRCB, including through
the on-line sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) Database or the California
Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) database
(https://ciwqs.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs/)
PW Superintendent. The Public Works Superintendent reports directly to the Director of Public
Works. This position oversees the management of the wastewater and stormwater system as well
as streets and assists with job duties of the Director of PW.
PW Manager-Wastewater/Stormwater. This position reports directly to the PW Superintendent
and manages operations and maintenance activities relevant to wastewater and stormwater and
streets.
PW Wastewater Supervisor. This position reports directly to the PW Manager-
Wastewater/Stormwater and manages the wastewater and stormwater supervisors field crews and
allocates resources to ensure the operation and maintenance needs of the system are being met.
PW Pumps Supervisor. This position reports directly to the PW Manager-Wastewater/Stormwater
and supervisors field crews and allocates resources to ensure the operation and maintenance needs
of the pump system are being met.
PW Storm Drain Supervisor. This position reports directly to the PW Manager-
Wastewater/Stormwater and supervisors field crews and allocates resources to ensure the operation
and maintenance needs of the storm drain system are being met.
Director of Engineering and Capital Projects/City Engineer This position reports to the Assistant
City Manager and oversees the Engineering and Capital Projects Department.
Principal Civil Engineer. Reporting directly to City Engineer is Principal Civil Engineer who
supervises the Wastewater Engineering and Advanced Planning Divisions and coordinates with
other departments on planned needs due to local and regional development.
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Element II: Organization
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Senior Civil Engineer This position reports directly to the Principal Civil Engineer and supervises
the day-to-day activities in the Engineering Wastewater
Division. The Division is responsible for the assembly of the
SSMP, identifying needed wastewater CIP projects, flow
modeling of the wastewater system and managing all
wastewater related funds.
Associate Engineer The Associate Engineer reports to the
Senior Civil Engineer in the Wastewater Section and oversees
implementation of the FOG Control Program, assisting with
the needs of the Wastewater Division and other local and
regional programs.
Engineering Technician II The Engineering Technician II
reports to the Senior Civil Engineer and is responsible for updating the SSMP. This position is
delegated the LRO authority and inputs and reviews SSO data input into the CIWQS database.
(a) The chain of communication for reporting SSOs, from receipt of a complaint or
other information, including the person responsible for reporting SSOs to the
State and Regional Water Board and other agencies if applicable (such as County
Health Officer, County Environmental Health Agency, Regional Water Board,
and/or State Office of Emergency Services (OES)).
The City’s Response Plan regarding SSOs is detailed in our Sanitary Sewer OERP in Appendix E.
In general, notification of an SSO may be received by City staff in a variety of ways including
notice from the public or contractor or from City staff visual observation. Once received, the
appropriate Public Works Wastewater Supervisor is notified of the incident and a Chula Vista
Public Works Operations crew is dispatched to the scene. As more information regarding the SSO
is obtained additional resources are dispatched as needed.
Each supervisor has the authority to report the SSO in accordance with the Regional Water Quality
Control Board guidelines.
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Element II: Organization
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Table 1. POSITIONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SSMP
No. SSMP Element Responsible Party (Position)
Introduction Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
1 Goals Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
2 Organization Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
3 Legal Authority Public Works Dept. - Director of Public Works
4 O&M Program Public Works Dept. - Public Works Manager
5 Design & Performance Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Sr. Civil Engineer
6 OERP Public Works Dept. - Public Works Manager
7 FOG Control Program Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Associate Engineer
8 SECAP Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Sr. Civil Engineer
9 MMP Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
10 SSMP Program Audits Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
11 Communication Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
Change Log Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
Appendices Engineering Dept. - Wastewater Technician II
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April 2021
Section III: Establish Legal Authority
Page 11
Element III. Establish Legal Authority
In order to help ensure agencies have the legal authority to properly manage, operate, and maintain
all parts of a sanitary sewer system, the WDR for wastewater collection agencies requires specific
ordinances or agreements regarding a variety of wastewater issues. Many of these requirements
are satisfied in the City of Chula Vista through the Municipal Code as detailed in Title 13
(Appendix F). The Chula Vista Municipal Code may be viewed in its entirety at the city’s website
www.chulavistaca.gov. Element (iii) per Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ for SSMPs states:
(iii)Legal Authority: Each Enrollee must demonstrate, through sanitary sewer
system use ordinances, service agreements, or other legally binding procedures,
that it possesses the necessary legal authority to:
(a) Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system (examples may include
I/I, stormwater, chemical dumping, unauthorized debris and cut roots, etc.);
Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 13.12.010 addresses these requirements. Sub-Section A
states:
A. Prohibited discharges shall include, but not be limited to, those
containing constituents enumerated in this section. Such prohibitions
are applicable to all users of the wastewater system. Any constituent
not listed herein may be added by regulation or other prohibition
promulgated by the Director based on results of technical
determinations, the actions of regulatory agencies, the projected impact
of the constituent upon the wastewater system, and the capacity of
wastewater treatment facilities to accommodate such constituent.
For specific substances prohibited to be discharged in the city’s sewer system, see 13.12.010.B in
the Chula Vista Municipal Code for more details.
(b) Require that sewers and connections be properly designed and constructed;
Requirements regarding the expansion of, or connection to, the City of Chula Vista’s sanitary
sewer system are described in the City of Chula Vista Subdivision Manual Section 3-300 – Sewer
Design Criteria (Appendix G), Chula Vista Municipal Code Title 13, City of Chula Vista Design
and Construction Standard Drawings (Appendix H), City of Chula Vista Standard Special
Provisions (Appendix I), California Water Code Section 13271 (Appendix J), and the San Diego
Regional Standard Drawings (Appendix K), all of which are available for viewing in their entirety
on-line. Connections to the sewer system require design review and approval by the Wastewater
Engineering Section or the Development Services Department, with construction and inspection
of said connections being provided by the Public Works Department or the Construction Inspection
Section of the Engineering and Capital Projects Department.
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Section III: Establish Legal Authority
Page 12
The City of Chula Vista requires that all aspects of the Sanitary Sewer System be reviewed by
Engineering Staff as indicated in Municipal Code Section 13-08.010.
Section 13-08.010 enlists the duties of the Director:
The Director [of Engineering or designee] shall issue permits, review plans,
inspect, and make permanent record of:
A. All Wastewater facility construction, repairs, sewer connections, and
disconnections within public rights-of-way.
B. All industrial wastewater pre-treatment facility construction and
repairs upon private property.
Municipal Code Section 13-08.030 lists the standards and specifications that must be followed in
the design and construction of sanitary sewer systems. It states:
Construction plans, specifications and details as necessary to fully describe a
proposed wastewater facility or wastewater facility modifications shall be in
full conformity of the following documents as adopted and amended from time
to time by the Chula Vista city Council:
A. “Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction” Published by
BNI Books;
B. "Design Standards - 1990 - Construction Standards," by Chula Vista
Department of Public Works;
C. "City of Chula Vista Subdivision Manual";
D. "San Diego Area Regional Standard Drawings," by San Diego County
Department of Public Works;
Copies of all such documents shall be available at the office of the Director.
(c) Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, or repairs for portions of the
lateral owned or maintained by the Public Agency;
In order to facilitate maintenance activities including the inspection and repair of lines owned or
maintained by the City of Chula Vista, the City has developed standards that require the placement
of sewer lines in locations that allow for easy access and maintenance operations. The City of
Chula Vista Subdivision Manual Section 3-302.7.1 addresses the required locations for sewer
mains and trunk sewers:
3-302.7 (1) Sewer Locations
A. Sewer trunks and mains will normally be located on the
centerline of streets, for streets without medians unless
otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
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Section III: Establish Legal Authority
Page 13
B. Sewer trunks and mains will normally be in the center of the
driving lane for streets with medians unless otherwise approved
by the City Engineer.
Should the trunk sewer or main be required to be installed within an easement, the City of Chula
Vista Subdivision Manual Section 3-302.7.2 identifies the requirements necessary for the easement
and the installation of the pipeline within it, all designed to facilitate easy access and maintenance
operations.
3-302.7 (2) Sewer Easements
A. Sewer Easements shall be equal to the pipe diameter plus 10 feet (3m)
or a minimum of 15 ft (4.6m) in width, whichever is greater. Sewer
Easement shall not split residential lots unless specifically approved by
the City Engineer
B. Permanent obstructions within (or over) the easement which would
hinder the maintenance of sewer facilities within the easement (i.e.
fences, walls, steep slopes, overhanging eaves) are not allowed.
C. Easements shall be granted to provide access to all manholes.”
The City of Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 13.06.030 (B) gives representatives of the City
the right, if necessary, to access a facility to inspect discharges to the City of Chula Vista’s sanitary
sewer system.
13.06.030 Inspection and Sampling – General
B. Owners, users, and operators of all facilities directly or
indirectly connected to the city's wastewater system, whether
under construction or completed, shall give access to authorized
personnel or representatives of the city at all reasonable times,
including those occasioned by emergency conditions. Any
permanent or temporary obstruction to easy access to the
wastewater facility to be inspected shall promptly be removed
by the facility owner, user or operator at the written or verbal
request of the director and shall not be replaced. No person shall
interfere with, delay, resist or refuse entrance to an authorized
city inspector attempting to inspect any wastewater generation,
conveyance, or treatment facility connected directly or
indirectly to the city's wastewater system, and the provisions of
Chapter 1.16 CVMC shall not apply.
(d) Limit the discharge of fats, oils, and grease and other debris that may cause
blockages
In keeping with the FOG Control Program requirements within the State of California, Chula Vista
has adopted ordnances that require the use of pre-treatment devices in order to reduce the discharge
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Section III: Establish Legal Authority
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of fats, oil, and grease. Municipal Code Section 13-10.150 specifies the use of a pre-treatment
device as follows:
13.10.150 Pre-treatment - Grease – Food establishments
A. All food establishments shall install a grease pre-treatment device in the
waste line leading from the food preparation area, or from sinks, drains,
appliances and other fixtures or equipment used in food preparation or
cleanup, to where grease may be introduced into the sewerage system.
Such grease pre-treatment devices shall be installed to remove grease
from wastewater and shall be maintained in efficient operating
condition by periodic removal of the accumulated grease. No such
collected grease shall be introduced into any drainage piping or public
sewer.”
For further information regarding the City of Chula Vista’s Fats, Oils, and Grease Control
Program, please refer to Element VII of this SSMP. “Other debris” that may cause blockages is
prohibited as previously discussed in this chapter.
(e) Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances.
In order to protect itself and the sanitary sewer system, the City of Chula Vista has provisions
within its Municipal Code regarding enforcement of the regulations stated within the code. There
are also provisions for any necessary legal action that the City of Chula Vista may impose on a
person or persons for the non-compliance with the specific requirements stated within. The City
of Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 13.06.010 states:
13.06.010 Administration.
The Director of Public Works ("Director") shall administer,
implement, and enforce the provisions of this title. Any powers
granted to or duties imposed upon the Director may be
delegated by the Director to persons in the employ of the city, or
pursuant to contract. The Director shall make and enforce
regulations necessary to the administration of this title and may
recommend that the Council amend such regulations from time
to time, as conditions require. These regulations shall be
consistent with the general policy established herein by the City
Council and shall be subject to prior review and approval by the
City Council.
Furthermore, CVMC Section 13.06.100 gives the City the legal right to impose financial penalties,
revoke permits, and, if necessary, impose civil penalties in the enforcement of regulations. CVMC
Section 13.06.110 describes the administrative notice, hearing, and appeal procedures. CVMC
Section 10.06.120 discusses potential criminal penalties that may be imposed for violations of City
ordinances. An excerpt from CVMC Section 13.06.100 regarding Civil Penalties is included here
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Section III: Establish Legal Authority
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for example purposes while each entire Sections mentioned, and the Municipal Code as a whole,
are available in the city’s website.
13.06.100 Administrative Enforcement
C. Civil Penalties - Any person who violates any provision of this
title or permit condition or who discharges wastewater which
adversely affects the wastewater system or facilities, or who
violates any cease and desist order or prohibition issued by the
director, or national pre-treatment standard shall be liable
civilly for a penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each day in which
such violation occurs, not to exceed $100,000 in total.
Imposition of such civil penalties shall be pursuant to the
procedures set forth in CVMC 13.06.110.
The City of Chula Vista reviewed its Ordinances and Construction Codes to ensure that Code
changes and the resulting authority allows staff to fully comply with current state and federal
regulations.
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April 2021
Element IV: Operation and Maintenance Program
Page 16
Element IV. Operation and Maintenance Program
The City of Chula Vista targets a proactive approach to operation and maintenance programs,
identifying problem areas in the sanitary sewer system before they result in system failures or
SSOs.
As of the writing of this report, the City’s sanitary sewer system includes approximately 515 miles
of sewer mains, over 10,000 sewer access ports, and 13 pump stations. From within the city’s 50.6
square miles service territory, the City collects and conveys average daily sewage flows of
approximately 16.7 million gallons per day (mgd). The sewage is transported to METRO where
it is treated at the City of San Diego’s treatment facilities. Through an effective preventive
maintenance program, the Public Works Department continues to maintain the City's wastewater
systems efficiently and effectively. This reduces health hazards, minimizes environmental
damage, limits extensive repairs, prevents property damage, reduces cleaning costs associated with
sewer overflows or spills, and promotes a positive, cooperative atmosphere with other City
Departments and external agencies.
(iv)Operation and Maintenance Program. The SSMP must include those elements
listed below that are appropriate and applicable to the Enrollee’s system:
(a) Maintain an up-to-date map of the sanitary sewer system, showing all gravity
line segments and manholes, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves,
and applicable stormwater conveyance facilities;
The City of Chula Vista has a Geographic Information System (GIS) which includes the elements
of the City’s wastewater collection system such as sewer lines, manholes, pump stations, forced
mains, sewer basin boundaries as well as City-owned stormwater conveyance facilities. For an
example of these GIS elements, see Appendix L.
The City of Chula Vista Information Technology Services
(ITS) Department maintains an up to date electronic map
of the City’s infrastructure. In doing so, the City updates
its GIS information to include the completed CIP projects
and field conditions discovered by field crews. All the
information contained within the City’s GIS is available to
City staff through an interactive GIS-based map of the
City that can be viewed from any employee’s workstation
in order to provide access to the most accurate data
available. Each wastewater crew is equipped with a laptop
computer with access to either standalone mapping software called Map Objects that is updated
once a month, or access to the interactive GIS based mapping program, CV Mapper, via a wireless
connection.
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Pressurized sewer pipes are denoted with a different line type as compared to gravity mains.
Similarly, the storm water system also contains different line types or patterns as compared to the
sewer system. Manholes and permanent flow meters are denoted in the system.
(b) Describe routine preventive operation and maintenance activities by staff and
contractors, including a system for scheduling regular maintenance and
cleaning of the sanitary sewer system with more frequent cleaning and
maintenance targeted at known problem areas. The Preventative
Maintenance (PM) program should have a system to document scheduled and
conducted activities, such as work orders;
WDR Section iv subsection (b) Describe routine preventative operation and maintenance activities
by staff and contractors, including a system for scheduling regular maintenance cleaning of the
sanitary sewer system with more frequent cleaning and maintenance targeted at known problem
areas. The Preventative Maintenance (PM) Program should have a system to document scheduled
and conducted activities, such as work orders
The City’s routine preventative operation and
maintenance activities by staff and contractors
consist of routine maintenance, repairs, and
replacement of sewer mains, manholes, and
pump stations. Laterals are addressed only as the
portion owned by the City which is 1-foot from
the public sewer pipe, reference Appendix M for
the 2014 Sewer Maintenance Lateral Policy
(570-01). The preventative activities include the
inspection, cleaning, and related maintenance of
all components of the collection system. A
computer-based Management System (Lucity
Master Series) is utilized to organize and
schedule maintenance activities according to the nature of the activity or severity of the problem.
For issues requiring more than just routine maintenance, the affected wastewater facilities are
entered into the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) process for the planning, design, and
construction of projects to solve each problem.
The City of Chula Vista has adopted aggressive
preventative maintenance practices regarding the
sanitary sewer system. To prevent SSOs, Public
Works crews clean the entire sewer system at least
once every 18 months. Portions of the system
experiencing low flow volumes, or a high
concentration of grease/roots are scheduled for
cleaning more frequently. At certain locations in the
City commonly impacted by relatively high grease
levels, field crews regularly utilize active enzymes to
reduce the buildup of the grease within the system.
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Element IV: Operation and Maintenance Program
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If a sewer overflow occurs due to a sewer main stoppage or mechanical breakdown, the problem
is investigated and analyzed, and remedial action is implemented. Maintenance schedules or
cleaning methods are adjusted accordingly. If a repair or replacement to an infrastructure
component is needed, the repair will be completed by City crews or if more resources are required
it a project will be set up in the capital improvement program, potentially utilizing outside
resources.
The following are some of the main tasks of the preventative operations and maintenance
activities:
A. Maintenance Program
Preventive Measures:
a) Routine sewer main cleaning – Several combination vehicles clean city sewer mains
regularly.
b) Critical Main Cleaning Program – Routine main cleaning of low flow and known
grease problem areas.
c) Chemical/Enzyme Application Program – Application of chemicals/enzymes at known
grease problem areas.
d) Sewer Main and Manhole Inspection Program – Routine visual and/or televised
inspection of sewer mains and manholes. The entire sanitary sewer system is targeted
for inspections and digitally recordings once every ten years.
e) Sewer Main Replacement Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Projects are budgeted
for and carried out regularly to repair or replace sewer, reduce the risk or pipe failures,
improve flow characteristics, and/or increase their capacity.
B. Root Control
Preventive Measures:
a) Routine Hydraulic Sewer Main cleaning – Combination vehicles are used to clean city
sewer mains regularly; these vehicles can remove roots.
b) Mechanical Rodding – Rodding with root cutters is performed regularly in areas with
known roots problems and as needed when observed in other areas.
c) Sewer Main and Manhole Inspection Program – Regular inspections with closed
caption television or CCTV of sewer mains and manholes is done to identify problems
such as infrastructure issues and root intrusion.
d) Sewer Infrastructure Repair/Replacement – Inspections may reveal the need for repair,
replacement, or rehabilitation of impacted sewers main lines or manholes.
Infrastructure is prioritized and addressees through projects in the City’s Capital
Improvement Program.
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C. Control of Rocks, Debris and Vandalism
Preventive Measures:
a) Locking Sewer Manhole – Locking manhole covers are typically installed in off-road
and secluded areas or on manholes that have been vandalized.
b) Sewer Main and Manhole Inspection Program – Regular televised inspections of sewer
mains and manholes help in early discovery of rocks, debris and vandalism of the sewer
collection system.
c) New sewer mains, manholes, and other City infrastructure are inspected by City staff
for compliance with standards and possible construction debris. This also establishes
a benchmark for the pipe’s condition.
D. Pipeline Failure and Construction Damage
Preventive Measures:
a) Sewer Main and Manhole Inspection Program – The program includes regular visual
and/or televised inspection of sewer mains and manholes. Manholes and sewer main
pipes are monitored for deterioration. New sewer mains are inspected for
construction debris as well as damage soon after the City accepts them for
maintenance.
b) Sewer Main and Manhole Maintenance – Repair, relocation, and/or protection of
sewer mains and manholes from potential damage.
c) Sewer Main Replacement (CIP) – The repair, replacement, and rehabilitation or
relocation of sewers and manholes prone to repetitive damage by any source.
d) Dual Force Mains – New pump stations require the installation of dual force mains
for redundancy.
e) Flow Monitoring - A flow monitoring and documentation is done at several locations;
assisting with identifying high and low flow anomalies. Additionally, Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) are implemented with the ability to
alert staff to flow anomalies.
E. Power outages and Pump station failures
Preventive Measures:
a) Backup Power – On site generators for back-up electrical power exist at most City
pump stations.
b) Emergency Storage Wells – New sewer pump stations are installed with minimum
emergency storage volumes to allow for response times and repairs. Existing pump
stations are being retrofitted on a prioritized basis.
c) Sewer Pump Station Maintenance Program –Pump stations are visited by field staff
routinely. Most of the City’s pump stations are monitored via SCADA for proper
operation and immediate alert notification. Each pump station has routine preventative
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Element IV: Operation and Maintenance Program
Page 20
and remedial maintenance on electrical and mechanical components. Staff ensure
regular maintenance on backup power generators at each location.
d) The City owns one (1) operational auto start dry-prime portable pumps with 6” suction
flexible pump discharge hoses. Approximately one-half mile of flexible discharge hose
and one-quarter mile of ridged aluminum highline pipe can be used for “high lining”
for emergency wastewater management.
F. Capital Improvement Program
Preventive Measures:
a) Infrastructure is monitored for capacity limitations and deterioration. Studies are
performed to determine the impacts of growth and new development.
b) Approximately, $1 to 2 million is allocated annually to fund sewer rehabilitation and
replacement projects including re-lining of pipes, spot repairs on sewer mains,
manhole rehabilitation, and pump station upgrades.
(c) Develop rehabilitation and replacement plan to identify and prioritize system
deficiencies and implement short-term and long-term rehabilitation actions
to address each deficiency. The program should include regular visual and
TV inspections of manholes and sewer pipes, and a system for ranking the
condition of sewer pipes and scheduling rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and
replacement should focus on sewer pipes that are at risk of collapse or prone
to more frequent blockages due to pipe defects. Finally, the rehabilitation
and replacement plan should include a capital improvement plan that
addresses proper management and protection of the infrastructure assets.
The plan shall include a time schedule for implementing the short- and long-
term plans plus a schedule for developing the funds needed for the capital
improvement plan;
Sewer Pipelines. The City of Chula Vista’s sewer rehabilitation and replacement efforts begin with
our video inspection and monitoring program. City crews perform visual and televised inspections
of sewer facilities regularly, inspecting an average of 70 miles of pipes each year, completing a
full inspection of all City sewer facilities at least once
every ten years. All inspections are currently
performed by crews utilizing trucks equipped with
Flexidata, which is a pipeline assessment software,
digitally recording the video footage and inspection
data that is ultimately stored on a City network
accessible by various departments. The inspection
crews, having received training and certification in
the use of the Pipeline Assessment and Certification
Program (PACP) developed by NASSCO, grade the
condition of each City maintained sewer line,
entering their inspection findings and PACP grades
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into Flexidata. Should inspection crews find a facility in need of immediate repair or replacement,
the proper Public Works staff is notified, and a remedy is scheduled. For issues not requiring
immediate attention, inspection findings are entered into Flexidata and the information is
transmitted to engineers in the City’s Wastewater Engineering and Capital Projects Section for
evaluation.
Wastewater Engineering staff, having received video footage and inspection data, and been trained
in the use of the PACP, review the data and use the PACP grading system to help prioritize needed
repairs. Capital Improvement Projects are then created, allocating the necessary funds for the
design and construction of those projects with the highest priority, accounting for both short-term
and long-term needs. Most of the funding for these projects is collected by the City through a
Sewer Facilities Replacement Fee.
Manholes. Manhole inspections were completed over a five-year period for about 95% of the
system using the standardized ranking system of Manhole Assessment and Certification Program
(MACP). The uninspected manholes are targeted for inspection over the next five years. Re-
inspection of the manholes is estimated at every 10-15-year intervals with as needed inspections
done annually. Manholes needing rehabilitations or replacements based on these assessments are
prioritized and budgeted over several years.
Pump Stations. Through regular preventative maintenance and inspections, the pump stations are
evaluated. As needed, these are rehabilitated through a CIP project.
Sewer Access Roads. The ability to access the sewer at all times is critical in terms of maintaining
response times and addressing any maintenance issues. There are five access roads currently being
evaluated to ensure accessibility of resources. As needed, these will be placed into a CIP project.
Funding. Programmed facility inspections funding and rehabilitations or replacements funding are
scheduled into the CIP as well as short-term (5-year) and long-term (10-year) financial plans where
are used to set the sewer rates in the Sewer Rate Study. The most recent rate study used to establish
the replacement fee assumed about $2,000,000 in rehabilitation or replacement projects each year.
An updated rate study is scheduled for approval in fiscal year 2022. These funds are allocated to
individual projects through the Capital Improvement Program on an annual or biennial basis. The
Sewer Rate Studies, Wastewater Master Plans, and approved Capital Improvement Programs are
posted to the City’s website (www.chulavistaca.gov.).
(d) Provide training on a regular basis for staff in sanitary sewer system
operations and maintenance, and require contractors to be appropriately
trained;
The SSMP which includes the OERP is reviewed
annually and during the onboarding process for a
new employee to Wastewater. The training
includes a classroom training and on the job field
training. The SSMP is kept on the City’s website at www.chulavistaca.gov and are also available
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Element IV: Operation and Maintenance Program
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hard copy at the Public Works Department Field Office (1800 Maxwell Rd, Chula Vista) and
City’s Engineering Offices (276 Fourth Ave, Building B, Chula Vista).
As previously mentioned, all members of the Public Works and Engineering Departments that are
involved in the video inspection and assessment process have received NASSCO PACP training
and certification. The training course is a two-day certification program that teaches the inspection
procedures and grading criteria associated with PACP methods. Having all City staff associated
with the video monitoring program trained in the PACP system helps ensure consistency among
the staff responsible for the grading and evaluation of pipes.
The City of Chula Vista maintains up-to-date training records for every employee to help
supervisors ensure that their staff is adequately and properly trained for their assigned duties, or in
making recommendations to staff on which training classes to take. In-house training is also
provided by supervisors or engineers with specific, specialized knowledge on topics such as the
latest technology and use of BMPs and NPDES compliance.
The following is a list of training classes for Wastewater Maintenance staff:
1. Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
2. Overflow Emergency Response Plan (OERP) – included in the SSMP training
3. Confined Space-Entrant & Attendant
4. Confined Space-Entry Supervisor
5. CPR & First Aid
6. Defensive Driving
7. DOT Drug & Alcohol Training for CDL Drivers
8. Trench and Shoring Competent Person
9. Fall Protection
10. Injury & Illness Protection Program (IIPP)
11. Lockout / Tagout
12. Respirator Training (Mostly for First Responders)
13. Traffic Control & Flagger Safety
14. Bloodborne Pathogens
The City of Chula Vista encourages each employee to continue with their own education and
professional training through a Professional Enrichment Fund from which employees are
reimbursed for their individual training.
(e) Provide equipment and replacement part inventories, including identification
of critical replacement parts.
Records of all City-owned heavy equipment and vehicles are kept utilizing serial numbers and/or
license plate numbers (Appendix N). The City maintains a complete inventory of several different
pipe sizes and associated fittings for sewer mains and laterals, heavy equipment such as backhoes,
dump trucks, and specialized sewer cleaners, and TV inspection equipment for sewer mains and
laterals. In addition, Public Works staff maintains an inventory of emergency response equipment
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Element IV: Operation and Maintenance Program
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including such items as pumps, heavy-duty hoses, connectors, and pumps for emergency bypass
connections.
The Pump Maintenance crew maintains a list of replacement parts and equipment on hand at each
pump station. Each list specifically details the inventory of such replacement parts as mechanical
seals, impellers, wear plates, o-rings, pump shafts, plug valves, air release valves, and entire
rotating assemblies. The City maintains complete pumps for an entire pump replacement for some
stations. In addition to replacement parts on hand, staff has access to many vendors that carry
pump replacement parts on weekends and off hours in case of emergency.
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Element V: Design and Performance Provisions
Page 24
Element V. Design and Performance Provisions
Understanding that good engineering designs can reduce the occurrence of SSOs in a wastewater
collection system, the SWRCB requires agencies to have design and construction standards in
place. The WDR guidelines for Design and Performance, along with an explanation of how Chula
Vista meets each requirement, are presented below:
(a) Design and construction standards and specifications for the installation of
new sanitary sewer systems, pump stations and other appurtenances; and for
the rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary sewer systems; and
The City of Chula Vista’s Municipal Code identifies four documents that provide guidelines for
the design of new sewer facilities within the City limits.
CVMC Section 13.08.030
Conformity of plans for wastewater facilities to City standards.
Construction plans, specifications and details as necessary to fully describe
a proposed wastewater facility or wastewater facility modification shall be
in full conformity with the following documents as adopted and amended
from time to time, by the Chula Vista city council:
A. "Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction," published by
BNI Books
B. "Design Standards - 1990 – Construction Standards," by Chula Vista
Department of Public Works;
C. "City of Chula Vista Subdivision Manual";
D. "San Diego Area Regional Standard Drawings," by San Diego County
Department of Public Works.
Copies of all such documents shall be available at the office of the Director.
The City of Chula Vista has worked closely with the City of San Diego and other municipalities
to create and document design standards to implement in the design and
construction of wastewater, and other municipal facilities. These
standards are documented in the City’s Subdivision Manual to provide
engineers and developers with general guidelines to land development
processing and design standards in the City of Chula Vista.
Divided into five chapters, the Manual not only covers design and
construction standards, but all land development processes beginning
with the filing of a tentative map, continuing through final map
recordation, and ultimately to grading and improvement plan
requirements and guidelines. All projects are required to comply with
the Subdivision Manual. Any deviations from the standards described in the manual must be
approved by the City Engineer.
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Element V: Design and Performance Provisions
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Chapter 3 of the Subdivision Manual addresses design criteria for lot design and layout (Section
3-100), storm drain design (Section 3-200), sewer system design (Section 3-300), and street and
road design and construction criteria (Section 3-400).
Section 3-300, Sewer Design, explains the criteria for the design and installation of sewer facilities
within the City of Chula Vista. This subsection is further divided into three parts. Sub-Section 3-
301 discusses design capacity requirements including sewer generation rates, Manning’s equation
factors, and acceptable flow velocities. Sub-Section 3-302 explains system design criteria such as
minimum pipe size requirements, constraints for sewer pipes within slopes, manhole design, and
alignment information including easement requirements for access purposes. Lastly, Sub-Section
3-303 discusses the design of force mains and pump stations including pump station alarm and wet
well facilities. A copy of the Subdivision Manual, Section 3-300 is included in Appendix G. In
addition, the complete Subdivision Manual is available to be viewed on-line
(www.chulavistaca.gov) or in person at the City of Chula Vista.
The 2019 California Plumbing Codes were adopted by reference per Chula Vista Municipal Code
15.28.010 (Appendix O).
Engineering plan detail drawings are included in the City’s Design and
Construction Standards. These details include design features specific
to the City of Chula Vista and include standards for wastewater
facilities such as sewer laterals and deep sewer connections, along with
other non-sewer related facilities such as pedestrian ramps and
streetlights. These design details, included in Appendix H, can also be
viewed on-line or in person at the City of Chula Vista. Additionally,
regionally accepted design details for features not included in Chula
Vista’s Design and Construction Standards may be found in the San
Diego Regional Standard Drawings (see Appendix K for the Sewerage
Systems Section).
(b) Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new
sewers, pumps, and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation and repair
projects.
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Element V: Design and Performance Provisions
Page 26
As previously mentioned, the Public Works and the Engineering & Capital Projects Departments
have worked to create the Department of Public Works Design
Standards and Construction Standards. This document has standard
drawings specific to Chula Vista and should be used with the San Diego
Area Regional Standard Drawings. A copy of the Chula Vista
Subdivision Manual is available in the City’s website.
The Standard Specifications for Public Works
Construction, more commonly known as “The
Greenbook,” is widely used by cities and counties
across California. This manual has been used as
the "standard" for almost 30 years for the public
works construction market. The fourteenth edition includes the most
recently tested and accepted construction, inspection, and testing methods,
and is intended to aid in furthering uniformity of plans, project
specifications, and competitive bidding practices used by those involved in
public works projects.
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Element VI: Overflow Emergency Response Plan
Page 27
Element VI. Overflow Emergency Response Plan (OERP)
The City of Chula Vista owns and operates a
diverse wastewater collection system that consists
of pump stations, gravity flow sewer mains, and
force mains. These facilities are well maintained
and normally should not result in any sewage
overflows or spills. However, the possibility exists
that unforeseen accidents, equipment failure, or
other events not controllable by the City could
result in sewer overflows or spills.
The WDR are fulfilled by the City of Chula Vista’s
Sanitary Sewer OERP included in Appendix E. The OERP addresses the specific requirements
under Element VI detailed below.
The Water Quality Monitoring Program required per SSS WDR Section D.7 is included in the
OERP.
(vi)Overflow Emergency Response Plan - Each Enrollee shall develop and
implement an overflow emergency response plan that identifies measures to
protect public health and the environment. At a minimum, this plan must include
the following:
(a) Proper notification procedures so that the primary responders and regulatory
agencies are informed of all SSOs in a timely manner;
(b) A program to ensure an appropriate response to all overflows;
(c) Procedures to ensure prompt notification to appropriate regulatory agencies
and other potentially affected entities (e.g. health agencies, Regional Water
Boards, water suppliers, etc.) of all SSOs that potentially affect public health
or reach the waters of the State in accordance with the MRP. All SSOs shall
be reported in accordance with this MRP, the California Water Code, other
State Law, and other applicable Regional Water Board WDRs or NPDES
permit requirements. The SSMP should identify the officials who will receive
immediate notification;
(d) Procedures to ensure that appropriate staff and contractor personnel are
aware of and follow the Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately
trained;
(e) Procedures to address emergency operations, such as traffic and crowd
control and other necessary response activities; and
(f) A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to contain and prevent the
discharge of untreated and partially treated wastewater to waters of the United States and
to minimize or correct any adverse impact on the environment resulting from the SSOs,
including such accelerated or additional monitoring as may be necessary to determine the
nature and impact of the discharge.
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Element VII: Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Monitoring Program
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Element VII. Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Control Program
The buildup of fats, oil, and grease (FOG) in a sanitary sewer
system can quickly reduce a system’s efficiency and result in
overflows. The City of Chula Vista’s Sewer Maintenance
Program aggressively fights the buildup of FOG in the system
by routinely monitoring and cleaning those areas where FOG
has been known to accumulate. As a result of these, and other
preventative maintenance efforts, the City of Chula Vista has
continued to routinely be below the regional average number
of SSOs (per 100 miles of sewer lines) according to data
provided by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
While the City of Chula Vista does not currently experience a significant FOG problem, the City
has enacted a FOG Control Program aimed at reducing the amount of FOG discharged into the
system. The WDR regarding FOG Control Programs required by the Regional Water Quality
Control Board details requirements to be included in an agency’s program. Each requirement, and
a description of how the requirement is satisfied in Chula Vista, is detailed within this chapter.
Several requirements are satisfied by various Chula Vista Municipal Code Sections that have been
included in the body of this report. In addition, Title 13 of the Municipal Code, which focuses on
the City’s sewer system, has been included in Appendix F. The Municipal Code in its entirety
may be viewed at www.chulavistaca.gov.
(vii) FOG Control Program: Each Enrollee shall evaluate its service area to
determine whether a FOG control program is needed. If an Enrollee determines that a
FOG program is not needed, the Enrollee must provide justification for why it is not
needed. If FOG is found to be a problem, the Enrollee must prepare and implement a
FOG source control program to reduce the amount of these substances discharged to the
sanitary sewer system.
According to statistics published by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, over the past five
fiscal years the City of Chula Vista has experienced an average number of SSOs (per 100mi) well
below the San Diego County Average as can be seen in the table below:
SSO Statistics Summary
Fiscal Year 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20
Ave. # of SSOs in San Diego
County (per 100mi) 1.09 1.13 1.12 1.03 1.04 1.29 1.40
Ave. # of SSOs in City of
Chula Vista (per 100mi) 0.7 0.2 0 0.2 0.2 1.98 0.2
Chula Vista staff believes the relatively low number of SSOs experienced within the City of Chula
Vista is a testament to the City’s diligent Preventative Maintenance Program for the wastewater
collection system. Although these statistics are something to be proud of, the City believes there
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Element VII: Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Monitoring Program
Page 29
is room for improvement. The statistics regarding SSOs within the city and the results from the
food service survey lead staff to believe that programs already in place adequately address FOG
related issues within the City. More can be done via public outreach and education to reduce the
amount of FOG being discharged into the sewer system, specifically regarding the maintenance of
pre-treatment devices. Understanding that FOG does not currently create significant issues in the
City of Chula Vista’s wastewater collection system, but that some improvements can be made, the
City plans to evaluate increasing public outreach especially on pre-treatment requirements.
According to SWRCB:
This plan shall include the following as appropriate:
(a) An implementation plan and schedule for a public education outreach
program that promotes proper disposal of FOG;
The City of Chula Vista is focusing on educating Food Service Establishments (FSEs) of current
Municipal Code Ordinances requiring the use of pre-treatment devices.
The City requires all new FSEs or FSEs undergoing remodels to complete a Food Establishment
Industrial Waste Discharge Permit specifically for FSEs (FEIWDP) prior to approval of their
improvement plans. This permit identifies the requirements specified in the Municipal Code.
Including the requirements of a grease control devise, and grease control plan. A copy of this
permit is found in Appendix P. In October 2020, no-fee permit applications were sent to all FSE
with business licenses in Chula Vista. Likely due to the challenges of operating an FSE during a
pandemic a small percentage of permits application were returned. To ensure FSE had available
information on FOG educational material was posted to the City’s website, including links to the
permit application (www.chulavistaca.gov). Outreach campaigns will continue, educating FSEs
on the latest FOG pre-treatment devices, maintenance standards, and FOG disposal locations.
In addition to regularly scheduled outreach campaigns, Public Works Department staff will
coordinate with the City’s Residential Recycling Division to implement seasonal campaigns
targeting residences, educating Chula Vista residents on the proper disposal of cooking oil and
grease, etc. These efforts, some of which are already in place, are the result of anecdotal evidence
of increased cooking oil use during holiday seasons such as the use of turkey fryers on, or around,
Thanksgiving. Current methods used to deliver the City’s FOG message to residents are limited
to City internet webpage announcements; however, staff is researching the posting of educational
posters at grocery stores, libraries, and other public venues, as well as point-of-purchase labels
indicating proper disposal of cooking oils and grease at deep fat fryer sales sites (particularly
turkey fryers).
(b) A plan and schedule for the disposal of FOG generated within the sanitary
sewer system service area. This may include a list of acceptable disposal
facilities and/or additional facilities needed to adequately dispose of FOG
generated within a sanitary sewer system service area;
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Element VII: Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Monitoring Program
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City of Chula Vista sewer maintenance crews dispose of FOG generated within the sanitary sewer
system, as well as any other solid debris collected during sewer maintenance operations, in
accordance with local landfill regulations.
The City of Chula Vista’s Hazardous Waste Facility located at 1800 Maxwell Road in the City of
Chula Vista will accept used cooking oil from residential households within the City of Chula
Vista. Information regarding this program can be found on the City’s website at
www.chulavistaca.gov. In addition, the website provides the phone number to call if residents are
interested in having their solid waste provider collect used cooking oil at their home. Businesses
are encouraged to contact their solid waste service provider to coordinate the disposal of FOG.
(c) The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures
to prevent SSOs and blockages caused by FOG;
The City of Chula Vista has included language within the City’s Municipal Code regarding
prohibited discharges to the sanitary sewer system under Section 13.12.010. While sub-Section
“A” states that the list of prohibited discharges described within the section applies to all users of
the wastewater system, and can be amended, sub-Section “B” lists the specific substances that are
prohibited from being discharged into the system. Excerpts from CVMC Section 13.12.010 are
included below. Additional Sections of the Municipal Code addressing the City’s legal authority
to regulate the use of the sewer system are further addressed in the Legal Authority Element of
this SSMP.
CVMC Section 13.12.010 Prohibited discharges
A. Prohibited discharges shall include, but not be limited to, those
containing constituents enumerated in this section. Such
prohibitions are applicable to all users of the wastewater
system. Any constituent not listed herein may be added by
regulation or other prohibition promulgated by the Director
based on results of technical determinations, the actions of
regulatory agencies, the projected impact of the constituent
upon the wastewater system, and the capacity of wastewater
treatment facilities to accommodate such constituent.
B. No person, whether a permittee, shall discharge or cause to be
discharged directly or indirectly into a sewer lateral, or into the
wastewater system or facilities, the following:
1. Any solids or viscous substances or other matter of such
quality, size or quantity that they may cause obstruction to
flow in the sewer or be detrimental to proper wastewater
treatment plant operations. These objectionable substances
include, but are not limited to, asphalt, dead animals, offal,
ashes, sand, mud, straw, industrial process shavings, metal,
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Element VII: Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Monitoring Program
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glass, rags, feathers, tar, wood, whole blood, paunch
manure, bones, hair and fleshings, entrails, fatty acids,
grease and oil, paper dishes, paper cups, and milk
containers or other similar paper products, either whole or
ground.
2. Any matter containing more than 500 mg/l of oil or grease.
(d) Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors),
design standards for the removal devices, maintenance requirements, BMP
requirements, record keeping and reporting requirements;
The City of Chula Vista’s Municipal Code Section 13.10.150 states that all FSEs are required to
install and maintain a grease pre-treatment device.
CVMC Section 13.10.150 Pre-treatment - Grease – Food establishments
A. All food establishments shall install a grease pre-treatment
device in the waste line leading from the food preparation area,
or from sinks, drains, appliances and other fixtures or
equipment used in food preparation or cleanup, to where grease
may be introduced into the sewerage system. Such grease pre-
treatment devices shall be installed to remove grease from
wastewater and shall be maintained in efficient operating
condition by periodic removal of the accumulated grease. No
such collected grease shall be introduced into any drainage
piping or public sewer.
In a coordinated effort between Public Works and Building Department staff, the City is utilizing
an FSE Industrial Discharge Permit which outlines more specific guidelines for the installation
and maintenance (including record keeping and reporting requirements) of pre-treatment devices.
Although specific design and maintenance standards are not yet included in our Municipal Code,
City staff requires any new construction or restaurant remodel project to comply with current
California Plumbing Code (CPC) standards. These standards include requirements for fully
functional, properly sized grease interceptors to be installed in accordance with manufacturer
specifications.
(e) Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and
whether the Enrollee has sufficient staff to inspect and enforce the FOG
ordinance;
As discussed in the Legal Authority chapter of this SSMP, City of Chula Vista Municipal Code
Section 13.06.030 (B) gives representatives of the City the right, if necessary, to access a facility
to inspect discharges to the City of Chula Vista’s sanitary sewer system.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VII: Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Monitoring Program
Page 32
The City maintains a list of FSE. Public Works maintains a list of FOG hotspots and through their
routine cleaning and inspection program will update this list. City crews proactively clean or treat
hotpots on a regular basis to minimize FOG build up and avoid SSOs. Prior to the COVID-19
pandemic and the shutdown of many facilities, City staff was developing a targeted educational
program for hotspot locations.
The City does not currently have the ability to inspect every FSE within the City on a regular basis
for grease pre-treatment devices. Currently, the City of Chula Vista Storm Water Program
Inspection Team conducts inspections of most high-volume restaurants for storm drain discharge
violations. As part of their inspection of FSEs in areas that discharge into sewer pipes known to
experience FOG buildup, staff will verify the existence of grease recycling barrels and/or
interceptors. The Wastewater Engineering section will continue working with the Storm Water
Inspection Team to ensure FSEs in these areas, along with FSEs that have experienced SSOs in
the past, are properly disposing of grease as well as implementing other Best Management
Practices.
(f) An identification of sanitary sewer system sections subject to FOG blockages
and establishment of a cleaning maintenance schedule for each section; and
As discussed in the Operations and Maintenance Chapter of this
SSMP, the City of Chula Vista utilizes a computer-based
Management System (Lucity Master Series) to organize and
schedule maintenance activities according to the nature of the
activity or severity of the problem. While City crews provide
routine maintenance on all sewer facilities about every 18 months,
portions of the system experiencing low flow volumes, or a high
concentration of grease/roots are scheduled for cleaning more
frequently.
City staff currently identifies FOG problem areas through two primary methods discussed in the
Section IV. Operations and Maintenance Program (1) tracking maintenance activity in the Lucity
on a manhole to manhole basis and (2) video inspections program. As City crews perform routine
maintenance of sewer lines, they note any debris or blockages encountered, entering this
information in Lucity. Lines experiencing regular blockages (which are usually only partial
blockages) are then inspected in more detail via video monitoring to better understand the nature
of the blockages or debris in the line. Areas requiring more routine maintenance are scheduled
accordingly.
Approximately 61,000 linear feet of sewer pipes (2.1% of the entire system) are currently identified
in the City’s Lucity and are scheduled for more routine, focused cleaning activities specifically for
FOG and root control. The frequency of cleaning of these specifically identified lines depends
upon the severity of the problem, the history of blockages or overflows, and the proximity to FSEs
that may discharge an above average amount of FOG into the system. Lines receiving this elevated
level of maintenance may be scheduled for cleaning using active enzymes to facilitate the
breakdown of grease depending upon the severity of the problem. These enzymes are periodically
deposited into certain lines to enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VII: Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Monitoring Program
Page 33
Length of Sewers in Focused Cleaning Program for FOG Control
Cleaning Frequency
(days)
Length
(feet)
30 58,926
60 2,086
Total (feet) 61,012
It should be noted the City’s Public Works Operations Division maintains records within their
Lucity software to monitor maintenance issues unrelated to FOG buildup. These records include
information such as the date and time of all cleaning activity, the type of cleaning completed, type
of debris encountered, and the severity of any maintenance issue. As a result, City staff is able to
utilize specific cleaning procedures and schedules tailored to address the needs of each pipe
segment.
When a grease related spill takes place (public or private). The Engineering Department identifies
the locations immediately upstream of the spill and flyers are sent to all residences and businesses
that are identified. A copy of this flyer is found in Appendix Q.
(g) Development and implementation of source control measures for all sources
of FOG discharged to the sanitary sewer system for each section identified in
(f) above.
As previously discussed, the amount of FOG discharged into the sewer system is currently at levels
that are manageable through routine maintenance activities. The City will monitor the number and
frequency of SSOs due to FOG within the city limits and re-evaluate our strategies for dealing
with FOG discharge if, for any reason, the frequency or severity of spills begins to rise. Should
the need arise, the City of Chula Vista may find it necessary to implement a more stringent
inspection program with frequent visits to FSEs verifying the existence of grease interceptors and
evaluating maintenance practices being utilized. Should it be necessary to expand the FOG
program to such a level, the City would already have a large database of FSEs, and their pre-
treatment devices based on efforts already completed. It is important to note that any expansion
of our inspection program would require allocating additional inspection staff and resources that
are currently unavailable.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VIII: System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
Page 34
Element VIII. System Evaluation & Capacity Assurance Plan
(SECAP)
In order to effectively manage a sanitary sewer collection system and reduce SSOs, it is important
for agencies to understand and evaluate potential capacity restrictions, and how they relate or
contribute to SSOs. In the City of Chula Vista, two types of capacity are typically being analyzed:
treatment capacity and flow capacity.
The City of Chula Vista does not currently operate a wastewater treatment plant. Instead, the
City’s wastewater flows are sent to a treatment facility in the City of San Diego via two large
transmission lines within the regional, “METRO” system. As such, the City has rights to a set
amount of treatment capacity at San Diego’s treatment plant. Therefore, it is important for Chula
Vista staff to have a complete understanding of how much sewage is transported to the City of San
Diego’s treatment facility on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. Assisting staff in this effort are
12 permanent flow meters located immediately upstream of connections from City of Chula Vista
wastewater lines to regional wastewater lines leading towards San Diego’s treatment facility.
These meters are reviewed regularly, and the data is frequently used for long-range planning to
verify the impacts resulting from proposed development.
Flow capacity within Chula Vista’s own wastewater collection system is monitored through the
City’s flow monitoring program. Equipped with several flow meters, City staff monitors numerous
locations across the City to ensure issues relating to flow capacity are identified before SSOs occur.
To set guidelines for all agencies to follow regarding capacity evaluations of a collection system,
the State WDR lists several topics that must be included in an agency’s SSMP under the chapter
heading System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan. These requirements, and how the City
of Chula Vista addresses each, are included below:
(viii) System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan: The Enrollee shall
prepare and implement a capital improvement plan (CIP) that will provide
hydraulic capacity of key sanitary sewer system elements for dry weather peak
flow conditions, as well as the appropriate design storm or wet weather event. At
a minimum, the plan must include:
(a) Evaluation: Actions needed to evaluate those portions of the sanitary sewer
system that are experiencing or contributing to an SSO discharge caused by
hydraulic deficiency. The evaluation must provide estimates of peak flows
(including flows from SSOs that escape from the system) associated with
conditions similar to those causing overflow events, estimates of the capacity
of key system components, hydraulic deficiencies (including components of
the system with limiting capacity) and the major sources that contribute to the
peak flows associated with overflow events;
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VIII: System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
Page 35
The City of Chula Vista does not currently experience regularly occurring SSOs resulting from
hydraulic deficiencies. However, the City has evaluated the capacity of key system components
and identified locations exceeding current flow capacity design standards. The most recent
evaluation of the entire collection system with respect to flow capacity was completed in 2014
with the adoption of a Wastewater Master Plan. Additional capacity studies have also been
completed for individual sewer basins as further discussed below.
During the City’s development boom beginning in the late 1990’s, the City completed sewer basin
studies of three major basins within the City: Telegraph Canyon (2002), Poggi Canyon (2003),
and Salt Creek (2003). As part of these studies, models of each basin and their respective sewer
lines were completed. Flow projections for each basin’s build-out scenario were completed with
lists of improvements required to accommodate anticipated growth generated for each basin. Poggi
Canyon and Salt Creek areas are in the process of being updated and are estimated to be completed
in 2021.
In 2014 the City of Chula Vista retained a consultant to update the City’s Wastewater Master Plan.
As part of this effort, the consultant was tasked with combining the three existing hydraulic models
previously mentioned with a fourth, existing model that covered the remaining, older sewer basins.
Once combined, the consultant was to calibrate the model and evaluate the system with the
following objectives:
1. Develop a complete hydraulic models of the City’s wastewater sewer collection system
2. Identify sewer reaches that may be over capacity under existing and projected future peak
wastewater loading conditions.
3. Based on the findings of the hydraulic analysis, recommend improvements to the existing
collection system to reduce the potential for sanitary sewer overflows and to allow for
planned growth within the City’s service area.
The City also uses the findings of the Master Plan’s hydraulic analysis to guide its Flow-
Monitoring Program. After the Master Plan was completed, City staff evaluated the hydraulic
analysis and determined which sewer lines were approaching capacity thresholds and scheduled
these locations to be periodically monitored under the City’s flow monitoring program. Should
any of the locations rise above the City’s capacity threshold standards, an appropriate solution
would be identified, and funds would be allocated for design and construction through the City’s
Capital Improvement Program. In 2021-2022 the City will be retaining a consultant to update the
Wastewater Master Plan, and flow model.
(b) Design Criteria: Where design criteria do not exist or are deficient, undertake
the evaluation identified in (a) above to establish appropriate design criteria;
The entire Chula Vista sanitary sewer collection system is subject to the design standards included
in the City’s Subdivision Manual (Section 3-300). These standards were therefore applied in the
analysis completed as part of the Wastewater Master Plan update of 2014. Note: The Master Plan
is scheduled to be updated in FY2021-2022. Examples of some of the design standards addressed
by the City’s Subdivision Manual are included below:
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VIII: System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
Page 36
Land Use Unit Generation Rate
Residential (R-1 & R-2) 230 gpd per dwelling unit
Residential (R-3 & MHP) 182 gpd per dwelling unit
Commercial 1,401 gpd per acre
Industrial 712 gpd per acre
Parks 410 gpd per acre
Elementary School 12 gpd per capita
Junior High and High School 13 gpd per capita
The 2014 Wastewater Master Plan identifies criteria for evaluating existing pipe and includes
design criteria for new pipelines, below is an excerpt from the document.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VIII: System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
Page 37
(c) Capacity Enhancement Measures: The steps needed to establish a short- and
long-term CIP to address identified hydraulic deficiencies, including
prioritization, alternatives analysis, and schedules. The CIP may include
increases in pipe size, I/I reduction programs, increases and redundancy in
pumping capacity, and storage facilities. The CIP shall include an
implementation schedule and shall identify sources of funding.
The Wastewater Engineering and Public Works Wastewater Sections coordinate to include sewer
related projects into the City’s CIP Program on an annual basis. The list of projects proposed
each year by the Wastewater Engineering section is generally based on 1) infrastructure
deficiency priority lists generated by staff, 2) capacity constraints and 3) available funding.
Infrastructure Deficiency Priority List. As discussed in Section IV.
Operations and Maintenance Program of this SSMP, the City of
Chula Vista monitors the sewer system for infrastructure
deficiencies and failures primarily through a video monitoring
program. As deficiencies and failures are identified, they are
assigned a deficiency score based on the nationally recognized
method developed by NASSCO: PACP for pipes and MACP for
manholes. This score along with other criteria are used to assess
the infrastructure’s probability and consequence of failure. Capital
improvement projects are then created and scheduled, allocating the necessary funds for the design
and construction of those projects with the highest priority, accounting for both short term and
long-term needs.
Capacity Constraints. Capacity constraints, such as those identified in the 2014 Wastewater
Master Plan, are addressed through the creation of capacity enhancing CIP projects. The City of
Chula Vista has created CIP projects addressing all known capacity constraints based on planning
data available at the time of the report. As development continues within the City of Chula Vista,
developers will continue to be required to study the City’s sewer system and mitigate any impacts
directly attributable to their respective projects. The Wastewater Master Plan regularly gets
updated to ensure long term sewer demands are properly accounted and planned for, with funding
sources appropriately identified. In addition, the City of Chula Vista will continue to monitor the
system for capacity related issues through the City’s flow monitoring program which is used to
calibrate the hydraulic modeling and identify infiltration and inflow issues, creating projects as
needed to address any identified issues.
Available Funding. The Wastewater Engineering Division regularly evaluates a Cost of Service
and Rate Study for Sewer Services using inputs such as deficient infrastructure and capacity
constraints and operations and maintenance costs to figure out the overall cost to provide the sewer
service. These factors are used to set the City’s sewer rates and ensure costs are recovered in order
to maintain financial stability while meeting the goals and level of service outlined in the SSMP.
The sewer rate charges are used in general for operations and maintenance and infrastructure needs
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element VIII: System Evaluation and Capacity Assurance Plan
Page 38
such as rehabilitation and replacement. As new customers connect into the system or as existing
customers increase their flow into the system, they are required to pay a capacity fee. This
represents the cost of connecting into the system and is detailed in the 2014 Wastewater Master
Plan. Another revenue source represents the costs to physically connect to the sewer system in
which Public Works crews ensure a quality connecting into our sewer mains. Finally, as
development increase appropriate revenue mechanisms are set up so that the users of the systems
pay for the system, such as development impact fees.
(d) Schedule: The Enrollee shall develop a schedule of completion dates for all
portions of the capital improvement program developed in (a)-(c) above. This
schedule shall be reviewed and updated consistent with the SSMP review and
update requirements as described in Section D. 14.
As flow capacity issues are identified, Chula Vista Engineering staff typically creates a CIP to be
completed the following Fiscal Year. Schedules are generally set through the CIP creation process
accounting for staff and funding availability. In addition, capacity constrained segments of the
sewer system are routinely monitored through the City’s flow monitoring program so that
adjustments can be made to construction schedules (either fast-tracking or delaying projects if flow
conditions change). The City’s CIP Program is updated on an annual basis, so project schedules
are reviewed and updated as needed on an annual basis. Please see Appendix R for the current list
of sewer related CIP projects and their anticipated construction schedules. The Wastewater Master
Plan 2014 (WWMP 2014) identified pipeline upsizing projects using projected growth and
translated flow rates. Thus, projects were identified based on a fiscal year which also corresponded
to a systemwide flow rate. As flow rates are increasing at a slower rate than the WWMP 2014
projected the triggered projects have been pushed out as well. Appendix S includes the WWMP
2014 Projects with associated years.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element IX: Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications
Page 39
Element IX. Monitoring, Measurement and Program
Modifications
To ensure an agency’s SSMP is continually updated and effective, the WDR states specific
requirements regarding performance measures. Each requirement, along with Chula Vista’s plan
to comply with each, is included in this chapter.
(ix) Monitoring Measurement, and Program Modifications: The Enrollee
shall:
(a) Maintain relevant information that can be used to establish and prioritize
appropriate SSMP activities;
(b) Monitor the implementation and, where appropriate, measure the effectiveness
of each element of the SSMP;
(c) Assess the success of the preventative maintenance program;
(d) Update program elements, as appropriate, based on monitoring or performance
evaluations; and
(e) Identify and illustrate SSO trends, including frequency, location, and volume.
Monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of a sewer system is largely dependent upon an
agency’s ability to collect and analyze data. All five of the requirements listed above can only be
met if Chula Vista accurately maintains and analyzes the data compiled through all the programs
and policies described in this document. Chula Vista staff has selected several specific
performance measures that can be compiled on an annual basis to serve as indicators of whether
the programs and policies described in this report are effective, and what areas should be our
highest priority. These performance measures are shown on the following page.
As data is collected, City staff will set specific thresholds for each performance measure that
should not be exceeded. If these thresholds are exceeded, staff will immediately implement an
action plan that will bring the applicable performance measure within threshold standards in the
next annual capital improvement program budget. Should multiple threshold standards be
exceeded at once, priority will be given to issues resulting in SSOs with the largest SSO receiving
the highest priority. Each performance measure will be re-examined, and updated as necessary,
with each SSMP update. Over time, trends for each performance measure will be included in the
City’s SSMP document.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element IX: Monitoring, Measurement and Program Modifications
Page 40
SSMP Element Performance Measures Goal* 2019/2020
Overflow
Emergency
Response
Average response time
30 minutes during
business hours; 60
minutes after hours
Percent of total overflow
volume contained 80% Containment 85% in 2019/ 100% in
2020
Fats, Oils, and
Grease Program
Number of SSO’s due to
FOG
Zero FOG related
SSO’s 5 in 2019, 0 in 2020
Length of pipe receiving
increased maintenance
activity specifically for
FOG related issues
28,400 linear feet
annually
28,365 LF
Capacity
Management
Number of SSO’s due to
capacity limitations or
wet weather
Zero capacity and
weather related
SSO’s
0 in 2019, 0 in 2020
Number of sewer
locations currently
exceeding capacity
thresholds
Zero locations over
capacity 0 in 2019, 0 in 2020
Operation and
Maintenance
Total number and
volume of SSO’s Zero SSOs 11 in 2019, 1 in 2020
Number of pump station
failures Zero pump failures 0 in 2019, 0 in 2020
Number of pipe failures Zero pipe failures 0 in 2019, 0 in 2020
Length of pipe CCTV’d 63 miles / year 110 miles in 2019/59
in 2020
Length of pipe that
received routine
maintenance
5 miles 5 miles
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element X: SSMP Program Audits
Page 41
Element X. SSMP Program Audits
The WDR requires agencies to audit their SSMP according to the following:
(x) SSMP Program Audits - As part of the SSMP, the Enrollee shall conduct periodic
internal audits, appropriate to the size of the system and the number of SSOs. At
a minimum, these audits must occur every two years and a report must be
prepared and kept on file. This audit shall focus on evaluating the effectiveness
of the SSMP and the Enrollee’s compliance with the SSMP requirements
identified in this subsection (D.13), including identification of any deficiencies
in the SSMP and steps to correct them.
The City of Chula Vista completes audits of the SSMP on a biennial basis and determines whether
the SSMP needs to be updated. The results of each audit, along with a summary of any updates to
the SSMP is published on an annual basis in a report that will be available to the general public.
For the last five years of the City’s audits, see Appendix T.
Each audit includes the following information:
Review of performance measures as discussed under Element IX titled “Monitoring,
Measurement, and Program Modifications”
Details of any action plan required to return any performance measures exceeding
threshold standards to an acceptable level
Description of system improvements during the past year
Description of system improvements planned for the upcoming year, with an estimated
schedule for implementation
Summary of any updates to the SSMP itself
Each audit report will be kept on file to fulfill the SWRCB audit requirement.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element XI Communication
Page 42
Element XI. Communication Program
Per the State Water Board, the eleventh element states:
(xi) Communication Program – The Enrollee shall communicate on a regular basis
with the public on the development, implementation, and performance of its
SSMP. The communication system shall provide the public the opportunity to
provide input to the Enrollee as the program is developed and implemented.
The City maintains a website (http://www.chulavistaca.gov) to inform the public about City
activities and provides an effective communication channel for providing alerts and news to the
public. The main page of the website includes important announcements, agendas and minutes for
City Council meetings, and other helpful information for City residents and businesses regarding
the services provided by the City of Chula Vista. Various Public Works and Engineering & Capital
Projects documents are published on the website, including the City’s most recent Wastewater
Master Plan.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element XI Communication
Page 43
City staff uses the website as the primary method of communication with the public. Therefore, a
copy of this SSMP is included on the City website once certified by the City Council during a
public City Council meeting, as audit reports and future amendments or changes to the SSMP.
The website will also contain information the public can use to contact the appropriate City staff
member regarding matters pertaining the wastewater collection system. Notifications for public
outreach campaigns will also be included in the website.
Residents can now use ACT Chula Vista to submit requests for non-emergency service via mobile
application and web tool. Submit your information below or download the free phone app to get
started (for iPhone and Android devices, search for ACT Chula Vista on Google Play Store or
iTunes). ACT Chula Vista also is available on a browser here or on the City Facebook page (Chula
Vista City).
Residents use ACT Chula Vista to report issues such as sewer spill, defective manhole cover, or
general sewer issues. Requests reported through ACT Chula Vista can provide location,
description and photographic information regarding the problem. The new service is available in
different languages and requests can be submitted anonymously. Note: ACT Chula Vista is
a public website so any information you include can be seen by anyone on the web
While the City website provides an excellent tool for providing information to the general public,
the City of Chula Vista has another method used on an annual basis to deliver important
information and statistics regarding the development and performance of the City’s sewer system.
The Growth Management Oversight Committee (GMOC) is a committee made up of Chula Vista
residents who monitor growth within the City on an annual basis and ensure that impacts related
to growth are appropriately mitigated. Each year, the Public Works Wastewater Engineering
section provides information to the GMOC regarding overall flow volumes, constraints in the
collection system, projects being implemented to mitigate impacts on the system, and any other
information related to growth and the City’s wastewater infrastructure deemed relevant. The
GMOC hearings are open to the public and all reports are public documents.
The City of Chula Vista maintains open lines of communication with other public agencies as well.
These agencies include the City of San Diego, to whom the City of Chula Vista discharges all
wastewater, and the “METRO Joint Powers Authority” (METRO JPA), a group of municipalities
and agencies that all discharge wastewater to the City of San Diego. City staff and elected officials
attend monthly meetings with the METRO JPA and associated sub-committees where issues
affecting the region’s wastewater systems are discussed. Representatives from the City of San
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Element XI Communication
Page 44
Diego also attend these meetings. The METRO JPA also has the authority and an operating budget
that allows the METRO JPA to hire auditors and consultants to provide independent, professional
opinions and advice to the group regarding issues affecting all the METRO agencies or the regional
system itself.
Sewer System Management Plan
April 2021
Change Log
Page 45
Change Log
SECTION UPDATE DATE
Cover Replaced cover with revised dates 2021
Title Page Updated author, reviewed by, and certified information 2021
Executive
Summary
Updated number of pump stations, added details on audit and
recertification and minor word changes 2021
I-Goals Minor word changes 2021
II-Organization
Staffing updates, added functional wastewater organizational chart,
reformatted description of positions within wastewater, moved
details about legally responsible officials (LROs) to OERP, added
table with positions responsible for the SSMP, and minor word
changes
2021
III- Legal
Authority Minor word changes 2021
IV-Operation
and
Maintenance
Updated number of pump stations, updated average flow, minor
word changes, clarified lateral policy and updated reference to the
policy, and minor word changes
2021
IV-Operation
and
Maintenance
Generalized the maintenance program (e.g. removed reference to
specific numbers of equipment, numbers of staff, frequency of
certain activity, etc.), added more information about how assets are
prioritized for rehabilitation or replacement (inspections, ranking,
etc.), clarified programed funding, included training on SSMP and
OERP in the training list (previously completed but now it is in the
document) and minor word changes
2021
V- Design Updated references to design standards 2021
VI-OERP
Referenced Appendix with OERP which is a stand-alone document
and includes the Water Quality Monitoring Program and removed
generalized information on OERP. The changes to the OERP are in
the OERP change log.
2021
VII-FOG
Updated SSO statistics and critical cleaning statistics, removed
description of work done in 2007, added information on FOG work
done in 2020, minor wording changes, minor word changes
2021
VIII-SECAP
Minor word changes and formatting, removed reference to work
done in 2007, added available funding information, minor word
changes
2021
IX- MMP Minor word changes, added column in table on goals status 2021
X-Audits Minor word changes 2021
XI-
Communication Minor word changes 2021
Appendices Updated OERP, 2021 CIP List, 2021 Vehicle Inventory,
Construction and Design Details 2021