December 1998 Criteria for Sewage Works Design G1-2.6 Environmental Review(SEPA, NEPA, SERP The environmental review process is triggered when an action is proposed by an agency Actions can include adoption of plans, rules, or regulations, or approval of applications for specific projects. A local or state"lead" agency is designated for each action taken When a local public entity is initiating an action such as planning, design, and construction of wastewater facilities, the local public entity is considered the lead agency The State Environmental Policy Act(SEPA)was enacted in 1971, and is codified in Chapter 4321C RCW. Administrative rules for the implementation of SEPA are contained in Chapter 197-11 WAC. SEPa is intended to ensure that environmental values are considered (in addition to technical and economic considerations) by state and local government officials when making decisions. SEPA contains specific policies an goals that apply to actions at all levels of government within the state, including cities and local sewer districts SEPA was patterned after the National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA)which was enacted in 1969 and is codified in 40 CFR, Part 1500-1508. Federal agencies are required to comply with NEPA Compliance with NEPA is required for planning or construction of projects where federal licenses or permits are to be issued and where federal funds are included in the sources of fund Both sePa and nepa describe a tiered or phased approach to environmental review where the action having the broadest effect is addressed first, followed by more specific review on narrower phases as they proceed toward implementation Adoption or amendment of a general sewer plan and an engineering report/facility plan are both considered to be"actions, and require SEPa compliance by the local government, prior to approval actions by Ecology The State Environmental Review Process(SERP), developed by Ecology, is a process required if state and federal funds are used for the planning, design, or construction of wastewater collection and/or treatment facilities. WAC 173-98-100 provides the background for the SerP requirements. a detailed discussion of sERP is contained in the Water Quality Financial Assistance Programs Guidelines and Appendices. Both NEPA and SEpa are considered to be satisfied for SRF-funded projects if SERP is followed G1-2.7 Funding Eligibility Local entities considering requesting funding assistance from Ecology for the planning, design, and ultimately construction of domestic wastewater facilities are advised to contact Ecology for information on timing application submittals and current funding eligibility requirements. Guidelines for Water Quality Financial Assistance Programs are updated on an annual basis prior to the next funding cycle, which begins with the open period for submitting applications, usually beginning in January To be eligible for funding assistance from Ecology for planning, design, and construction of domestic wastewater facilities, applicants must proceed according to a systematic process known as the"Step Process"for planning, design, and construction. Before local government is eligible to apply for funds, program requirements for all previ steps must be satisfied. Information on water quality financial assistance programs additional information on the Step Process, and specific information on eligibility is in the current edition of the Water Quality Financial Assistance Program guidelines
G1-14 December 1998 Criteria for Sewage Works Design G1-2.6 Environmental Review (SEPA, NEPA, SERP) The environmental review process is triggered when an action is proposed by an agency. Actions can include adoption of plans, rules, or regulations, or approval of applications for specific projects. A local or state “lead” agency is designated for each action taken. When a local public entity is initiating an action such as planning, design, and construction of wastewater facilities, the local public entity is considered the lead agency. The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) was enacted in 1971, and is codified in Chapter 43.21C RCW. Administrative rules for the implementation of SEPA are contained in Chapter 197-11 WAC. SEPA is intended to ensure that environmental values are considered (in addition to technical and economic considerations) by state and local government officials when making decisions. SEPA contains specific policies and goals that apply to actions at all levels of government within the state, including cities and local sewer districts. SEPA was patterned after the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which was enacted in 1969 and is codified in 40 CFR, Part 1500-1508. Federal agencies are required to comply with NEPA. Compliance with NEPA is required for planning or construction of projects where federal licenses or permits are to be issued and where federal funds are included in the sources of funds. Both SEPA and NEPA describe a tiered or phased approach to environmental review, where the action having the broadest effect is addressed first, followed by more specific review on narrower phases as they proceed toward implementation. Adoption or amendment of a general sewer plan and an engineering report/facility plan are both considered to be “actions,” and require SEPA compliance by the local government, prior to approval actions by Ecology. The State Environmental Review Process (SERP), developed by Ecology, is a process required if state and federal funds are used for the planning, design, or construction of wastewater collection and/or treatment facilities. WAC 173-98-100 provides the background for the SERP requirements. A detailed discussion of SERP is contained in the Water Quality Financial Assistance Programs Guidelines and Appendices. Both NEPA and SEPA are considered to be satisfied for SRF-funded projects if SERP is followed. G1-2.7 Funding Eligibility Local entities considering requesting funding assistance from Ecology for the planning, design, and ultimately construction of domestic wastewater facilities are advised to contact Ecology for information on timing application submittals and current funding eligibility requirements. Guidelines for Water Quality Financial Assistance Programs are updated on an annual basis prior to the next funding cycle, which begins with the open period for submitting applications, usually beginning in January. To be eligible for funding assistance from Ecology for planning, design, and construction of domestic wastewater facilities, applicants must proceed according to a systematic process known as the “Step Process” for planning, design, and construction. Before a local government is eligible to apply for funds, program requirements for all previous steps must be satisfied. Information on water quality financial assistance programs, additional information on the Step Process, and specific information on eligibility is in the current edition of the Water Quality Financial Assistance Program guidelines
GeneralEngineering Requirements December 1998 G1-15 Ecology administers two primary programs for which funding for planning, design, and construction of domestic wastewater facilities is available the Centennial Clean Water Fund Program(Centennial)and the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Program(SRF) Programs, eligibility, and funding percentages are subject to change. Check with Ecology for current program guidelines G1-3 General Sewer Plan This section describes the content of and approval process for general sewer plans. General sewer plans are also commonly referred to as "comprehensive sewer plans" and are a comprehensive stem of sewers adopted by a local government entity. See WAC 173-240-020(7) Gl-3.1 Objective The objective of this section is to provide an explanation of the requirements for a general sewer plan and the procedures involved in the submittal of general sewer plans to Ecology for review and approval. General sewer plans should include a general description of the following The existing conditions of the sewer system, including the location and description of treatment and conveyance facilities, pumping stations, monitoring and control facilities, discharges, and overflow locations The capacity and compliance status of the facilities, any known problems with the facilities or potential future problems pertaining to adequate operation, and protection of human health and water quality status of these facilities Anticipated needs for future facilities and services, compliance with existing or new regulations, population growth, water quality problems, etc The descriptions of future facilities, timing, cost of construction, financing, and how the entity will adjust its plans based on uncertainties at the time of plan The general sewer plan should include preliminary engineering information in sufficient detail to ensure technical and financial feasibility for implementation, and to provide reviewers of subsequent engineering reports with enough information to assess whether or not these plans and projects fall within the scope of the general sewer plan General sewer plans are to be sufficiently complete so that engineering reports/facility plans can be developed from them without substantial alterations to the concept and basic considerations G1-32 Content of General Sewer Plan The minimum information to be included in a general sewer plan(described in more detail in WAC 173-240-050(3)) is as follows (1)The purpose and need for the proposed plan (2) Discussion of who will own, operate, and maintain the system () The existing and proposed service boundaries
General Engineering Requirements December 1998 G1-15 Ecology administers two primary programs for which funding for planning, design, and construction of domestic wastewater facilities is available: the Centennial Clean Water Fund Program (Centennial) and the Washington State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Program (SRF). Programs, eligibility, and funding percentages are subject to change. Check with Ecology for current program guidelines. G1-3 General Sewer Plan This section describes the content of and approval process for general sewer plans. General sewer plans are also commonly referred to as “comprehensive sewer plans” and are “a comprehensive system of sewers adopted by a local government entity.” See WAC 173-240-020(7). G1-3.1 Objective The objective of this section is to provide an explanation of the requirements for a general sewer plan and the procedures involved in the submittal of general sewer plans to Ecology for review and approval. General sewer plans should include a general description of the following: • The existing conditions of the sewer system, including the location and description of treatment and conveyance facilities, pumping stations, monitoring and control facilities, discharges, and overflow locations. • The capacity and compliance status of the facilities, any known problems with the facilities or potential future problems pertaining to adequate operation, and protection of human health and water quality status of these facilities. • Anticipated needs for future facilities and services, compliance with existing or new regulations, population growth, water quality problems, etc. • The descriptions of future facilities, timing, cost of construction, financing, and how the entity will adjust its plans based on uncertainties at the time of plan adoption. The general sewer plan should include preliminary engineering information in sufficient detail to ensure technical and financial feasibility for implementation, and to provide reviewers of subsequent engineering reports with enough information to assess whether or not these plans and projects fall within the scope of the general sewer plan. General sewer plans are to be sufficiently complete so that engineering reports/facility plans can be developed from them without substantial alterations to the concept and basic considerations. G1-3.2 Content of General Sewer Plan The minimum information to be included in a general sewer plan (described in more detail in WAC 173-240-050(3)) is as follows: (1) The purpose and need for the proposed plan. (2) Discussion of who will own, operate, and maintain the system. (3) The existing and proposed service boundaries
1-16 December 1998 Criteria for Sewage Works Design (4)A layout map, including the following Boundary lines of municipality or district, and vicinity Existing sewers and areas served by each Proposed sewers and areas proposed to be served by each Existing and proposed pump stations and fo Topography and elevations of existing and proposed ground Information on streams. lakes other bodies of water. and discharges Information on water systems (5) Population trends and methods used to determine those trends (6)Information on existing wastewater facilities in the area (7) Discussion of infiltration and inflow problems (8)Discussion on the provisions for treatment, discharge, and reuse (9)Information on facilities producing industrial wastewater (10) Information on existing wells or other water supply sources (11)Discussion of alternatives evaluated and alternative chosen (12)Information on existing and proposed cost (13) Statement regarding compliance with water quality management plans (14)Statement regarding compliance with SEPA and, if applicable, NEPA Gl-3.3 Review and Approval Review and approval of general sewer plans is performed at Ecology's regional offices One copy of a draft plan must be submitted to the appropriate regional office for preliminary review. Two copies of the final plan must be submitted for review and approval. One approved copy will be returned to the local jurisdiction developing the pl All general sewer plans must be prepared under the supervision of a professional engineer licensed in the state of washington and shall bear the engineer's seal and signature prescribed by the board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Review standards for general sewer plans, engineering reports, plans and specifications and operation and maintenance manuals are contained in WAC 173-240-040 In general the review is intended to ensure that the proposed facilities to be designed, constructed operated, and maintained will meet the applicable state requirements to prevent and/or control pollution of state waters Gl-4 Project Specific Planning, Design, and Construction This section addresses the process involved once a site-specific project is selected from the general sewer plan for planning, design, and construction
G1-16 December 1998 Criteria for Sewage Works Design (4) A layout map, including the following: • Boundary lines of municipality or district, and vicinity. • Existing sewers and areas served by each. • Proposed sewers and areas proposed to be served by each. • Existing and proposed pump stations and force mains. • Topography and elevations of existing and proposed ground. • Information on streams, lakes, other bodies of water, and discharges. • Information on water systems. (5) Population trends and methods used to determine those trends. (6) Information on existing wastewater facilities in the area. (7) Discussion of infiltration and inflow problems. (8) Discussion on the provisions for treatment, discharge, and reuse. (9) Information on facilities producing industrial wastewater. (10) Information on existing wells or other water supply sources. (11) Discussion of alternatives evaluated and alternative chosen. (12) Information on existing and proposed cost per service. (13) Statement regarding compliance with water quality management plans. (14) Statement regarding compliance with SEPA and, if applicable, NEPA. G1-3.3 Review and Approval Review and approval of general sewer plans is performed at Ecology’s regional offices. One copy of a draft plan must be submitted to the appropriate regional office for preliminary review. Two copies of the final plan must be submitted for review and approval. One approved copy will be returned to the local jurisdiction developing the plan. All general sewer plans must be prepared under the supervision of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington and shall bear the engineer’s seal and signature prescribed by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Review standards for general sewer plans, engineering reports, plans and specifications, and operation and maintenance manuals are contained in WAC 173-240-040. In general, the review is intended to ensure that the proposed facilities to be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained will meet the applicable state requirements to prevent and/or control pollution of state waters. G1-4 Project Specific Planning, Design, and Construction This section addresses the process involved once a site-specific project is selected from the general sewer plan for planning, design, and construction
GeneralEngineering Requirements december 1998 G1-17 G1-41 Engineering Report/Facility Plan This section describes engineering reports/facility plans, contents, and approval G1-4.1.1 Objective This section is designed to give a detailed explanation of what information is required for submittal of documents for Ecology's review and approval per WAC 173-240-060 The report will allow Ecology to determine whether the proposed project meets the applicable minimum guidelines and regulations For treatment plants, it will determine if a discharge permit can be issued. The report will also serve as a comprehensive guide to the project proposer in the decision to adopt the project G1-4.1.2 Projects Requiring Submittal Construction of all structures, equipment, or processes that collect, carry away, eat, reclaim, or dispose of domestic wastewater(WAC 173-240-020(5))are considered projects subject to Ecology's submittal regulations, including all projects involving discharges to "waters of the state. For projects involving ubsurface treatment and disposal systems, an engineering report will be required for the following A septic tank system with ultimate design capacity exceeding 14, 500 gpd at any common point. (Note: Systems designed with capacity from 3, 500 gpd to 14, 500 gpd require DOH approval Systems designed below 3, 500 gpd capacity require local county health department approval.) A mechanical treatment system or lagoon with an ultimate design capacity exceeding 3, 500 gpd at any common point Any system funded by federal or state programs, regardless of size An engineering report is not required for an extension of existing sewer systems within a service area identified in an approved general sewer plan, with approved sewer system design criteria [ WAC 173-240-030(5)]. However approval is necessary for proposed sewers or pump stations that include installation of overflows, bypasses, or discharges to an overloaded treatment plant or collection system G1-4.1.3 Content of Engineering Reports and Facility Plans Engineering reports prepared in anticipation of or with federal or state financial assistance funds must follow EPa facility plan guidelines Use EPAs publication, "Guidance for Preparing a Facility Plan"(MCD-46), and indicate how the special requirements contained in 40 CFR 35.719-I will be met Ecology encourages applicants to prepare facility plans because engineering reports do not satisfy all of the eligibility requirements for grant and loan programs administered by Ecology or other state and federal agencies See Table Gl-1, which displays additional requirements for a facility plan, and Table G1-2, which contains explanation of quoted portions of WAC 173-240- 060
General Engineering Requirements December 1998 G1-17 G1-4.1 Engineering Report/Facility Plan This section describes engineering reports/facility plans, contents, and approval requirements. G1-4.1.1 Objective This section is designed to give a detailed explanation of what information is required for submittal of documents for Ecology’s review and approval per WAC 173-240-060. The report will allow Ecology to determine whether the proposed project meets the applicable minimum guidelines and regulations. For treatment plants, it will determine if a discharge permit can be issued. The report will also serve as a comprehensive guide to the project proposer in the decision to adopt the project. G1-4.1.2 Projects Requiring Submittal Construction of all structures, equipment, or processes that collect, carry away, treat, reclaim, or dispose of domestic wastewater (WAC 173-240-020(5)) are considered projects subject to Ecology’s submittal regulations, including all projects involving discharges to “waters of the state.” For projects involving subsurface treatment and disposal systems, an engineering report will be required for the following: • A septic tank system with ultimate design capacity exceeding 14,500 gpd at any common point. (Note: Systems designed with capacity from 3,500 gpd to 14,500 gpd require DOH approval. Systems designed below 3,500 gpd capacity require local county health department approval.) • A mechanical treatment system or lagoon with an ultimate design capacity exceeding 3,500 gpd at any common point. • Any system funded by federal or state programs, regardless of size. An engineering report is not required for an extension of existing sewer systems within a service area identified in an approved general sewer plan, with approved sewer system design criteria [WAC 173-240-030(5)]. However, approval is necessary for proposed sewers or pump stations that include installation of overflows, bypasses, or discharges to an overloaded treatment plant or collection system. G1-4.1.3 Content of Engineering Reports and Facility Plans Engineering reports prepared in anticipation of or with federal or state financial assistance funds must follow EPA facility plan guidelines. Use EPA’s publication, “Guidance for Preparing a Facility Plan” (MCD-46), and indicate how the special requirements contained in 40 CFR 35.719-1 will be met. Ecology encourages applicants to prepare facility plans because engineering reports do not satisfy all of the eligibility requirements for grant and loan programs administered by Ecology or other state and federal agencies. See Table G1-1, which displays additional requirements for a facility plan, and Table G1-2, which contains explanation of quoted portions of WAC 173-240- 060
1-18 December 1998 Criteria for Sewage Works Design Gl-4.1.4 Review/Approval Procedure Review and approval of all reports, including those for financial assistance projects, is done at Ecology's regional offices. One copy of a draft report must be submitted to the appropriate regional office for preliminary review. Two copies of the final report must be submitted for review and approval; one approved copy will be returned to the project proposer All engineering reports shall be prepared under the supervision of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington and shall bear the engineers seal and signature prescribed by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Table G1-1. Requirements for Engineering Report and Facility Plan Requirements Element Engineering Report Facility Plan Site Description, Well documented Same as engineering report. Problem Identification and Map Well documented Same as engineering report. Background Information Existing E Same as engineering report, plus identification Flood plains Shorelands Prime or unique farmland Wetlands Archaeological and historical sites Endangered species/habitats Any federally recognized wild and scenic Threatened species Current population Same as engineering report, plus specific Present wastewater treatmen determinations that I/ is not excessive(that is, WT need evaluated not less expensive to remove it than treat it at plant) lI studie CSOs s for unsewered areas Demographics and Land use Same as engineering report, plus discussion Projected population levels of whether recreation and open space Appropriateness of population date source Future domestic and industrial flows and Future flows and coding Future environment without project
G1-18 December 1998 Criteria for Sewage Works Design G1-4.1.4 Review/Approval Procedure Review and approval of all reports, including those for financial assistance projects, is done at Ecology’s regional offices. One copy of a draft report must be submitted to the appropriate regional office for preliminary review. Two copies of the final report must be submitted for review and approval; one approved copy will be returned to the project proposer. All engineering reports shall be prepared under the supervision of a professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington and shall bear the engineer’s seal and signature prescribed by the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Table G1-1. Requirements for Engineering Report and Facility Plan Requirements Element Engineering Report Facility Plan Site Description, Problem Identification, and Map Well documented. Same as engineering report. Description of Discharge Standards Well documented. Same as engineering report. Background Information Existing Environment • Water, air, sensitive areas: • Flood plains • Shorelands • Wetlands • Endangered species/habitats • Public health Existing Environment Same as engineering report, plus identification of: • Prime or unique farmland • Archaeological and historical sites • Any federally recognized “wild and scenic rivers” • Threatened species Demographics and Land Use • Current population • Present wastewater treatment • AWT need evaluated • I/I studies • CSOs • Sanitary surveys for unsewered areas Demographics and Land Use Same as engineering report, plus specific determinations that I/I is not excessive (that is, not less expensive to remove it than treat it at plant). Future Conditions Demographics and Land Use Projected population levels • Appropriateness of population date source, zoning changes • Future domestic and industrial flows, and flow reduction options • Future flows and coding • Reserved capacity • Future environment without project Same as engineering report, plus discussion of whether recreation and open space alternatives could be incorporated