HomeMy WebLinkAboutLL #6 of 2007 Separate Storm Sewer System
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TOWN OF LANSING, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK
LOCAL LAW NUMBER 6 OF 2007
LOCAL LAW TO PROHIBIT AND REGULATE ILLICIT DISCHARGES, ACTIVITIES
AND CONNECTIONS TO THE SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SECTION 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………. 1
SECTION 2: TITLE & APPLICATION……………………………………………………… 1
SECTION 3: PURPOSE……………………………………………………………………….. 2
SECTION 4: DEFINITIONS………………………………………………………………….. 2
SECTION 5: APPLICABILITY……………………………………………………………….. 7
SECTION 6: RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION………………………………. 7
SECTION 7: SEVERABILITY………………………………………………………………… 7
SECTION 8: DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS……………………………………………….. 7
SECTION 9: PROBITION AGAINST ACTIVITIES
CONTAMINATING STORMWATERS……………………………………… 8
SECTION 10: REQUIREMENT(S) TO PREVENT, CONTROL
AND REDUCE STORMWATER POLLUTANTS
BY THE USE OF BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES…………………………………………………………………….. 9
SECTION 11: SUSPENSION OF ACCESS TO MS4………………………………………… 10
SECTION 12: INDUSTRIAL OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
DISCHARGES…………………………………………………………………. 10
SECTION 13: ACCESS AND MONITOING DISCHARGES……………………………… 10
SECTION 14: NOTIFICATION OF SPILLS………………………………………………… 12
SECTION 15: ENFORCEMENT……………………………………………………………… 12
SECTION 16: FEES……………………………………………………………………………. 14
SECTION 17: LIMITATION UPON MUNICIPAL LIABILITY…………………………… 14
SECTION 18: WAIVERS………………………………………………………………………. 15
SECTION 19: APPEAL OF SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION
NOTICE, NOTICE OF VIOLATION OR REPAIR,
OR REMEDIATION ORDER………………………………………………… 15
SECTION 20: ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES…………………………………………………. 15
SECTION 21: VIOLATIONS DEEMED A PUBLIC NUISANCE…………………………. 16
SECTION 22: REMEDIES NOT EXCLUSIVE……………………………………………….. 16
SECTION 23: EFFECTIVE DATE…………………………………………………………….. 16
SECTION 2: TITLE & APPLICATION - This Local Law shall be known as “Local
Law Number 6 of 2007”. Local Law Number 6 of 2007 applies only within those portions of
the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, New York, that are outside of the Village of
Lansing. This Local Law does not replace or supplant any requirements of Local Law local
Law Number 1 of 2005 (“Stormwater and Erosion Control”), but instead shall be read in
harmony therewith.
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SECTION 3: PURPOSE – The Town of Lansing believes that many Illicit
Connections, non-compliant discharges and Illicit Discharges of water and other substances
exist within the Town that cause and/or contribute to flooding, pollution, sedimentation,
soil loss, and the creation or augmentation of other deleterious conditions that affect the
health and welfare of the citizens of the Town of Lansing and those living around and using
Cayuga Lake and its tributaries and watersheds. The purpose of this Local Law is to
provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the Town of Lansing
through the regulation of Non-Stormwater Discharges to the municipal separate storm
sewer system (“MS4”, as defined further below) and to surface waters to the maximum
extent practicable as required by federal and state law. This Local Law establishes methods
for controlling the introduction of pollutants into the MS4 in order to comply with
requirements of the SPDES General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.
The objectives of this Local Law include:
3.1 To meet the requirements of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges
from MS4s, Permit no. GP-02-02 or as amended or revised;
3.2 To regulate the contribution of pollutants to the MS4 since such systems are not
designed to accept, process or discharge non-Stormwater wastes;
3.3 To prohibit Illicit Connections, illicit activities and Illicit Discharges to the MS4 and to
surface waters;
3.4 To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance and monitoring
procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this Local Law; and
3.5 To promote public awareness of the hazards involved in the improper discharge of
trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, grease, oil, petroleum
products, cleaning products, paint products, Hazardous Materials, hazardous waste,
sediment and other pollutants into the MS4 and into surface waters.
SECTION 4: DEFINITIONS - Whenever used in this Local Law, unless a different
meaning is stated in a definition applicable to only a portion of this Local Law, the
following terms will have meanings as set forth below:
4.1 Best Management Practices or BMPs: Schedules of activities, prohibitions of
practices, general good house keeping practices, pollution prevention and
educational practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to
prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly to Stormwater,
receiving waters, or Stormwater conveyance systems; and also including treatment
practices, operating procedures, and other practices to control site runoff, spillage or
leaks, sludge or water disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
4.2 Clean Water Act: The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.),
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and any subsequent amendments thereto.
4.3 Construction Activity: Activities requiring authorization under the SPDES Permit for
Stormwater discharges from Construction Activity, GP-02-01, as amended or revised.
These activities include construction projects resulting in land disturbance of one or
more acres. Such activities include, but are not limited to, clearing and grubbing,
grading, excavating, and demolition.
4.4 Department: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
4.5 Hazardous Materials: Means (i) any material, including any substance, waste, or
combination thereof, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical,
chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, a
substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property, or the
environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise
managed, and/or (ii) “Hazardous materials” as defined under or in relation to any
environmental law, rule, regulation or order, including, but not limited to, the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(42 U.S.C. §9601 et seq. and 40 CFR §302.1 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. §6901 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq. and 40 CFR § 116.1 et seq.), the Superfund Amendment and
Reauthorization Act (“SARA”), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49
U.S.C. § 1801 et seq.), the New York State Environmental Conservation Law, the New
York State Navigation Law, and those federal, state and local laws relating to lead
based paint, hydrocarbons, asbestos, flammable materials, explosives, radioactive or
nuclear substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, carcinogens, oil and other petroleum
products, radon gas, urea formaldehyde, chemicals, gases, solvents, and other
pollutants or contaminants that could be a detriment or pose a danger to the
environment or to the health or safety of any Person, each and all as now exist or as
hereafter amended or re-codified, together with and including any other hazardous
or toxic materials, wastes and substances which are defined, determined or identified
as such in any past, present or future federal, state or local laws, bylaws, rules,
regulations, codes, orders or ordinances, or any judicial or administrative
interpretation thereof.
4.6 Illicit Connections: Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface,
which allows an Illicit Discharge to enter the MS4 or surface waters, including but
not limited to:
1. Any conveyance(s) which allow any Non-Stormwater Discharge including treated
or untreated sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter the MS4 or a
surface water and any connections to the storm drain system or a surface water from
indoor drains and sinks, regardless of whether said drain or connection had been
previously allowed, permitted, or approved by an authorized enforcement agency; or
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2. Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to
the MS4 or any surface water which has not been documented in plans, maps, or
equivalent records and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
4.7 Illicit Discharge: Any direct or indirect Non-Stormwater Discharge to the MS4 or a
surface water, except as exempted by Section 8 of this Local Law.
4.8 Individual Sewage Treatment System: A facility serving one or more parcels of land
or residential households, or a private, commercial or institutional facility that treats
sewage or other liquid wastes for discharge into the groundwater of New York State,
except where a permit for such a facility is required under the applicable provisions
of Article 17 of the Environmental Conservation Law.
4.9 Industrial Activity: Activities requiring the SPDES permit for discharges from
industrial activities except construction, GP-98-03, as amended or revised.
4.10 MS4: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
4.11 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System: A conveyance or system of conveyances
intended to manage, divert, restrict, direct, hold or otherwise affect Stormwater, any
runoff, or any natural or artificial waterway, watercourse or flow including, but not
limited to, roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, culverts, catch basins,
curbs, gutters, ditches, drains, man-made channels, ponds, berms, swales, and/or
storm drains:
1. Owned or operated by the Town of Lansing;
2. Designed or used for collecting or conveying Stormwater;
3. Which is not a combined sewer; and
4. Which is not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as defined at 40
C.F.R. § 122.2.
4.12 Municipality: The Town of Lansing.
4.13 Non-Stormwater Discharge: Any discharge to the MS4 or any surface water that is
not composed entirely of Stormwater.
4.14 Person: Any individual, association, organization, partnership, firm, corporation or
other entity recognized by law and acting as either the owner or as the owner’s agent.
4.15 Pollutant: Any Hazardous Material or other material which may cause or might
reasonably be expected to cause pollution of the waters of the state in contravention
of legal or regulatory standards, including, but not limited to: dredged spoil, filter
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backwash, solid waste, incinerator residue, treated or untreated sewage, detergents,
automotive fluid or residue, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes,
biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment,
rock, sand and industrial waste, municipal waste, agricultural waste, Hazardous
Materials, or ballast discharged into water.
4.16 Premises: Any building, lot, parcel of land, or gore or portion of land, whether
improved or unimproved, including adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
4.17 Special Conditions:
1. Discharge Compliance with Water Quality Standards: The condition that applies
where a municipality has been notified that the discharge of Stormwater authorized
under their MS4 permit may have caused, or has the reasonable potential to cause or
contribute to, the violation of an applicable water quality standard. Under this
condition the municipality must take all necessary actions to ensure future discharges
do not cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards.
2. 303(d) Listed Water(s): The condition in the municipality’s MS4 permit that
applies where the MS4 discharges to a § 303(d) listed water. Under this condition the
Stormwater management program must ensure no increase of the listed pollutant of
concern to the 303(d) Listed Water(s).
3. Total Maximum Daily Load (“TMDL”) Strategy: The condition in the
municipality’s MS4 permit where a TMDL, including requirements for control of
Stormwater discharge, has been approved by EPA for a waterbody or watershed into
which the MS4 discharges. If the discharge from the MS4 did not meet the TMDL
Stormwater allocations prior to September 10, 2003, the municipality was required to
modify its Stormwater management program to ensure that reduction of the
pollutant of concern specified in the TMDL is achieved.
4. The condition in the municipality’s MS4 permit that applies if a TMDL is approved
in the future by EPA for any waterbody or watershed into which an MS4 discharges:
Under this condition the municipality must review the applicable TMDL to see if it
includes requirements for control of Stormwater discharges. If an MS4 is not meeting
the TMDL Stormwater allocations, the municipality must, within 6 months of the
TMDL’s approval, modify its Stormwater management program to ensure that
reduction of the pollutant of concern specified in the TMDL is achieved.
4.18 State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“SPDES”) Stormwater Discharge
Permit or SPDES Permit: A permit issued by the Department that authorizes the
discharge of pollutants to waters of the state.
4.19 Stormwater: Rainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt, drainage, and such other
occurring flows and runoff as is defined as Stormwater by the Department.
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4.20 Stormwater Management Officer or SMO: An employee, the municipal engineer or
other public official(s) designated by the Municipality to enforce this Local Law. The
SMO may also be designated by the Municipality to accept and review Stormwater
pollution prevention plans, forward the plans to the applicable municipal board, and
inspect Stormwater management practices.
4.21 Surface Water(s): Ponds, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams, creeks, intermittent
streams, and wetlands. This definition includes manmade bodies of water created
for the treatment of Stormwater, but does not include manmade bodies of water
specifically designed to treat Non-Stormwater Discharges, according to practices
approved by the relevant regulatory agencies. Wetlands are defined, in part, (by the
US Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers) as “areas that
are inundated to saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.” “Wetlands” also
include those areas defined by the Department.
4.22 303(d) List: A list of all surface waters in the state for which beneficial uses of the
water (drinking, recreation, aquatic habitat, and industrial use) are impaired by
pollutants, prepared periodically by the Department as required by § 303(d) of the
Clean Water Act. Section 303(d) listed waters are estuaries, lakes and streams that
fall short of state surface water quality standards and are not expected to improve
within the next two years.
4.23 TMDL: Total Maximum Daily Load.
4.24 Total Maximum Daily Load: The maximum amount of a pollutant to be allowed to
be released into a waterbody so as not to impair uses of the water, allocated among
the sources of that pollutant.
4.25 Wastewater: Water that is not Stormwater, is contaminated with pollutants, and is or
will be discarded.
SECTION 5: APPLICABILITY - This Local Law shall apply to all water or other
discharge(s) generated on any developed or undeveloped lands entering the MS4 or any
surface waters, unless explicitly exempted by an authorized enforcement agency.
SECTION 6: RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION - The SMO shall
administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this Local Law. Such powers granted
or duties imposed upon the SMO may be delegated in writing by the SMO as may be
authorized by the Municipality.
SECTION 7: SEVERABILITY - The provisions of this Local Law are hereby declared
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to be severable. If the provisions of any article, section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision
or clause of this Local Law shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or
other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect,
impair or invalidate the remainder of any article, section, subsection, paragraph,
subdivision or clause of this Local Law. Any such invalidity or unenforceability shall be
confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section or article thereof directly
involved in the controversy and circumstances in which such determination shall have been
rendered, and shall not apply to any other controversy or other circumstances.
SECTION 8: DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS -
8.1 Prohibition of Illicit Discharges: No Person shall discharge or cause to be discharged
into the MS4 or any surface water any materials, other than Stormwater, except as
provided in Section 8.1.1. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any Illicit
Discharge to the MS4 or any surface water is prohibited except as described as
follows:
8.1.1 The following discharges are exempt from discharge prohibitions established
by this Local Law, unless the Department or the Municipality has determined
them to be substantial contributors of pollutants: water line flushing or other
potable water sources, landscape irrigation or lawn watering, existing diverted
stream flows, rising ground water, uncontaminated ground water infiltration
to storm drains, uncontaminated pumped ground water, foundation or footing
drains, crawl space or basement sump pumps, air conditioning condensate,
irrigation water, springs, water from individual residential car washing,
natural riparian habitat or wetland flows, de-chlorinated swimming pool
discharges, residential street wash water, water from fire fighting activities,
and any other water source not containing pollutants or Hazardous Materials.
Such exempt discharges shall be made in accordance with an appropriate plan
for reducing pollutants.
8.1.2 Discharges approved in writing by the SMO to protect life or property from
imminent harm or damage, provided that such approval shall not be
construed to constitute compliance with other applicable laws and
requirements, and further provided that such discharges may be permitted for
a specified time period and under such conditions as the SMO may deem
appropriate to protect such life and property while reasonably maintaining the
purpose and intent of this Local Law.
8.1.3 Dye testing in compliance with applicable state and local laws is an allowable
discharge, but requires a verbal notification to the SMO prior to the time of the
test.
8.1.4 The prohibition shall not apply to any discharge permitted under a SPDES
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Permit, waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the discharger and
administered under the authority of the Department, provided that the
discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver,
order, and/or other applicable laws and regulations, and provided that
written approval has been granted for any discharge to the MS4.
8.2 Prohibition of Illicit Connections:
8.2.1 The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of Illicit
Connections to the MS4 or any surface water is prohibited.
8.2.2 This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, Illicit Connections
made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under
law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.
8.2.3 A Person is considered to be in violation of this Local Law if the Person
connects a line conveying sewage to the Municipality’s MS4 or to any surface
water, or allows such a connection to continue.
SECTION 9: PROHIBITION AGAINST ACTIVITIES CONTAMINATING
STORMWATER -
9.1 Activities that are subject to the requirements of this section are and include those
activities and types of activities that:
9.1.1 Cause or contribute to a violation of the Municipality’s MS4 SPDES Permit;
9.1.2 Cause or contribute to the municipality being subject to Special Conditions.
9.2 Such activities may include improper management of animal waste, excessive
application of fertilizer or pesticides not in accordance with label directions, storage
of such material(s) where they are exposed to Stormwater, or any other activity that
causes or contributes to violations of the municipality’s MS4 SPDES Permit
authorization.
9.3 Agricultural activities are exempt from consideration under this section if they: (a)
meet the requirements of any applicable agricultural regulations; and (b) are
participating in the Agricultural Environmental Management program or otherwise
applying current agricultural best management practices; or (c) are determined to be
sound agricultural practices, as described in Agricultural and Markets Law of New
York State.
9.4 Operation of a failing individual sewage treatment system may also be a source of
contamination to Stormwater. Individual sewage treatment systems must be
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properly operated and maintained. If a system shows signs of failure, the Tompkins
County Health Department should and/or shall be consulted for assistance.
9.5 Upon notification to any Person that they are engaged in activities that cause or
contribute to violations of the Municipality’s MS4 SPDES Permit authorization, that
Person shall take all reasonable actions to correct such activities such that they no
longer cause(s) or contribute(s) to violations of the Municipality’s MS4 SPDES Permit
authorization.
SECTION 10: REQUIREMENT(S) TO PREVENT, CONTROL, AND REDUCE
STORMWATER POLLUTANTS BY THE USE OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
10.1 Best Management Practices: Where the SMO has identified Illicit Discharges, Illicit
Connections, or any activities contaminating Stormwater, the Municipality may
require implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control those Illicit
Discharges, Illicit Connections, and activities.
10.1.1 The owner or operator of a commercial or industrial establishment shall
provide, at their own expense, reasonable protection from accidental discharge
of prohibited materials, Hazardous Materials, or other wastes into the MS4 or
into surface water through the use of structural and non-structural BMPs.
10.1.2 Any Person responsible for any Premises that are, or may be, the source of an
Illicit Discharge, and Illicit Connection, or any activity contaminating
Stormwater, may be required to implement, at said Person’s expense,
additional structural and non-structural BMPs to reduce or eliminate the
source of pollutant(s) to the MS4 or to surface water.
10.1.3 Compliance with all terms and conditions of a valid SPDES Permit authorizing
the discharge of Stormwater associated with Construction Activity or
Industrial Activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed compliance with
the provisions of this section.
SECTION 11: SUSPENSION OF ACCESS TO MS4 - Illicit Discharges in Emergency
Situations.
11.1 The SMO may, without prior notice, suspend MS4 discharge access to any Person
when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened discharge which
presents or may present imminent and substantial danger to the environment, to the
health or welfare of any Person, or to the MS4. The SMO shall notify the Person of
such suspension within a reasonable time thereafter, in writing (the “Suspension or
Termination Notice”), of the reasons for the suspension. If the Person thereafter fails
to comply with a suspension order issued in an emergency, the SMO may take such
steps as deemed necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the MS4 or to minimize
danger to any Persons.
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11.2 Suspension due to the detection of Illicit Discharge: Any Person discharging to the
Municipality’s MS4 in violation of this Local Law may have their MS4 access
terminated if such termination would abate or reduce an Illicit Discharge (a
“Suspension or Termination Notice”). The SMO will notify any Person believed to be
in violation of this Local Law, in writing, of the proposed termination of its MS4
access and the reasons therefor. Such Person may petition the SMO for a
reconsideration and hearing. Access may be granted by the SMO if the SMO finds
that the Illicit Discharge has ceased and the discharger has taken steps to prevent its
recurrence. Access may be denied if the SMO determines in writing that the Illicit
Discharge has not ceased or is likely to recur. A Person commits an offense if the
Person reinstates MS4 access to premises terminated pursuant to this section without
the prior written approval of the SMO.
SECTION 12: INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
DISCHARGES - Any Person subject to an industrial or construction activity SPDES
Stormwater Discharge Permit shall comply with all provisions of such permit. Proof of
compliance with said permit may be required in a form acceptable to the Municipality prior
to the allowance of discharge(s) to the MS4.
SECTION 13: ACCESS AND MONITORING OF DISCHARGES –
13.1 Applicability: This section applies: to all facilities that the SMO must inspect to
enforce any provision of this Local Law; or whenever the authorized enforcement agency
has cause to believe that there exists, or potentially exists, in or upon any Premises any
condition which constitutes a violation of this Local Law.
13.2 Access to Facilities:
13.2.1 The SMO shall be permitted to enter and inspect facilities subject to regulation
under this Local Law as often as may be necessary to determine compliance
with this Local Law. If a discharger has security measures in force which
require proper identification and/or clearance before entry into its Premises,
the discharger shall make the necessary arrangements to allow access to the
SMO.
13.2.2 Facility operators shall allow the SMO ready access to each and all parts of the
Premises for the purposes of inspection, sampling, examination and copying
of records as may be required to implement and/or enforce this Local Law.
13.2.3 The Municipality shall have the right, upon any Premises or facilities that are
subject to this Local Law, to set up, operate and monitor such devices as are
necessary in the opinion of the SMO to conduct monitoring and/or sampling
of the Premises’ or facility’s Stormwater discharge(s).
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13.2.4 The Municipality has the right to require the facilities subject to this Local Law
to install monitoring equipment as is reasonably necessary to determine
compliance with this Local Law. The facility’s sampling and monitoring
equipment shall be maintained at all times in a safe and proper operating
condition by the discharger at its own expense. All devices used to measure
Stormwater flow and quality shall be properly calibrated to ensure their
accuracy. Upon request of the SMO, any Person shall produce a certificate of
calibration, or its equivalent, from a qualified independent third Person.
13.2.5 Unreasonable delays in allowing the Municipality access to any Premises or
facility subject to this Local Law constitutes a violation of this Local Law. A
Person who is the operator of any Premises or facility subject to this Local Law
commits an offense if the Person denies the Municipality or the SMO
reasonable access to the Premises or facility for the purpose of conducting any
activities authorized, permitted or required by this Local Law.
13.2.6 If the SMO has been refused access to any part of the Premises from which
Stormwater is discharged, and the SMO is able to demonstrate probable cause
to believe that there may be a violation of this Local Law or that there is a need
to inspect and/or sample, as part of a routine inspection and sampling
program designed to verify compliance with this Local Law or any order
issued hereunder, then the SMO may seek issuance of a search warrant from
any court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 14: NOTIFICATION OF SPILLS - Notwithstanding other requirements of
law, as soon as any Person responsible for (i) any Premises or facility, (ii) the management
of operation thereof, or (iii) emergency response for any Premises or facility, or the
operation or management thereof, has information of any known or suspected release of
materials which are resulting, or may result, in an Illicit Discharge or the release of any
Hazardous Materials or pollutants into the MS4 or any surface water, said Person shall take
all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment, and cleanup of such release. In the
event of a release of Hazardous Materials said Person shall immediately notify emergency
response agencies of the occurrence, and then notify the SMO as soon as possible thereafter.
In the event of a release of non-hazardous materials, said Person shall notify the SMO in
person or by telephone or facsimile no later than the next business day. Notifications in
person or by telephone shall be confirmed by written notice addressed and mailed to the
Municipality within three business days of the telephone notice. If the discharge of
prohibited materials or Hazardous Materials emanates from a commercial or industrial
establishment, the owner or operator of such establishment shall also retain an on-site
written record of the discharge and the actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records
shall be retained for at least three years.
SECTION 15: ENFORCEMENT -
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15.1 Notice of Violation: When the SMO finds that any Person has violated a prohibition,
or failed to meet a requirement, of this Local Law, the SMO may order compliance by
written notice of violation to the responsible Person. Such notice may require,
without limitation:
15.1.1 The elimination of Illicit Discharges, and Illicit Connections;
15.1.2 That violating discharges, practices, or operations shall cease and desist;
15.1.3 The abatement or remediation of Stormwater pollution or contamination
hazards, and the restoration of any affected Premises;
15.1.4 The performance of monitoring, analyses, and reporting requirements;
15.1.5 The payment of a fine; and/or
15.1.6 The implementation of source control or treatment BMPs. If abatement of a
violation and/or restoration of affected Premises is required, the notice shall
set forth a deadline within which such remediation or restoration must be
completed. Said notice shall further advise that, should the violator fail to
remediate or restore within the established deadline, the work will be done by
a designated governmental agency or contractor with the expense thereof to
be charged to such Person and/or to become a lien against the Premises.
15.2 Stop Work Orders: The SMO may issue a stop work order for any violations of this
Local Law. Any Person receiving a stop work order shall be required to halt all
Construction Activities and Industrial Activities including, but not limited to,
clearing, grading, demolition, construction, and similar activities, except for those
activities that address the violations leading to the stop work order. The stop work
order shall be and remain in effect until the SMO confirms compliance with this
Local Law and that any violation has been satisfactorily addressed.
15.3 In addition to any other right or remedy allowed by law or in equity, the Municipality
may also maintain actions or proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel
compliance with or restrain by injunction the non-compliance with or the violation of
any provision or requirement of this Local Law.
15.4 Penalties and Fines: All provisions of New York law generally applicable to
misdemeanors shall apply to any criminal proceeding denominated as a misdemeanor
and brought under this Local Law, and each and any such misdemeanor shall be
deemed an unclassified misdemeanor. The following civil and criminal fines and
penalties shall apply to any violation of the requirements or terms of this Local Law:
15.4.1 First Violation: Any Person that violates any of the provisions of this Local Law
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shall be (1) guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of not less than $100.00 nor
more than $500.00, or (2) subject to a civil penalty of not less than $250.00 nor
more than $750.00 to be recovered by the Municipality in a civil action. Every
such Person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each week that such
violation, disobedience, omission, neglect or refusal shall continue. Similarly, a
separate civil penalty shall apply and/or be assessable for each week that such
violation, disobedience, omission, neglect or refusal shall continue.
15.4.2 Second Violation: Any violation that is found to have occurred within 2 years of
any prior civil or criminal determination of any other violation of this Local Law
shall be deemed a second violation. Any Person that commits or permits any
second violation upon the same or an adjacent Premises shall be (1) guilty of an
unclassified misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not less than $500.00 nor more
than $2,000.00, or (2) subject to a civil penalty of not less than $1,000.00 nor more
than $5,000.00 to be recovered by the Municipality in a civil action. Every such
Person shall be deemed guilty of a separate unclassified misdemeanor for each
week that such violation, disobedience, omission, neglect, or refusal shall
continue. Similarly, a separate civil penalty shall apply and/or be assessable for
each week that such violation, disobedience, omission, neglect, or refusal shall
continue.
15.4.3 Third and Subsequent Violations: Any violation that is found to have occurred
within 2 years of any prior civil or criminal determination of any second
violation of this Local Law shall be deemed a third or subsequent violation, as
applicable. Any Person who commits or permits a third or subsequent violation
upon the same or an adjacent Premises shall be (1) guilty of an unclassified
misdemeanor and subject to a fine not less than $1,500.00 nor more than
$7,500.00 and/or a period of incarceration not to exceed 120 days, or (2) subject
to a civil penalty of not less than $3,000.00 nor more than $15,000.00 to be
recovered by the Municipality in a civil action. Every such Person shall be
deemed guilty of a separate unclassified misdemeanor for each week that such
violation, disobedience, omission, neglect or refusal shall continue. Similarly, a
separate civil penalty shall apply and/or be assessable for each week that such
violation, disobedience, omission, neglect, or refusal shall continue.
15.5 Upon the occurrence of any non-compliance with, or violation of, this Local Law, the
SMO may (1) withhold any Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy,
and/or (2) prevent the occupancy of any Premises.
15.6 Any Person who is not in compliance with this Local Law, or who violates any
requirement hereof, may be required to restore or repair any Premises and/or
remediate any discharge or contamination in accord with the requirements of this
Local Law or any order of the Department or the SMO issued hereunder (a “Repair
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or Remediation Order”). In the event that any remediation, repair or restoration is
not undertaken and concluded within a reasonable time, the Municipality may take
necessary corrective action, the cost of which shall become a lien upon the property
until paid. In addition, the Town may commence any one or more civil proceedings
in the Town of Lansing Justice Court, or any other court of competent jurisdiction, to
recover the costs of such remediation, repair or restoration.
SECTION 16: FEES - The Municipality shall require any Person undertaking action
regulated by this Local Law, or failing to take action required under this Local Law, or any
Person in violation of this Local Law, to pay reasonable costs at prevailing rates for review
of plans, BMPs, inspections, or maintenance performed by or for the Municipality, including
but not limited to engineers’ or attorneys’ services and fees.
SECTION 17: LIMITATION UPON MUNICIPAL LIABILITY: The Municipality and
the SMO shall not be liable or responsible for any injury to any Person or damage to any
Premises or property due to the Municipality’s actions, or failures to act, under or pursuant to
this Local Law, unless it is proven to a reasonable degree of certainty that such injury or
damage was solely caused by a willful or intentional act of the Municipality or the SMO. All
Persons engaged in any activities (and including liabilities arising from or in connection
with any completed operations), including, but not limited to, Construction Activity,
Industrial Activity, clearing, grading, excavation, construction, cleanup, remediation, or
restoration work shall indemnify and keep and save harmless the Municipality and the
SMO from and against any and all losses, costs, damages, expenses, judgments, claims, or
liabilities of any kind whatsoever which may accrue against or be charged to or recovered
from the Municipality or the SMO from or by reason of or on account of accidents, injuries,
damages, and/or losses to Persons, Premises or property arising under or in connection
with this Local Law. This indemnity provision shall be construed and applied to the
maximum extent permitted by law.
SECTION 18: WAIVERS - Where the Municipality finds that, due to the special
circumstances of a particular case, a waiver of certain requirements is justified, a waiver may
be granted. In all cases, no waiver shall be granted unless the Municipality finds and records
in its minutes that: (1) granting the waiver would be keeping with the intent and spirit of this
Local Law, and is in the best interests of the community; (2) there is no adverse effect upon the
character, appearance, or welfare of any Person or Premises, including, but not limited to, any
watercourses, watersheds, or surface waters; (3) the waiver will not result in the discharge of
any Hazardous Materials; (4) there are special circumstances involved in the particular case; (5)
denying the waiver would result in undue hardship, provided that such hardship has not been
self-imposed; and (6) the waiver is the minimum necessary degree of variation from the
requirements of this Local Law and/or is of a short-term and temporary duration.
SECTION 19: APPEAL OF SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION NOTICE, NOTICE OF
VIOLATION OR REPAIR, OR REMEDIATION ORDER - Any Person receiving a
Suspension or Termination Notice, a Notice of Violation, or a Repair or Remediation Order
may appeal the determination of the SMO to the Municipality within 15 days of its issuance.
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Such appeal shall be heard within 30 days after the filing of the appeal. A determination
upon the appeal shall be rendered within 10 days, and such determination shall be filed
with the Municipal Clerk and mailed to the appealing party within 5 days of being made.
An appeal shall consist, at a minimum, of a written statement setting forth the reasons and
factual bases for such appeal. The actions and determinations of the Municipality upon and
after filing its determination on any appeal shall be deemed “final determinations” for
purposes of Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules. No appeal lies from the
denial of a waiver, except pursuant to said Article 78.
SECTION 20: ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES -
20.1 Where a Person has violated a provision of this Local Law, such Person may be
eligible for alternative remedies in lieu of a civil penalty upon recommendation of the
Municipal Attorney, with the concurrence of the SMO, where:
20.1.1 The violation was unintentional;
20.1.2 The violator has no history of previous violations of this Local Law;
20.1.3 Environmental damage was minimal;
20.1.4 The violator acted quickly to remedy violation; and
20.1.5 The violator cooperated in investigation and resolution of the violation.
20.2 Alternative remedies may consist of one or more of the following:
20.2.1 Attendance at compliance workshops;
20.2.2 Storm drain stenciling or storm drain marking; and/or
20.2.3 Lake, river, stream, creek, or wetland cleanup activities
SECTION 21: VIOLATIONS DEEMED A PUBLIC NUISANCE - In addition to the
enforcement processes and penalties provided for in, by, or under this Local Law, any
condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this Local Law
is hereby deemed and declared to be a threat to public health, safety, and welfare, and is
declared and deemed a nuisance, and may be summarily abated or restored at the violator’s
expense, and/or a civil action to abate, enjoin, or otherwise compel the cessation of such
nuisance may be undertaken by the Municipality in its sole discretion.
SECTION 22: REMEDIES NOT EXCLUSIVE - The remedies listed in this Local Law
are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local
law, and it is within the discretion of the Municipality, the Department, or any other
authorized enforcement agency, to seek cumulative or other remedies.
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SECTION 23: EFFECTIVE DATE - This Local Law shall be and become immediately
effective upon filing.