# CHAPTER 13 – SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL

- Summary: Chapter 13: Sewers & Sewage Disposal Summary This ordinance establishes regulations for the Borough of Ebensburg's wastewater system and holding tanks. It is divided into three main parts: Sewer…
- Source: Ebensburg Borough
- Published: 
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:42:10.366Z
- Source URL: http://ebensburgpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Code-Chapter-13-Sewers-Sewage-Disposal.pdf
- Content URL: https://ebensburg.site/document/chapter-13-sewers-and-sewage-disposal/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Chapter 13: Sewers & Sewage Disposal Summary This ordinance establishes regulations for the Borough of Ebensburg's wastewater system and holding tanks. It is divided into three main parts: Sewer Regulations and Charges, Sanitary Sewer Connections, and the Use and Maintenance of Holding Tanks. Part 1: Sewer Regulations and Charges This part outlines the rules for the public wastewater system. Management: The Borough Council has exclusive charge and management of the wastewater system (§13-102). Rules: The Ebensburg Municipal Authority adopts the rules and regulations, which are enforced by the Borough Council (§13-103). Fees: The Municipal Authority sets the schedules for wastewater rates, tapping fees, and fire service charges (§13-104). Public Use: All public corporations, charitable institutions, and school districts must pay for wastewater services according to the established schedule; there is no free service (§13-105). Penalties: Violating any provision of this part is punishable by a fine of up to $600, plus costs, and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days. Each day a violation continues is considered a separate offense (§13-106). Part 2: Sanitary Sewer Connections This section details the requirements for connecting to and maintaining sanitary sewer systems. Pre-Sale Compliance: Before selling or transferring real estate, the owner must obtain a Certificate of Sewage Compliance from the Borough Manager (§13-203). A qualified contractor must perform an air pressure test on the sewer lateral. The Borough must be notified at least 72 hours before the test. If illegal connections are found, they must be repaired or the entire lateral replaced before a certificate is issued. A Certificate of Sewage Compliance is valid for five (5) years. Temporary Certificates: A Temporary Certificate of Sewage Compliance may be issued at the Borough's discretion under specific conditions, such as: Weather preventing testing (§13-204. A). A practical hardship exists due to the time needed for remedial work (§13-204. B). The purchaser voluntarily undertakes the necessary repairs (§13-204. C). The Borough is planning future sewer main repairs (§13-204. D). Pre-connection Compliance: No one can connect or reconnect to the sanitary sewer system without first complying with all rules, regulations, and fees (§13-205). Inflow & Infiltration: Owners must take measures to eliminate inflow and infiltration into the sewer system upon notice from the Authority (§13-206). Right of Inspection: Authorized Borough and Authority employees have the right to enter premises for inspection, testing (including CCTV), and enforcement (§13-207). Failure to Eliminate Inflow: Owners found in violation must bring pipelines into compliance within six (6) months. Failure to do so can result in civil action, surcharges, water service discontinuation, or Borough-led corrections at the owner's expense (§13-208). Failure to Connect: Owners of buildings within 150 feet of a sewer main must connect their building to the system within six (6) months of receiving notice (§13-209). Failure to connect can result in a $50. 00 fine per day, water service discontinuation, or Borough-led installation at the owner's cost plus a 10% fee. Owners who fail to connect are still assessed ongoing service charges (§13-209. E). Corrective Action Plan: If an owner cannot comply within six months, they may submit a corrective action plan including a signed contract with a contractor and a specific repair date (§13-210). Stormwater Connections: Direct connection of storm or surface water to the sanitary sewer system is prohibited (§13-211). Penalties: Violating any term of this part (except failure to connect, which has its own penalties) is punishable by a fine of $600. 00, costs, and/or up to 30 days imprisonment (§13-213). Part 3: Use and Maintenance of Holding Tanks for Sewage This part regulates the use of holding tanks for sewage disposal. Purpose: To establish procedures for holding tanks that receive and retain sewage from commercial, institutional, and recreational uses with a flow of 800 gallons per day or less (§13-301). Definitions: Key terms are defined, including: Commercial: Use for business, office, manufactory, or public accommodation. Holding Tank: A watertight receptacle for sewage. Institutional: Facilities like churches or schools used for charitable/philanthropic purposes. Recreational: Facilities like campgrounds or swimming pools with a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. Conditions for Use: Holding tanks may be used when: Necessary to abate a nuisance or public health hazard. An alternate public sewage service will be available within two (2) years. For a commercial, institutional, or recreational establishment with a sewage flow of 800 gallons per day or less. They may not be used for residential properties unless permitted under the first two conditions (§13-307). Permit Application: Owners must obtain a permit from the municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer. The application requires: A completed application form. A written contract with a licensed holding tank cleaner. A certified copy of the contract between the cleaner and the disposal site. Payment of fees established by the Borough Council. An agreement to indemnify the Municipality. A bond or security in the amount of $5,000. 00 (§13-308). Removal of Holding Tank: The Municipality has the right to remove any holding tank left in place in violation of the ordinance, with all costs borne by the owner (§13-309). Requirements for Holding Tank: Tanks must comply with state regulations (25 Pa. Code, Chapter 73) and be: Maintained in a watertight condition. Installed on firm, stable soil. Cleaned frequently to keep contents below 75% capacity. Installed at least 50 feet from any water supply and 50 feet from the flood maximum stage (§13-310). Inspections & Certification: Owners must grant access for inspections and provide pumping receipts to the Municipality within 10 days of pumping. Failure to comply can lead to immediate permit revocation (§13-311). Exclusiveness of Rights: The Borough Council has sole control over the collection and transportation of sewage from holding tanks (§13-312). Abatement of Nuisances: Violations constitute a nuisance and can be abated by the Municipality through legal or equitable relief (§13-313). Penalties: Violating any term of this part is punishable by a fine of $600. 00, costs, and/or up to 30 days imprisonment (§13-314).