Clinton Township Sewer Ordinance: Fees & Discharge
Clinton Township, Michigan requires property owners and contractors to comply with local sewer connection rules, state discharge limits and storm drain illicit discharge prohibitions. This guide explains common fees, permit pathways, monitoring expectations and how enforcement works so residents and businesses can plan connections, handle trade effluent and report illegal dumping to township officials.
Overview
This article covers: connection and tap fees, authorized discharge limits to sanitary sewers, storm drain illicit discharge prohibitions, enforcement procedures, and practical steps to apply, pay and report. Requirements can involve the township building or public works office and state environmental rules for water quality.
Sewer connection fees
Connection fees usually include a tap or impact charge plus plan review and inspection fees. Fees may vary by meter size, parcel type, and whether a property is in a municipal sanitary district or served by a county or regional system.
- Typical components: tap fee, capacity/impact fee, plan review fee, inspection fee.
- Who pays: property owner or builder at time of permit or connection.
- Timing: fees due at permit issuance or before physical connection.
Discharge limits to sanitary sewers
Properties discharging industrial or commercial wastewater to the sanitary sewer must meet concentration and flow limits set by the sewer authority. Limits commonly cover biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, fats/oils/grease, and specified toxicants.
- Who regulates: the sewer utility or township public works enforces local pretreatment or acceptance standards.
- Monitoring: some dischargers require sampling and reporting to the sewer authority.
- Variances or pretreatment: may be required for commercial/industrial dischargers.
Storm drain illicit discharge
Storm drains are designed for stormwater only; discharges such as sanitary sewage, industrial wastewater, washwater or unauthorized chemicals are typically prohibited as illicit discharges. Reporting and immediate containment are key to limit environmental harm and liability.
- Typical prohibitions: sanitary sewage, vehicle washwater, oil/chemical spills, non-stormwater process flows.
- How to report: contact the township public works or emergency number for spills during business hours or after-hours hotline if available.
- Prevention: use spill kits, secondary containment, and drain covers when working with liquids outdoors.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is usually carried out by the township public works or code enforcement office, sometimes in coordination with county or state environmental agencies. Penalties may include fines, abatement orders, connection disconnection, and referral to court.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first offence, repeat offences and continuing violations often carry increasing penalties; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: cease-and-desist or abatement orders, service disconnection, permit revocation, and civil or criminal prosecution may apply.
- Enforcer and complaints: typically the township Public Works or Building Department handles inspections and complaints.
- Appeals and review: appeal routes exist through township administrative review or local courts; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences and discretion: authorized permits, variances or force majeure may be considered if explicitly allowed by ordinance or regulation.
Applications & Forms
Permit names and forms vary by township. Typical forms include a sewer connection application, sewer service permit, and industrial wastewater discharge permit where applicable. If no specific form is available online, contact the township building or public works office for the required application packet.
- Common items required: site plan, plumbing/trade permit, wastewater characterization and payment of applicable fees.
- Fees: review and connection fees apply; obtain the current fee schedule from the township.
FAQ
- What are the typical steps to connect to the sanitary sewer?
- Apply for a sewer connection permit with the township building or public works office, pay required fees, schedule inspections, and arrange physical connection by a licensed contractor.
- How do I report an illicit discharge to a storm drain?
- Contact the township Public Works or emergency reporting number immediately and provide location, nature of discharge and any photos or witness details.
- Are there special rules for restaurants and food service grease?
- Yes, grease control devices and maintenance records are commonly required to prevent sewer blockages; consult the township plumbing code or public works for specifications.
How-To
- Confirm whether your property is served by Clinton Township sanitary sewers or a regional system by contacting the township public works.
- Request the current fee schedule and connection requirements from the township and obtain any required engineering or plumbing plans.
- Submit the sewer connection application, pay fees, and obtain required permits before starting work.
- Arrange inspections at the required stages and obtain final approval before placing the sewer into service.
- If you discover or see an illicit discharge, report it immediately to the township public works and follow any containment instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Obtain permits and confirm fees before any sewer connection work.
- Do not discharge non-stormwater to storm drains; report illicit discharges promptly.
- Keep sampling, maintenance and inspection records to support compliance and appeals.
Help and Support / Resources
- Clinton Township official website
- Macomb County Public Works
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)