PDEQ is authorized to review and approve plans for sewage collection system extensions, modifications, or relocations, in order to ensure the work is constructed in accordance to State standards. Sewage collection system projects include the installation of extensions, modifications, or relocations of: gravity sewer main(s), manhole(s), force main(s), and lift station(s).
All public sewer projects that have a design flow greater than 3000 gallons per day (gpd), are required to obtain a Construction Authorization (CA) from PDEQ prior to beginning construction. All private sewer projects that meet the review criteria per Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 9, Section E.301.A, are required to obtain a CA from PDEQ prior to beginning construction. The CA is valid for two (2) years from the date issued. If the Department does not receive all verification documents within two years after the date the CA is issued, the CA will expire and the person shall not continue the construction of the project or discharge into it. The applicant shall submit a new Notice of Intent to Discharge (NOID) in order to continue construction of this project.
In order to apply for a CA for a public sewer project, please follow the Public Sewer Plan Review SUBMITTAL Checklist. If the work is for a private sewer project, that will be privately maintained, please review the Private Sewage Collection System WORKFLOW Sheet to determine if a CA is required. If a CA is required for the private sewer project, please follow the Private Sewer Plan Review SUBMITTAL Checklist and draft O&M Manual Checklist guidance documents. In either case, please use the NOID when submitting a public or private sewer project for review. If the sewer project will incorporate an alternative design, setback, installation, or operational feature, the applicant must submit a completed A312.G request with the NOID and include an additional $75.00 review fee.
Sewer project designers should consult the Pima County Wastewater Management's Standard Specifications and Standard Details to ensure compliance and review PDEQ’s plan review check lists (sewer check list and force main and lift station check list) before submitting the plans for review.
Once a design has been accepted for review, PDEQ will evaluate the submittals for conformance with Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, using the appropriate review checklist(s): Private Sewer Lift Station and Force Main Plan REVIEW Checklist, Public Sewer Collection System Plan REVIEW Checklist, and Private Sewer Collection System Plan REVIEW Checklist. It is suggested that designers consult these checklists before submitting projects for review to ensure completeness and eliminate as many factors requiring comment letters and resubmits as possible.
During the construction phase of either a public or private sewer project, any and all deviations from the final approved design shall be handled according to the PCWMD Procedure and Guidance for Approval of Field Changes for Public Sewer Projects.
Prior to placing the sewer project in service, the applicant shall obtain the Discharge Authorization (DA). If the project is for a public sewer, Pima County Wastewater Management will submit the necessary paperwork to receive the DA. If the project is for a private sewer, the applicant shall submit to PDEQ: two (2) copies of the "As-built" plans, one (1) copy of the Engineer's Certificate of Completion ("Certificate of Compliance") , an Operation and Maintenance Signed Certificate Form, and the results of all required testing (e.g. manhole testing, forcemain pressure, deflection, uniform slope, and leakage testing). Upon review, and if acceptable, PDEQ will issue the DA.
WHAT'S NEW?
The owner or operator of a private downstream sewage collection system must complete and submit this Downstream Capacity Assurance Form to comply with the Arizona Administrative Code (AAC) R18-9-E301(C)(2) when the proposed sewage collection system, or expansion design flow, is under different ownership or control.
*Note: If the final downstream destination of the proposed flow is a collection system controlled by the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation District or the Town of Sahuarita, an additional form supplied by that agency is also required.
