The Mount Vernon Utilities Commission discussed proposed rules and regulations on backflow protection devices for the public water system during its March 5 meeting. The measures would require inspections and establish fines for failure to install.
“What I’d like to do, if there’s nothing substantive that we really need to change, is have this up for a vote for the Utilities Commission at the next meeting,” Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers said. “That way we can submit to council and move on.”
Under the proposal, consumers who install a backflow protection device must secure a permit from the city inspector that will ensure an approved device is used. The proposed regulations authorize the Utilities Commission to set the fines to be imposed for violating the provisions. Other provisions include restricting a person, firm, or corporation to maintain or allow a connection to a private auxiliary or emergency water supply other than the city's public water supply to enter the supply or distribution system of Mount Vernon. The exception is if it is approved by the Utilities Commission and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
The proposed regulations require the Utilities Commission to conduct or direct surveys and investigations of industrial and other properties served by the public water system where actual or potential hazards to the public water supply may exist. Those investigations will be a matter of public record and will be repeated as often as deemed necessary.
Additionally, the Utilities Commission, the city inspector and his designee, shall have the right to enter any property served by the public water distribution system of Mount Vernon at any reasonable time to inspect the piping system or systems of the owner, lessees, or occupants of any property. Refusing to allow the inspection may be deemed evidence of the presence of improper connections. Actions taken in that event may include shutting off water service to the property.
In other business, Law Director Rob Broeren suggested to the Utilities Commission that they ask City Council to adopt a requirement that specifies recycling will be picked up at the same frequency as trash.
