Conveyance, treatment, and discharge of sanitary sewage, storm drainage, and reclaimed effluent within the City of Sparks is controlled by a myriad of permits as well as local, State, and Federal regulations.  Title 13 (City of Sparks Water and Sewage Code) provides guidance and requirements to citizens and businesses in meeting these regulations and permits.

Over time, regulations and permit requirements change.  To maintain compliance with United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, staff requested permission of City Council on March 24, 2014, to review and prepare amendments to Title 13; permission was granted and the proposed bill language was crafted.  These amendments were approved by City Council on September 8, 2014 and subsequently submitted to US EPA for final review.

In reviewing the approved amendments, US EPA required additional amendments to add further clarity within the Environmental Control and Pretreatment Standards sections of Title 13.  These amendments have been prepared and are presented with the proposed bill.

Adoption of the proposed bill will amend, by ordinance, Title 13 of the Sparks Municipal Code (SMC) modifying environmental control and pretreatment standards.

Collectively, nine sections of Title 13 are proposed to be amended.  The proposed amendments include additional language to clarify certain sections, updating reference to both appropriate sections and responsible parties, and clerical updates.  One new section was inserted to provide definition for Upset incidents and establishing requirements related thereto.  Environmental Control and Pretreatment Standards sections received the amendments and additions to ensure compliance.

1. The City Council may choose to approve the amendment to the ordinance as presented.
2. The City Council may choose to reject the amendment to the ordinance and provide direction to the City Manager.

First Reading