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Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program
Introduction
Within the City of Petaluma, the building lateral is defined as the portion of the sewer system, beginning at the junction with the house plumbing system, usually located two (2) feet from the foundation wall of the building, and extending to and including the connection to the public sewer main (see figure, below). The building lateral is the private property of the building owner who is, therefore, responsible for all costs relating to the installation, connection, maintenance, repair, reconstruction, alteration, abandonment or removal of the building lateral.
These building laterals are often a significant source of infiltration and inflow, or "I/I." The Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Program, or "SLRGP," is designed to help defray a portion of the costs when the property owner or their agent is required to replace the entire lateral including the connection to the main.
IMPORTANT-Before beginning ANY construction work:
- A completed application must be submitted to the Department of Water Resources and Conservation (DWR&C), along with a minimum of two (2) bids obtained from properly licensed contractors for review and determination of eligible costs.
- Lateral testing must be performed (see below).
- Fund obligation letter must be issued by DWR&C.
Warning: If the above requirements are not met prior to commencement of construction work, no funds will be obligated to the property owner./p>
Amount of Grant
The maximum amount of assistance for any one building lateral replacement or repair is 50% of the approved cost up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per building lateral. Only complete replacement of the building lateral or repair in excess of $2,000, that completely eliminates infiltration and inflow is eligible for the program. The homeowner is responsible to notify their selected contractor that their entire building lateral must pass DWR&C testing requirements (even if only a partial replacement was performed) in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Payment shall be made to the owner or owners.
Lateral Testing and Inspection
Lateral inspection must be performed prior to repair or replacement of the building lateral in order for grant funding to be considered. A closed circuit TV (inspection (CCTV) must be carried out.
Air or Water Testing may be required if CCTV inspection does not show qualifying structural damage to building lateral.
CCTV inspection may reveal the condition of the lateral. If obvious damage or defects are noted, the air or water testing will not be required.
CCTV inspection shall be done by a qualified independent contractor and observed by DWR&C personnel who shall document the inspection and testing information.
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Application
The property owner shall submit a completed Sewer Lateral Replacement Grant Application (click to download in .pdf format), provided by the DWR&C, prior to commencement of work. The request will be reviewed by the DWR&C, and the determination of eligibility will be made by the department Director or designated representative whose decision shall be final.
Grant funds are available for fiscal year 2008/2009 starting July 1, 2008. Funds will be obligated on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds are allocated or the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2009). Funds will be obligated for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from approval. This shall include all work, inspection, and payment to Contractor by Applicant.
Work not completed by June 30, 2009, will not be eligible for payment.
For consideration of the FY 2008/2009 LRGP, applications must be submitted on or after July 1, 2008. Applicants must complete the current 2008/2009 application form.
FAQ-How to Apply for a Lateral Replacement Grant
Q. Who should I call if I have any questions?
A. Please call the Department of Water Resources and Conservation at 778-4546
Q. What do I do after I receive my application?
A. After you receive your application forms, you will need to fill out Sections I and II of the application. Provide a sketch of your property if possible.
Q. When will testing be required?
A. Testing will be required if CCTV inspection shows the overall pipe to be in satisfactory condition. Please note DWR&C does not perform testing.
Q. From whom can I get price quotations?
A. You can get price quotations from contractors licensed to perform underground sewer construction.
Q. How many quotes do I need to obtain?
A. You need to obtain two (2) quotes; however, DWR&C encourages you to obtain three (3) for better price comparison.
Q. How do I know if I have qualified for the LRGP?
A. When you receive an approval letter from DWR&C stating that you have qualified and funds have been obligated for your project.
Q. Do I need any permits for this work?
A. Yes, you will need an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works of the City of Petaluma if you are doing work in the right of way. Please call (707) 778-4474.
Q. After I have received my fund obligation letter, what happens next?
A. Once you have received your fund obligation letter, you will be able to commence work. However, prior to commencement of work you need to make sure your contractor has been issued any necessary permits needed for the job.
Q. When do I need an inspection?
A. A site inspection is required by DWR&C personnel after the new sewer line has been installed, but prior to any backfilling. DWR&C personnel will witness testing of the entire line from the building foundation to the connection to the main. Testing will be performed by your contractor.
Q. What happens after the site inspection?
A. Once inspection is complete, you need to submit your paid in full invoice to the Department of Water Resources and Conservation for the work performed. The City will then process your application for payment. Payment will be made within 4 to 6 weeks.
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Last updated July 2006
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