Definition
A major sanitary sewer overflow occurs when sewage overflows the
wastewater conveyance system (interceptor pipelines) in an amount
greater than 1,000 gallons and/or reaches creeks, rivers or other
surface waters.
Target
No more than 1 major sanitary sewer overflow per year.
Purpose
This service level reflects proper capacity, operation and
maintenance of major wastewater conveyance (interceptor pipeline)
facilities.
Critical Impacts
Critical work activities that influence sanitary sewer overflow
performance include planning for adequate system capacity;
designing reliable facilities; maintaining facilities to ensure
that they are in good operating condition; training staff to
assure appropriate operational practices are followed;
implementing methods to detect overflows quickly; and
implementing response procedures. Even if facilities are managed
properly, overflows can occur due to extreme or unusual operating
conditions.