Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question:
In dealing with the SUSMP, we have a depressed loading dock catch basin. Most of the loading dock is under a roof, but approximately 1000 SF of the loading dock is not covered and stormwater drains into the loading dock catch basin. This catch basin drains through a 4" PVC pipe to an oil/water separator inside the building. From the oil/water separator, the storm water from the loading dock is connected to the sanitary sewer system and runs gravity sewer to a Culver City lift station which pumps sewerage to the City of Los Angeles NOS sewer.
Do we need a permit from the county to get permission to have the loading dock drain to the sanitary sewer?

Answer:
Rainwater falling over 400 sq. ft. is not allowed to enter into the sanitary sewer since it overtaxes the sanitary sewer line and can cause a sanitary sewer overflow further downstream. A properly designed depressed loading dock is to have the catch basin rainwater pumped back to the parking lot surface and sheet flow off the property to the storm drain. Should a spill occur, a manual shut off switch to turn off the pump will keep most of the spill within the loading dock in order to clean. So to answer your question, we would not approve the connection. If you cover the entire loading dock area and grade the surrounding area to prevent runoff from entering the loading dock, we can then place the oil/water separator under permit for the connection to the sewer line (as rainwater would not be discharged to the sewer).

If you have questions, please contact our Public Counter, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 626-458-3517.

rain water