N.J. Admin. Code § 7:14A-22.15 - Requirements for flow equalization tanks

(a) The use of flow equalization tanks located at the head of treatment plants, regional pumping stations or pre-treatment facilities for the purpose of improving the treatment process is encouraged by the Department, and will be approved providing that all administrative and technical requirements of this subchapter and the technical requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 7:14A-23 are met.

(b) Flow equalization tanks proposed to serve areas with significant future growth potential will not be approved as permanent facilities. The problems associated with existing conveyance capacity in these areas should be addressed through appropriate corrective measures such as repairing, replacing, or upgrading the existing inadequate sewerage systems, controlling inflow and infiltration or other applicable remedies.

(c) In addition to the situation specified in (a) above, flow equalization tanks may be approved for permanent use when the following conditions are satisfied:

1. It is shown that a flow equalization tank is the most appropriate means of providing sewer service to the area under consideration, it is designed as an integral part of the sewage conveyance system and there are no other practical or feasible alternatives, and its use will be on a regional basis (not for individual developments); and

2. The use of the flow equalization tank is to serve areas with severely limited potential for growth and for which the applicant has demonstrated to the Department's satisfaction that the upgrading of the existing downstream conveyance system is not economically feasible due to the limited sources of contributory flow anticipated from future connections in the service area.

(d) To the maximum extent possible, the utilization of flow equalization tanks should be consolidated to accommodate multiple users. In general, the individual use of flow equalization tanks on a project specific basis is discouraged.

(e) As part of the submission of a treatment works application for a permanent flow equalization tank, the owner of the affected collection system shall submit an engineer's report meeting the requirements of 7:14A-23.5.

(f) If requested by the applicant, upon receipt of the information referenced in (e) above, the Department will conduct a Stage I review pursuant to 7:14A-22.7 and will render a finding as to the acceptability of the proposed permanent flow equalization tank.

(g) Flow equalization tanks may be approved on a temporary basis for the purpose of improving situations when inadequate conveyance capacity exists in a collection system. In such a situation, the eventual elimination of the equalization tank must be assured through either an administrative consent order that contains provisions for the corrective work to enable the elimination of the equalization tank, or through the issuance of a treatment works approval that provides a specific and mandatory schedule for the construction of downstream facilities necessary for the elimination of the equalization tank.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:14A-22.15