Scarsdale’s sewer line compliance program to start Oct. 1

Sewer line problems such as these will have to be remediated by Scarsdale property owners.

The last thing residents of Scarsdale think about is sewer discharge. But they should start paying attention. Starting Oct. 1, to sell a house or start a major renovation project in Scarsdale, homeowners must get a discharge certificate for their sewer system. The new requirements aim to keep waterways cleaner, protect the local sewer system from too much inflow during heavy rain, and curb flooding problems in the village.

In February, the village board of trustees adopted a law requiring homeowners to obtain a “Sewer Lateral Discharge Compliance Certificate” upon the sale, transfer or conveyance of any property within the village. A compliance certificate is also required for homeowners applying for a building permit for work that costs more than $100,000, such as a kitchen renovation.

Getting a certificate requires an inspection of how any sump pump is draining on the property, and making sure the line to the sewer is clear. Getting the system tested by a plumber and remediating any flaws might involve changes that could cost the homeowner anywhere from $500 to thousands of dollars.

“The purpose of this program is to reduce infiltration and inflow of clean waters into the public sanitary sewer system, and to reduce sewage exfiltration into the natural waterways of the Village while ensuring that proper plumbing integrity is maintained,” states a village press release issued Aug. 23 in advance of the law’s Oct. 1 start date.

Residents in the town of Mamaroneck face similar requirements, such as having a backflow device on lawn sprinklers and no sump pumps draining into sewer lines. But Scarsdale will require testing lines from houses all the way to the street.

Common sanitary sewer system defects and illegal connections found on private property will have to be remediated, as follows:

The village has posted information about the certificate program requirements and other information about sewer defects and how to address them. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/45pMmvM.

Residents with questions or concerns should contact David J. Turiano, P.E., who works for the village’s consultant, LaBella Associates, at 914-305-3761 or [email protected].

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Updated: August 28, 2023 @ 1:00 pm