I have been reading about the sewage treatment plant being overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms. I thought sewers were separate from storm drains. How can this happen and is there anything I can do?

There are two main reasons for this problem. One is the connection of storm drains to the sewer system, which is illegal. If you have a downspout or area drain connected to your sewer, this should be corrected so the stormwater is discharged in an appropriate manner. The other common cause of this problem is old sewer lines, both City mains and private laterals. Older sewers were made of clay pipe, which can break or separate over the years, allowing rainwater in the ground to get into the pipe that leads to the treatment plant. You are strongly urged to have your lateral inspected and replaced if it is clay pipe. This will help reduce potential overflows at the SASM treatment plant.

Show All Answers

1. Why don’t you schedule overnight work for construction at busy intersections?
2. Can we widen East Blithedale?
3. How do I find out when my street will be paved? How do I request that my street be paved?
4. Who keeps the trees trimmed?
5. When does an obstruction in the road become a road closure?
6. Am I allowed to close a road?
7. What does Public Works look for in fence design?
8. Is there a policy regarding block parties or special events?
9. I am having trouble finding space to keep the three garbage cans we are required to have. Can I keep them out near the road?
10. There is a parking space in front of my house that is off the paved roadway. Is this my private parking space or is it public?
11. Who keeps shrubbery off sidewalks?
12. I was told my house was on a B street. What does this mean?
13. What types of factors affect drainage at my property?
14. Do I need permits or other drainage approval to develop my property?
15. Do minor drainage modifications at my property require regulatory approvals?
16. Should I take steps to protect my property from surface flows and flooding?
17. Can I run drain lines from my property to a City street?
18. There is a sewer backup in my house. What should I do?
19. There is sewage bubbling out of the ground or street. What should I do?
20. How much of my sewer lateral am I responsible to maintain?
21. I am thinking of adding a second unit to my house and was told I need to obtain a Sewer Connection Permit. Since my house is already connected to the sewer, do I need to do this?
22. If I have a project to expand or remodel my house, will I need to replace the sewer line?
23. Can I tie into my neighbor’s sewer lateral, or do they have the right to be using mine?
24. I have been reading about the sewage treatment plant being overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms. I thought sewers were separate from storm drains. How can this happen and is there anything I can do?
25. Are there restrictions on when I may work on my property?
26. My house is being remodeled. Can I use the right-of-way for storing equipment and materials?
27. Can I reserve the parking spaces in front of my house for people working on my house?
28. Am I allowed build my new garage in the right-of-way?
29. Do you have typical development conditions?
30. My mailing address is in Mill Valley but I live in Strawberry/Homestead Valley, Muir Woods Park, Tam Valley etc. How do I know which agency provides services?
31. How do I find out when my street will be paved? How do I request that my street be paved?
32. How do I rent a debris box?
33. How can I report dumping of hazardous materials in creeks or in gutters?
34. How do I report a missing, damaged, or fallen stop sign?
35. How do I report a fallen tree?
36. My neighbor's construction project is making a lot of noise - what is allowed?
37. Am I allowed to build a fence in the right-of-way?
38. I have noticed a streetlight on my street is not working properly. How can I get it fixed?
39. Can I direct drainage away from my property and onto my neighbor’s property?
40. How do I request tree trimming, tree removal, or tree replacement?
41. How do I report a pot hole or damaged street?