HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-2006 Sign Up Now for Downspout Disconnect Program nUTU
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Office of the Mayor
News Release
Monday,April 3, 2006
Contact: Carl Littrell, RE, City Engineer, 235-5937
Sign Up Now for Downspout Disconnect Program
Mayor Stephen J. Luecke announced that the City will be offering a Free
Downspout Disconnect Program this summer for the third consecutive year. In the past
two years,the program has been successful in disconnecting the downspouts of 320
homes in South Bend! The Department of Public Works, Division of Engineering is
again providing this "environmentally friendly" service for the residents of South Bend.
A downspout disconnection can cost as much as $200, but it is being offered at
no charge to residents who live in homes with downspouts that go directly into the
ground and connect to the sewer system. "I encourage residents to take advantage of this
program which helps reduce sewer overflow into our river," stated Mayor Luecke.
The City of South Bend utilizes a"combined sewer system" in many areas of the
City. When older homes were built, downspouts emptied rainwater directly into the
sewer system and as a result, sewers received both wastewater and rainwater. A single
home can deposit as much as 27,000 gallons of rainwater per year into the combined
sewer system. Consequently,heavy rainfalls and melting snow can cause flooding, sewer
backup into basements, and sewer odors that escape into the air through downspouts
rather than remaining underground.
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To alleviate this nuisance in homes and in city streets,residents are encouraged to
call and schedule an appointment for a downspout disconnection. After a resident makes
an appointment, the City will send a two-person crew to disconnect the downspouts, cap
the entry pipe to the sewer, and redirect the downspout to release water into the yard.
This water is then naturally absorbed into the ground.
The Downspout Disconnection Program is a partnership between the City and the
community and is part of the City's Clean River Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative.
Working together, we can eliminate backups and overflows. By taking action today,
residents can avoid sewer sanitation problems. Residents are encouraged to call the
Division of Engineering at (574) 235-9251 to schedule a free disconnection, or you may
complete an application online by going to the City's Engineering page at
www.SouthBendIN.gov.
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INSTRUCTIONS
DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION
1. The Downspout Disconnect Agreement must be filled out completely
2. Please choose the downspout color and indicate how many downspouts need
disconnecting
3. Signature and contact information is required
4. Return Agreement to:
Department of Engineering
227 West Jefferson
1316 County-City Building
South Bend,Indiana 46601
(574)235-9251
Fax: (574)235-9171
E-mail: ajacob @ci.south-bend.in.us
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND
DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECT PROGRAM =` _ T ?`
HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT es6s
A note to the resident:
We must ask that you sign this waiver as a formality required by the City of South
Bend's Legal Department. Please be assured, however, that you can expect high quality
materials and workmanship. The intention of the Downspout Disconnection Program is to
provide a free community service to homeowners.
I, , hereby indemnify and hold harmless the City of
South Bend for any and all damages resulting from the City's disconnection of downspouts. I
understand that my home is in violation of the Municipal Code of the City of South Bend,
Ordinance No. 5253-70, Chapter 17, Article 1, Section 17-4. I, the undersigned, am owner of the
property in violation of the aforementioned ordinance. By signing this waiver, I authorize the
disconnection of my downspout(s) by City of South Bend employees. I understand that City of
South Bend employees cannot be held liable for any and all damages resulting from the
disconnection of downspouts. Once a downspout is disconnected, it will be my responsibility to
ensure that the replacement facility, which will be my personal property, is not removed and
remains properly maintained and operated.
Date:
Homeowner Signature:
Printed
Name: Telephone:
Address: City: State: Zip:
RETURN FORM TO: Quantity Size Color
Department of Engineering
1316 County-City Building 2x3 White
227 West Jefferson Boulevard
South Bend,IN 46601
Phone: (574)235-9251
Fax: (574)235-9171 4x6 Brown
E-Mail: ajacob@ci.south-bend.in.us