2024 Sewer System Management Plan 

The 2024 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) has been prepared in accordance with a General Order from the State Water Resources Control Board and customized to the specific needs of the City of Monterey Park (City’s) sanitary sewer system.  The City hired consultant Carollo Engineers to update the SSMP, which was last prepared in 2014. 

The City’s sanitary sewer system is a wastewater collection system that consists entirely of gravity pipes and manholes. Management, operation and maintenance of the system focuses on these elements. Spill prevention consists of regular cleaning, attention to hot spots, source control of fat, oils and grease and replacement of aging infrastructure. Spill containment and mitigation consists of training, application of appropriate equipment and communication with appropriate stakeholders.

The goal of the SSMP is to provide a plan and schedule to: 

1. Properly manage, operate, and maintain all parts of the City’s sanitary sewer system;

2. Reduce and prevent spills; and

3. Contain and mitigate spills that do occur.

For a copy of the City’s 2024 Sewer System Management Plan please click here.

Sewer Maintenance - Frequently Asked Questions by City Residents 

Pubic Works is responsible for the public sewer main, which is located in the public street or easements.  Each home or commercial building has a separate connection to the public sewer main called a sewer lateral.  It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain and repair their sewer lateral up to the point of connection with the public sewer main, including the portion of the sewer lateral beneath the sidewalk and street.

The following are frequently asked questions by residents regarding sewer lateral maintenance: 

1. What is a sewer lateral? 

A sewer lateral is a private, underground pipe that connects a property's plumbing system to the mainline sewer, which is typically located under the street, alley, or easement on private property.  Sewer laterals consist of upper and lower laterals and carry wastewater from buildings on private property (for example from homes or businesses) to the city's sewer system for treatment. 

2. If there is a problem with my sewer lateral will the City fix it?  

Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the full length of the sewer lateral, including the lower lateral, which extends into the public right-of-way, such as under a sidewalk or street.  The sewer lateral serves one property and is not considered public.  

3. Can my plumber work on my sewer line? 

A plumber can work on your sewer line if the work is to be done entirely on your property. A plumber needs to have the proper contractor's license and a City of Monterey Park business license to perform the work. If the work is to be done in the public right-of-way, additional permits may be required.  Contact our Engineering Division at 626-307-1320 for additional information. 

4. What type of permit is required? 

Permits for work on your private property are issued by the City's Community Development Department, Building and Safety Division. Call 626-307-1300 for additional information. 

5. How do I find a reliable contractor? 

For helpful information on finding (and hiring) a reliable contractor, visit the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board.  For a link to their website, click here.
  

6. How can I protecting my sewer lateral from damage by tree roots? 

It is recommended property owners take preventative measures such as installing root barriers to block roots and using chemical root control products to stop root growth.  Tree selection is also important.  Choose trees with non-invasive root systems if planting near your property sewer line.  For existing roots, consider root cutting or hydro-jetting to clean out roots from sewer lines. 

7. If a City-owned tree causes root intrusion or damage to my sewer lateral located under a City street, who is responsible for cleaning or repairing the lateral? 

Property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing the full length of the sewer lateral, including the lower lateral, which extends into the public right-of-way, such as under a sidewalk or street.  This includes root intrusion or damage partly or entirely from trees planted on the public right-of-way. 

8. Does the City provide financial assistance to property owners for lateral repair or replacement? 

Unfortunately, the City does not offer financial assistance for the repair or replacement of private sewer laterals.  Property owners are responsible for all costs associated with sewer lateral maintenance and repair. 

Sewer Maintenance - How The City Maintains The Mainline Sewer

The sanitary sewer system carries wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants, helping protect public health and the environment. The City's sanitary sewer system is a gravity-flow system that connects to county trunk lines.  These lines collect more than two billion gallons of raw sewage per year and convey it out of the city.  The sewer system is comprised of 126 miles of main line sewers an approximately 2,498 manholes. Over time, sewer pipes age, crack, or become blocked.  The City of Monterey Park uses modern technologies and preventative programs to keep everything flowing safely and efficiently. See the commonly used methods listed below: 

Sewer Pipe Replacement 

To prepare for a sewer line replacement, the City digs a trench to remove the old pipe and installs a new one. This method is used when:

• The pipe has collapsed or is severely misaligned 
• The pipe must be upsized

Benefits of sewer pipe replacements include improved flow capacity, enhanced pipe durability, and protection for the environment by preventing raw sewage from leaking into the soil and contaminating water sources. 

Pipe Lining (CIPP-Cured-In-Place Pipe)

Preparation for pipe lining includes the cleaning of the existing pipe to remove roots and debris.  A flexible liner is then inserted inside the old pipe to cure it, forming a smooth, durable new pipe within the existing pipe.  This method is used when: 

• The pipe is intact but leaking or cracked
• Excavation would be disruptive 

With pipe lining, little to no excavation is required.  This method is versatile and allows for the repair of various issues, is cost-effective, and extends a pipe's lifespan by making it resistant to corrosion and future root intrusion. 

Pipe Bursting 

Pipe bursting is a pipe replacement method that pulls a bursting head through the old pipe to break the pipe apart while pulling in a new, often larger pipe in its place.  This method is used when: 

• The pipe is damaged or undersized
• Trenching is not feasible

Pipe bursting allows for minimal surface disruptions to traffic in urban areas, is a long-term solution for pipe repair due to increased durability, and is environmentally friendly. 

Routine Cleaning & CCTV Inspection 

The City doesn't just fix problems - we prevent them.  With the use of high-pressure cleaning trucks, the City is able to remove grease and debris from know "hotspots".  Robotic cameras (CCTV) are then deployed to inspect pipes and track pipe conditions. This preventive service helps us: 

• Prevent sewer spills
• Extend the life of pipes 
• Avoid costly emergencies 

FOG Program: Fat, Oil, and Grease Control

Grease from kitchens is one of the biggest causes of sewer blockages.  The City has a dedicated FOG Program that requires:  

• All food service facilities install and maintain grease interceptors
• Regular inspections by City personnel to ensure compliance 

The FOG Program helps the City regulate the amount of grease entering the sewer system, reduces sewer backup and spills, and protects the environment. For more detailed information on the City's FOG Program click here.

Comparison of Methods

By combining advanced repair technologies with proactive cleaning and inspection, the City ensures: 

• A more reliable and long-lasting sewer system
• Lower long-term costs
• Fewer service disruptions
• A safer and cleaner environment 
• Preservation of our infrastructure for future generations.