Sewer Overflow Response Plan (SORP)
DEC encourages municipalities to have a Sewer Overflow Response Plan (SORP) prepared as part of a Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance (CMOM) Program, to make notification easier in case there is a sewage overflow or release from the collection system. Part 2.7 of the SPDES 750 Regulations has specific requirements of who must be contacted and when. This SORP was written by following a template provided in the American Public Works Association, "Preparing Sewer Overflow Response Plans - A Guidebook for Local Governments" with the notification requirements consistent with the 750 Regulations. The names have been changed, but the formatting has been retained.
When you download this template, tailor it to fit the needs of your municipality, as some of your procedures or policies may be different. Particularly, some municipalities allow staff to access private property in response to overflows, others do not - for liability reasons. Also, if your municipality is near the ocean, and it is possible for a sewage release to impact a shellfishing bed, be sure to add "impacts shellfishing beds" to all the areas referencing 2 hour notifications to both NYSDEC Regional Water Managers and NYSDOH local health units.
Please click the following to contact Regional Water Managers
