• What is a Sewer Lateral?
• Amount of Grant
• Lateral Testing and Inspection
• Application
• LRGP Checklist
• Frequently Asked Questions

Forms for download (clicking on the link will open up an Adobe Acrobat PDF):

08-09 LRGP Brochure (466 Kb)

08-09 LRGP Application (84 Kb)

CVSD List of Qualified Contractors (17k)

$50,000 AUTHORIZED for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

The District has allocated funds to renew the Lateral Replacement Grant Program for this fiscal year, commencing July 7, 2008. Please contact CVSD at (510) 537-0757 for additional information.

What is a Sewer Lateral?
Within the Castro Valley Sanitary District, the building lateral is defined as the portion of the sewer system, beginning at the junction with the building plumbing system, usually located within two (2) feet of the foundation of the building, and extending to and including the connection to the public sewer main (see Figure #1, above). The building lateral is the private property of the property owner who is, therefore, responsible for all costs relating to the installation, connection, maintenance, repair, construction, alteration, abandonment or removal of the building lateral.

These building laterals are often a significant source of infiltration and inflow, or “I/I”. The Lateral Replacement Grant Program, or “LRGP”, is designed to help defray a portion of the costs when the property owner or their agent is required to replace the entire lateral including the connection to the main.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS - Before beginning ANY construction work:

A. A video inspection must be performed by a CVSD Qualified Contractor, and witnessed by CVSD personnel.

B. Property owner must submit a completed application, including price quotes from at least three (3) CVSD Qualified Contractors.

C. A Letter of Approval must be issued by CVSD to property owner.

Warning: If the above requirements are not met prior to commencement of construction work, no funds will be obligated to the property owner.

Amount of Grant
The maximum amount of assistance for any one residential building lateral replacement or repair is 50% of the approved cost up to a maximum reimbursement of $2,000. Only complete replacement of the building lateral or repair in excess of $2,000, that completely eliminates infiltration and inflow is eligible for the program. Not all applications will be granted. All applications are subject to a Condition Rating by CVSD.

The property owner is responsible for notifying their selected contractor that their entire building lateral must pass CVSD inspection requirements (even if only a partial replacement was performed) in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Payment shall be made to the property owner(s).

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Lateral Inspecting
Lateral inspection must be performed prior to repair or replacement of the building lateral in order for grant funding to be considered. Inspecting and testing methods shall include the following technique:

• Recorded Video Inspection

Video inspection shall reveal the condition of the lateral, and each service connection.

Video inspection shall be done by an independent contractor and observed by CVSD personnel who shall document the inspection to the Sanitary District. The inspection must be recorded and the lateral fully viewable. Cleaning and/or de-clog should be performed prior to the inspection.

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Application
The property owner(s) shall submit a Lateral Replacement Grant application, provided by the Sanitary District, prior to commencement of work. The request will be reviewed by the Sanitary District, and the determination of eligibility will be made by the General Manager or designated representative whose decision shall be final.

Grant funds are available for fiscal year 2008/09 starting July 7, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. Funds will be obligated on a first come, first qualified, first served basis, until all funds are allocated or the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2009).

Funds will be obligated for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days from approval. The obligation period shall include all work, inspection, payment to Contractor by property owner, and submission of paid receipt(s) to CVSD.

Work not completed by June 30, 2009 will not be eligible for payment and may result in disqualification from the current program year.

For consideration of the FY 2008/09 LRGP, applications must be submitted as soon as the line qualifies. Property owners must complete the current 2008/09 form.

Applications accepted on a continual basis until the program is completed or all funds allocated.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

APPLICATION
How do I get an application for the Lateral Replacement Grant Program?
Download an application at www.cvsan.org, pick one up at the District’s main office located at 21040 Marshall Street, Castro Valley, or request a copy be mailed to you by calling (510) 537-0757. Please be aware the property owner is responsible for obtaining an application.

What do I do after I receive my application?
After you receive your application form, you will need to fill out Sections I - III.

CCTV INSPECTION & PRICE QUOTES
From whom can I get price quotations?
You can get price quotations from CVSD Qualified Contractors.

How many quotes do I need to obtain?
You need to obtain three (3) quotes; however, the District encourages you to obtain four (4) for better price comparison.

Can CVSD recommend licensed contractors?
Legally, CVSD may not recommend any contractors. However, CVSD can supply you with a List of CVSD Qualified Contractors who have worked in the District. For a list of CVSD Qualified Contractors, please contact (510) 537-0757.

What is a Condition Rating?
Condition rating is an assessment of the sewer lateral to determine the degree of defects to the line. Condition ratings take into consideration: pipe cracks, roots, water infiltration evidence, and other defects. Each defect is given a numerical designation (this is similar to the method used on public sanitary sewer lines). Those laterals in poor condition (condition rating) will receive grant funding.

APPROVAL & PERMITS
How do I know if I have qualified for the LRGP?
When you receive a Letter of Approval from CVSD stating that you have qualified and funds have been obligated for your project.

Do I need any permits for this work?
Yes. You will need a repair permit from CVSD to perform this work. You may also need an encroachment permit from Alameda County Public Works if you are doing work in the public roadway.

After I have received my Letter of Approval, what happens next?
You will be able to commence work. However, prior to commencement of work you need to make sure your contractor has been issued any necessary permits for the job.

SITE INSPECTION & PAYMENT
When do I need an inspection?
A site inspection is required by CVSD personnel after the new sewer line has been installed, but prior to any backfilling. CVSD personnel will witness testing of the entire line from the building foundation to the connection to the main. Testing will be performed by your contractor.

What happens after the site inspection?
Once inspection is complete, you need to submit a copy of your paid-in-full invoice to the District for the work performed. The District will then process your application for payment. Payment will be made within four (4) to six (6) weeks.

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