Effective January 1, 2017, the procedure for applying for a municipal lien letter from Collier Township Municipal Authority ("Authority") has changed. The Authority will require a CCTV video inspection in addition to the dye test as previously required for all property transfers in the Township. In an effort to reduce testing costs and to streamline the testing procedures, the Authority has entered into a contract with Mister Sewer to handle both the CCTV video inspections and dye testing for all of the residential properties (including new construction) in Collier Township requesting municipal lien letters from the Authority. Newly constructed residential dwellings will only require dye testing since the lateral construction is inspected by the Authority prior to occupancy. Existing residential dwellings will require both the CCTV video inspection and the dye test. The CCTV video inspection will remain valid for five years with the dye test remaining valid for two years upon proof of successful passing test results.

The applicant is required to provide access to their lateral piping for testing procedures. The video camera is typically inserted through an existing cleanout on the piping. However, if no such access exists, the applicant may be required to provide access through an excavation and have a new cleanout installed. The lateral piping will be evaluated per the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) condition grading system. Any lateral that is determined to be structurally deficient, shows sign of infiltration, or has roots present will require complete replacement or the installation of a cured-in-place liner.

The testing company/plumber will be responsible for dye testing all interior plumbing fixtures (sinks, laundry tubs, floor drains, showers and toilets) as well as exterior roof leaders, exposed stairwell drains, driveway drains, and other area drains located on the property. The testing company/plumber is responsible to verify that all internal plumbing fixtures are connected to the Authority sewer system and that there are no illegal connections to the Authority sewer system. If any of the internal plumbing fixtures is not connected to the Authority sewer system or if an illegal connection is discovered, it shall be the property owner's responsibility to have the problem corrected.

The testing company/plumber will also be required to determine the existence and location of the site tee, sanitary sewer fresh air vent(s) as well as the sanitary sewer cleanout and to verify that neither the fresh air vent nor the cleanout acts as a conduit for surface water to enter the sanitary sewer system.

The property must also be inspected in such a manner as to determine if there is a sump pump and any basement sump pumps that must be identified and the discharge point must be determined.

Finally, any sanitary sewer manholes on the property must be located to verify that they clearly have accessibility and there is no surrounding ground conditions that will allow for surface water to enter through the lid.

When a municipal lien letter is applied for, the applicant shall pay a fee of $195, made payable to "Collier Township Municipal Authority," which includes the Authority's costs for hiring the plumber to perform the sewer certification testing services. Upon submission of a properly completed application and accompanying fee, the Authority shall notify the plumber to schedule the lateral certification testing inspection, Please make sure all sections and answers on the application are completed and answered.

We ask that you submit your application and fee to our office at least 20 days prior to the closing date. Generally, lateral certification tests will be scheduled on a Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and will be coordinated by Mister Sewer with the applicant. Scheduling with the applicant may be coordinated for days and times more convenient to the applicant but are not guaranteed.

Please be advised that it is the applicant's responsibility to make sure that the fresh air vent, cleanout, and site tee are exposed and accessible in order for the plumber to complete the testing. Once the testing has been completed, the plumber will forward the completed test reports to Collier Township Municipal Authority for approval and issuance of the municipal lien letter.