Water and Fire Protection Issues Bruce Lecair Southwest Regional Manager, National Fire Sprinkler Association.

Water and Fire Protection Issues

Bruce LecairSouthwest Regional Manager, National Fire Sprinkler Association

California Residential Code(Title 24, Part 2.5) Adopted into regulation on January 1, 2011, Currently in the 2013 California Residential Code

Based on the 2012 ed. California Residential Code (CRC)

ICC-IRC, 2000 ed., 2003 ed., 2006 ed., & 2009 ed. 2010 CRC based on 2009 IRC State Housing Law (Title 25)

Original California Residential Code, Section R313 2009 ed. IRC Section P2904 - Table P2904.3.6.2(9) 2010 ed. CRC Section R 313.3 NFPA 13D 2010 ed.

Primary Sprinkler System Components

Water supply Meters and valves Piping Sprinklers Alarm (when required by AHJ)

Installing the Residential Fire Sprinkler System

The system may be installed by a licensed contractor or an owner-builder per the CA. State Contractor License Board.

BUT…They can’t do it without H2O!

Connection to City Main

Preferred Arrangement Acceptable Arrangement

Water SupplyOptions

Street Main

(probably the most common)

Domestic Water Line

Domestic Water Line

Section 6.2(1) (07)Section 6.2(1) (02)

Preferable ArrangementCity Water Main

City Gate Valve

Main Control Valve To DomesticSystem

Water Meter

DomesticShut OffPressure Gauge

Rubber FacedCheck Valve

Waterflow Detector

Pressure GaugeDrain and Test Connection

To AutomaticSprinkler System

Note: Rubber Faced Check Valves are Optional

NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(a) (07)NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(a) (02)

Acceptable Arrangement with Valve Supervision (option 1)

Rubber Faced Check Valve Note: Rubber Faced Check Valves are Optional

City Gate Valve

City Water Main

Sprinkler Control Valve

Pressure Gauge

Water Flow Detector

Pressure Gauge

To AutomaticSprinkler system

Drain and TestConnection

Water Meter

Domestic Shutoff

To DomesticSystem

NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(b) (07)NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(b) (02)

Rubber facedCheck Valve

City Water Main

City Gate Valve

Water Meter

Main Control Valve

To DomesticSystem

DomesticShutoffValve

Pressure Gauge

Sprinkler Control Valve

Waterflow Detector

Pressure Gauge

To AutomaticSprinkler system

Drain and TestConnection

NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(c) (07)NFPA 13D Figure A.6.2(c) (02)

Acceptable Arrangement with Valve Supervision

Meter size and friction loss = $

Keep the domestic and the fire sprinkler separate when possible per NFPA13D

MetersNeptune T-10Meets or exceeds AWWA C-700

How we design can affect the costs to homebuyers Stand alone

Tree Systems (straight run) Looped Systems

Gridded Systems Multipurpose Piping System Passive Purge Mist Systems and Coming soon!

Piping Configurations

Stand alone Independent fire sprinkler and plumbing water

distribution systems Tree Looped

Frequently provides improved hydraulic performance

Separation of fire and plumbing systems can occur at different points in piping

RiserRiser

Branch LinesBranch Lines

Cross MainCross Main

Check Check ValveValve

ControlControlValveValve

SprinklersSprinklers

Tree System (straight run)

RiserRiser

Branch LinesBranch Lines

Cross MainCross Main

Check Check ValveValve

ControlControlValveValve

SprinklersSprinklers

Looped System

Multi-purpose A water distribution system that satisfies fire sprinkler and

plumbing needs. Almost always connected to supply piping from a single tap Full integration of fire/plumbing Partial integration of fire/plumbing Plumbing demand in large homes may be greater than

sprinkler system demand requirements

Passive Purge Sprinkler system piping that connects to a single,

commonly used plumbing fixture. Almost always connected to supply piping from a

single tap Tree system Looped/Gridded system Commonly used in lieu of backflow

Backflow!!!!

Is it required and if so, when???

Backflow Does theCPC required it?UPC 603

California Plumbing CodeClass (1) Fire Protection System CPC 603.4.16 Protection from Fire Systems.

Note: Fire Protection Systems has not been adopted by the State Fire Marshal. This section cannot be adopted or enforced pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 13114.7

(a), which is being cited for reference. California Health and Safety Code 13114.7

For the purposes of this section the following are definitions of class I and class II systems:

(1) American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A) Manual No. M-14 class I – Automatic fire sprinkler systems with direct connection from public water mains only; no pumps, tanks, or reservoirs; no physical connection from other water supplies; no antifreeze or additives of any kind; and all sprinkler drains discharging to the atmosphere or other safe outlets.

Continued CPC 603.4.16 Protection from Fire Systems.

(2) American Water Works Association (A.W.W.A.) Manual No. M-14 class 2 – Automatic fire sprinkler systems which are the same as class I, except that booster pumps may be installed in connections from the street mains.

(b) Automatic fire sprinkler systems described in subdivision (a) shall not be required any backflow protection equipment at the service connection other than required by standards for those systems contained in the publication of the National Fire Protection Association entitled “Installation of Sprinkler Systems” (NFPA Pamphlet No. 13, 1980 edition)

Topic Backflow requirements for Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems under the 2013 California Residential Code

Code Section(s)

2013 California Residential Code R313.3..5.3

Requested by

National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA)Bruce Lecair, Regional Manager

Date Received

December 16, 2013

Date Issued December 30, 2013 Interpretation 13-001

California State Fire Marshal

Code Interpretation

Question: Is it the intent of Section R313.3.5.3 of the 2013 California Residential Code (CRC) to require backflow protection to separate a stand-alone residential fire sprinkler system from a potable water source supplying the system?Answer: The answer to this question is dependent on the specific installation. Stand-alone residential sprinkler systems that

1) Use piping materials that are suitable for potable water, 2) Do not contain antifreeze, and 3) Do not have a fire department connection, are excluded from any backflow protection requirements under CRC Section R313.3.1.

CRC Section R313.3.1 is a “specific” code provision that applies to residential sprinkler systems meeting these criteria.

Any stand-alone residential sprinkler system that does not meet the three criteria must be provided with backflow protection in accordance with CRC Section 313.3.5.3, which contains the “general” requirements for providing backflow protection for residential sprinkler systems.

CRC Section 1.1.7 indicates that, where a conflict exists between code sections, specific provisions prevail over general provisions, even if the specific provision is less restrictive. For reference, CRC 1.1.7 assigns the following as the general order of precedence and use of the California Residential Code (Item 2 applies in this case):

1. Differences. In the event of any differences between these building standards and the standard reference documents, the text of these building standards shall govern.

2. Specific provisions. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.

3. Conflicts. When the requirements of this code conflict with the requirements of any other part of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24, the most restrictive requirements shall prevail.

Explanation

Background

This is consistent with California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 Also reprinted in Section 603.5.15 of the California

Plumbing Code Which does not require backflow for residential fire

sprinkler systems meeting the requirements listed in CRC 313.3.1

Lets talk about Water Discharge for Water-based Fire Protection Systems Almost all of our Fire Protection Systems use

water Everyone uses water Water is regulated!!! Who knew?

WATER-BASED FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEMS DISCHARGE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

MANUAL

California State Fire Marshal

In cooperation with CA. Division of Water Quality

Storm Water Section September 2011

Bruce Lecair, NFSA Regional Manager

http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/pdf/aes/waterdischargemanual.pdf

Overview

In response to a request for action by the Fire Sprinkler Industry (NFSA) in California, the State Fire Marshal convened a Water Discharge for Fire Protection Task Force. Office of the State Fire Marshal Automatic

Extinguishing Systems Advisory Committee

Task Force was established with representatives from various agencies and industry practitioners

Acknowledgement This Best Management Practices (BMP)

Manual was developed through the accumulation of research, analysis, and collaborative efforts of the many disciplines via a Special Task Force for the California Office of the State Fire Marshal Water Discharge for Fire Protection.

Scope and Purpose Provide a set of Best Management Practices (BMP’S),

which specifically provided a common set of tools for the proper processing of water discharged from a water-based fire protection system discharges in California

Dischargers are however encouraged to contact the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operator to discuss any specific discharge requirements and reporting

Why Important? Requirements of the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act.

Environmental stewardship – balance approach to environment and life safety system maintenance.

Industry need for a consistent set of tool box methods.

Keeps Inspection Maintenance and Testing (ITM) costs reasonable and predictable.

Eliminates or reduces regulatory conflicts.

Potentially streamlines regulator cost burden.

Why an Issue?

Uncontrolled - not good

Controlled - but enough?

Hmmmm - not good

Permits The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General or

Regional Permit requires dischargers to minimize sediments and other debris entering storm drain system.

Failure to follow appropriate procedures can result in adverse impacts to the environment including aquatic animals and plants, obstruction of storm control facilities, flooding, legal liability.

Who cares? Regulatory community – RWQCB

and MS4 operators

Fish & other aquatic species

Habitat

People who use creeks and look at gutters and drainage ways

ITM contractors and building owners

Fire agency officials

Water purveyors --- the consistency issue

What the BMP Manual can do for you? Fit your needs --- Prepared by interest based

practitioners (in California) to balance generic issues and concerns.

Avoid fines/conflicts where accepted by the regulator.

Provides MS4 Safe Harbor if approved & followed.

Provides training syllabus.

Provides good education and direction – easy to read and use.

Review Why Important? above.

California Participants - Dischargers of waterWater-based fire protection acceptance testing

- Underground – Type A, C-16, C-34 and C-36 only - Above Ground – C-16 only - OSFM “A” license concern- Fire departments

Water Flow – C-10 (limited to water flow only)

MS4 Operators (city, county, districts, road department)

SWRCB & RWQCBs (NPDES permits)

Types of Discharge Covered in the Manual

Water-based fire protection system acceptance testing

Periodic water-based fire protection system testing and maintenance

Fire hydrant testing

Water-based fire protection system leaks and emergency repairs

Notification and Record Keeping Manual covers discharges to the municipal storm sewer

system and open channels.

Does not cover discharges into the sanitary sewer system.

When using this manual, “a discharge” is water that comes from a single event or a series of directly related events on a single project.

Notification and Record Keeping A single discharge of less than 1,500 gallons

Discharger does not need to give prior notification

A single discharge equal to or greater than 1,500 gallons but less than 10,000 gallons

Discharger does not need to give prior notification for any single discharge, but needs to maintain records of the discharge

A single discharge equal to or greater than 10,000 gallons

Discharger needs to give prior notification and maintain records of the discharge

Prior Notification Dischargers should notify the MS4 agency/ operator

not less than 24 hours prior to any planned discharge and as soon as possible after any emergency discharge.

The method of notification must be by one of the four options:1. Telephone call (file a record)2. A fax transmission 3. An email 4. In person (leave a note and file a copy)

FIRE SPRINKLER WATER DISCHARGE SUMMARY

Event Total Gallons Notification MS4 De-Chlorination

Sediment andDebris Control

Within Piping System

ExteriorSurface

Chemical Testing

Record Keeping

≤ 1,500 Not Required Not Required Not Required ** *** Not Required

> 1,500 ≤ 10,000 Not Required * ** ** *** Required

> 10,000 Required * ** ** *** Required * Required if discharge is to enter storm drain system and water is fresh. ** Required if debris exists and together with discharge will enter storm drain system. *** Required if it has been determined that chemical additives are within piping system.

Record Keeping

Records should be kept utilizing the sample form provided in manual Appendix C (next slide).

Records of discharges should be retained for a minimum of five years. Records must be available for review by the MS4 agency/operator and/or RWQCB.

Information Required for Discharges >1,500 gallons

Name of discharger Date of notification Method of notification Location of discharge Date of the discharge Time of beginning and

end of discharge

Duration Flow rate Total number of gallons

discharged Type of de-chlorination

“chemicals” used Concentration of chlorine

measured Type of sediment controls

used

Flow and Volume DeterminationDischargers need to determine the flow and

volume of the discharge. Flow is determined by one of the following methods.

- Attaching a flow meter to the discharge opening and reading the displayed values.

- Measuring the pressure from a pressure gauge and then using the table or formulas in Appendix B.

- Bucket & stopwatch method – small flows . Volume is determined by multiplying the flow (e.g.,

gallons/minute) by the duration of the discharge (minutes).

Water Discharge Mitigation Conduct flows for the shortest duration possible. Ensure the water is not cloudy, discolored and/or has

no unusual odor. Ensure water flows will be free of potential chemical

additives, contaminants such as oil, contaminated soils, etc.

If it is determined that chemicals have been added to the fire protection system, additional actions must be taken.

Whenever possible and when safe to do, contain flows onsite by directing the water to landscaped or green areas.

Discharge Mitigation (continued)

Water flow trajectory will not impact nearby vehicles, equipment, or pedestrian traffic.

Ensure curbs or ditches are adequate to handle the flow.

Drain inlets are open and free of debris.

Remove all debris from road, curb, and gutter.

If chlorine residual is detected, use de-chlorination tablets.

Discharge Mitigations (continued) Water flows into intended drain inlets. Ensure water does not cause erosion.

Flowing water will not cause flooding or damage to adjacent properties.

Water flow does not create slick or unsafe conditions.

With permission of the local sanitary sewer agency, system discharge may be to wastewater sewer if no other options available.

Water Testing Where cloudiness, discoloration and odors occur, prior

testing by an accredited laboratory may be required.

Turbid water due to rust and musty stagnation would be subject to application of the BMP.

Upon completion of the water testing, submit results to the MS4 agency/operator.

If chemicals are to be reintroduced into a system, provide proper signage.

De-chlorination

The MS4 General/Regional NPDES Permit requires all waters discharged must be de-chlorinated before entering a storm drain pipes or channel.

Methods of de-chlorination include aeration and/or other appropriate means such as infiltration to the ground or bags, diffusers, and sediment traps in drop inlets where de-chlorination chemical can be applied and is controllable.

De-chlorination Equipment

Bag – Consisting of a mesh bag into which large tablets of dry chemical are placed.

Diffuser De-chlorination chemicals

- Sodium Sulfite - Sodium Bisulfate - Sodium Thiosulfate- Ascorbic Acid

Chlorine Residual Test Kits

Test Strips Color Wheels Electronic Colorimeters Pitot Tube Pressure gage Flow Meter (optional)

Pressure Gauge & Diffuser with De-chlorination Bag

Sediment Control The MS4 General/Regional NPDES Permit

requires all dischargers to minimize sediments and other debris entering a storm drain.

Failure to follow this procedure could result in adverse impacts to aquatic animals, obstruction of flood control facilities, flooding, and legal liability.

Sediment Control Equipment

Wattles Sand Bags Gravel bags Mats Booms Barricades Silt Fencing Hay Bales

Hoses Filters Debris Storage Brooms Shovels Rakes Vacuum Truck or

Wet/Dry Vacuum

There are a wide variety of equipment that may be used for sediment control and clean-up (Appendix D).

Determine Flow Path Inspect the flow path to ensure the flow path is clear and

unobstructed allowing water to flow to the storm drain. Consider the following:

The maximum flow rate that will not cause erosion or scouring of any exposed ground in the flow path.

The flow path must offer adequate capacity. There must be nothing in the path that would interfere

with the de-chlorination process or hinder the analysis of the chlorine level.

Determine Flow Path (continued)

Evaluate and determine the appropriate BMP.

Isolate the riser or control valve prior to draining.

Evaluate the release volume and character.

Compare with the release point and conveyance.

Coordination with MS4 Before the drain event, check to be sure the fire

protection system discharge does not interfere with or delay storm sewer repairs or corrective actions undertaken by the MS4 agency/operator.

Example: MS4 is repairing a downstream culvert or is removing sediment & expecting dry weather. ITM event would need to be rescheduled.

Organize Flow Path

Wattle line to end point

Organize Flow Path

Protecting slick area

Discharge Alignment Alignment of the discharge point can have important

implications.

Whether the discharge point is diffuser, hose, or a pipe, it must be placed in such a way that it does not undercut pavement or erode soils.

The force with which the water is hitting the surface should be minimized by adjusting the flow.

Typical Procedure Place gravel or sand filled bags to form dams

across the flow path and curb with the end of the dam curving slightly upstream.

Consider dam height, length, the number of bags used.

The interval between dams will vary depending upon site conditions and the resources available.

Drain Inlet Procedure Evaluate and determine appropriate BMP. Place bags to protect drain inlet. Protection should be installed around all affected drain

inlets. Several bags may need to be stacked on top of each

other to produce the desired protection. Remove grate from drain inlet and ensure that it is clear

and clean of debris. Place filter bag insert so that edges are secured when

grate is replaced. Periodically inspect and adjust bags.

Sediment Bag (filter)

Remove Grate and Place Bag

Grate Placed Over Bag

Grate With Bag Plugging Curb

Trimming Bag to Suit

Finished Sediment Bag

Adding Wattles

Or Filter + Wattles = Good

Drainage Swale Dam

Discharge Procedures Record the time of the beginning of the discharge.

Begin the flow slowly, increasing flow gradually so as not to damage any equipment or property.

Inspect the discharge path as the flow increases.

Make sure that no scouring, erosion, or undercutting of pavement is occurring.

When needed:- Reduce the flow rate of the discharge - Adjust the angle of the discharge - Stop discharge altogether

Prepare the Flow Path for Discharge Remove materials that may obstruct or divert

discharge flow from the discharge point to the entrance.

Also remove any materials that may interfere with the de-chlorination process or clog the sediment control equipment.

Prepare the De-chlorination Place the de-chlorination control

equipment between the point of release and the entry to the storm drain.

Add the de-chlorination chemical to the equipment.

Measure the chlorine concentration at a point prior to storm drain inlet ---- it should be…..

Non-detect!

Diffuser in Action

Without diffuser, high velocity flow would cross street and cause potential damage to property

If Chlorine Residual is Present

Control the flow discharge to match the equipment

Add more chemical to the vessel as needed

Reduce flow (slowly) – allows longer chemical contact time

Take steps to eliminate chlorine to non-detect, including:

Discharge Completion When the discharge is complete, allow any

water that is ponded behind the dams to drain

When the discharge complete, record the time and volume discharged

Clean the flow path and upstream dams to remove residual sediment from the street

Retrieve all control equipment and remove temporary drain inlet sediment bag(s), wattles, etc.

Clean–up (Controls in Place)

Clean and Remove Equipment

The Discharge of Water is a Privilege

and not a RightFollow the BMP manual in cooperation with the MS4 or the AHJ, record and keep records, and report as necessary and the job should go well…. ------- and the environmental should be protected!

Or at least that’s the idea.

Thank you

Bruce Lecair, NFSA Southwest Regional Manager