Hallsville Powers and Authority of Inspectors ordinance (§ 710.090)
Chapter 710: Sewer System · Article I. Sewer Use Regulations
In short: City inspectors with proper credentials may enter properties to inspect, sample and test sewer discharges, and may enter easements to inspect and repair sewer lines. They can't inquire into industrial processes beyond what bears directly on the kind and source of discharge. The city covers property damage, except where the company's negligence or unsafe conditions caused it.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
A. The Superintendent and other duly authorized employees or representatives of the City bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all properties for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. The Superintendent or his/her representatives shall have no authority to inquire into any processes including metallurgical, chemical, oil, refining, ceramic, paper or other industries beyond that point having a direct bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the sewers or waterways or facilities for waste treatment.
B. While performing the necessary work on private properties referred to above, the Superintendent or duly authorized employees or representatives of the City shall observe all safety rules applicable to the premises established by the company, and the company shall be held harmless for injury or death to the City employees or representatives and the City shall indemnify the company against loss or damage to its property by City employees or representatives and against liability claims and demands for personal injury or property damage asserted against the company and growing out of the gauging and sampling operation, except as such may be caused by negligence or failure of the company to maintain safe conditions as required in Section 710.070(B) above.
C. The Superintendent or duly authorized employees or representatives of the City bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all private properties through which the City holds duly negotiated easement for the purpose of, but not limited to, inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, repair and maintenance of any portion of the sewerage works lying within said easement. All entry and subsequent work, if any, on said easement shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the duly negotiated easement pertaining to the private property involved.
Official source: City of Hallsville official Code of Ordinances (online), § 710.090
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.