A.
The purpose of this regulation for payment of wastewater system costs
is to provide a basis for raising sufficient revenue to pay a portion
of the costs of constructing, maintaining, and upgrading collecting
sewers, interceptor sewers, pumping stations, force mains and system
appurtenances to serve the Groton Center Sewer System in the Town
of Groton; the cost of land and easements; the cost of reimbursements
to the Town of Pepperell for Groton's share of Pepperell's
capital expenditures for the construction and upgrades of the Town
of Pepperell's wastewater collection and treatment facilities;
and the cost of additional capacity in Pepperell's facilities
when it becomes necessary and for the treatment and disposal of its
wastewater at the Town of Pepperell's wastewater treatment plant.
B.
The regulation is intended to provide a fair and equitable means
for establishing the Groton Center Sewer District sewer connection
fee for properties within the Groton Center Sewer District, and for
properties which are made a part of the Groton Center Sewer District.
C.
An application to connect to the Groton Center Sewer System does
not establish vested rights to sewer capacity. Sewer system capacity
will be reserved upon the Sewer Commission signoff on a building permit
specifying available capacity for the project. Sewer capacity is not
guaranteed if a complete application for a sewer connection permit
for the project is not received within one year from the date of the
building permit.
D.
The filing of a subdivision plan with the Planning Board does not
establish a vested right to sewer capacity. Capacity is guaranteed
only when the Sewer Commission approves a permit for sewer extension
as shown on the subdivision plan, or sends a letter to the Planning
Board stating that capacity is available in the Groton Center Sewer
System to serve the subdivision.
E.
An application for site plan review does not does not establish rights
to sewer capacity. Sewer capacity is guaranteed upon approval of an
application for a permit to connect to the Groton Center Sewer System.
F.
A request from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for sewer capacity
in relation to a filing for a 40B comprehensive permit will require
the Sewer Commission to inform the ZBA whether sewer capacity is available
to serve the proposed development and what improvements are required,
if any, to the municipal sewer system to ensure adequate sewer service.
Sewer capacity is allocated and reserved as of the date when the Sewer
Commission informs the ZBA of its determination.
G.
Expiration of permit.
(1)
A permit to connect to the sewer system will expire if the work is
not initiated within one year (365 days) from the date of issuance.
Upon permit expiration, a new permit, including payment of the permit
fee, will be required for the future connection and inspection(s).
(2)
A sewer permit will become void if a request to cancel the permit
is received from either the owner or drainlayer who originally applied
for the permit. No refunds will be issued for canceled or duplicate
permits.
H.
The Town of Groton Sewer Commission may extend the duration of the
permit for a reasonable period. Requests for extension of the permit
period must be submitted in writing to the Groton Sewer Commission
in advance of the expiration and must state the reason for request.
Refer to Chapter 190 of the Code of Groton.
