Town of Groton, MA Purpose

The purpose of this regulation for payment of wastewater system costs is to provide a basis for raising sufficient revenue to pay the costs to collect and treat wastewater generated by the Four Corners Sewer District in the Town of Groton; the cost of treatment of wastewater by the Town of Ayer and said fees.

The regulation is intended to provide a fair and equitable means for establishing Connection Fees for properties within the Four Corners Sewer District, and for properties which are made a part of the Four Corners Sewer District.

An application to connect to the Groton Four Corners 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.

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 Four Corners Sewer System to serve the subdivision.

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 Four Corners Sewer System.

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.

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.

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.