Sewer Service

Land requires a means to process sanitary sewer wastewater by means of either an on-site sewer septic system or a municipal sanitary sewer. An on-site septic system is depicted on a residential site development plan as a Subsurface Disposal System Plan (SSDS) showing the individual components to process sanitary sewer on the subject property and is governed by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Title V (CMR 15.00), local Board of Health bylaws, policies and regulations. A municipal sanitary sewer system is governed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) and the local sewer department. The location and age of the subsurface disposal system is important relative to the specific design requirements and setbacks to structures, property lines, and resource areas described in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40).

Municipal sewers will be the responsibility of the local sewer department where the sewer extends from the property boundary to the sewer main. Associated sewer easements and betterment fees can affect a properties value. Permitting for an on-site sub-surface septic system can vary depending on the site constraints. The jurisdictional regulatory authority include but are not limited to local Board of Health, and Conservation Commission, A municipal sewer system usually has a local sewer department or public works department to regulate connection or extension to the sewer piping network unless operating through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Understanding the sewer service requirements determines the land value.