Permit Fees
Why do I have to pay sewer user fees and permit fees?
Sewer user fees are necessary for the NBC to recover the cost to transport and treat wastewater discharged from commercial, industrial and residential users. The user fees are based, in part, on the amount of water discharged to the sewer system and are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Part of the fee charged to users is a fixed amount, the other part is based on how much water is used. By conserving water, a sewer user can reduce the portion of the fee associated with the amount of water used.
In May 1990, the PUC issued an order requiring that the expense of the NBC’s Pretreatment Program must be paid for entirely by the permitted user. These permit fees are necessary to recover costs associated with satisfying all EPA and State mandates and to ensure the protection of the treatment facilities and Narragansett Bay. The rates charged are PUC approved and cover the cost of program, administration, facility inspection and facility sampling conducted by the NBC.
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How were permit fees determined?
Discharge permit fees range from $214/year to $14,283/year. Individual rates are based on the effort necessary for the NBC to regulate a user. The level of effort depends on the size of a facility, the volume of discharge, the toxicity of the chemicals used, etc. Budget plans are available for any business demonstrating financial hardship. Simply contact BC Customer Service at 461-8848 to discuss a budget payment plan.
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What if I don’t get a permit?
Failure to apply for a wastewater discharge permit may subject you to administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties of up to $25,000 per violation per day and you may lose your privilege to discharge to the NBC sewer system. The NBC is strict about the enforcement of this requirement because we need to know what is going into the sewers so we can protect our treatment facilities, our employees and Narragansett Bay. Further, inconsistent permitting would be unfair to other permitted users and ultimately increase the cost to all other users.
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Do I need a permit if I close-loop and/or recycle my wet process operations?
According to article 8.7 of the NBC’s Rules & Regulations, a Zero Discharge Permit is required for facilities with zero process wastewater discharge due to closed-loop and/or recycled process operations. This permit is a contract between the user and the NBC which states that the sewer is for sanitary use only by the user and that process wastewater will not resume or occur to the sewer without the user first applying for an receiving a Wastewater Discharge Permit.
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What if I need technical assistance?
The NBC has available free, non-regulatory technical assistance through its Pollution Prevention Program. Pollution prevention is any practice that reduces or eliminates he amount of hazardous materials entering a waste system. Elimination of pollution at the source will not only help you remain in compliance with discharge standards, but will save you money by taking full advantage of all your resources. Pollution Prevention engineers and chemists are available to help you incorporate the latest source reduction technologies into your manufacturing operations. We will evaluate your operating procedures and general practices and recommend alternatives, such as chemical substitution, that will generate less waste without sacrificing quality production. This program is confidential; no regulatory repercussions will occur by taking advantage of this program. To arrange an NBC Pollution Prevention staff visit or to get more information, contact James McCaughey, P.E., Pollution Prevention Manager, at 461-8848.
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