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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.
Back to Top 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. What if I don’t get a pe 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. 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. 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. |