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 $150 to $10,000 per year. Individual rates are based on the effort necessary for the NBC to regulate a user. The level of effort is dependent 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 the NBC Customer Service Section at 222-6665 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 into 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 and the Bay. Further, inconsistent permitting would be unfair to other permitted users and ultimately increase the cost to all other users.
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What if I need technical assistance?
The NBC has available free, non-regulatory technical assistance through its Pollution Prevention Program.
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What if I have more questions?
Ask us. The NBC has well-trained and capable chemical engineers, technicians and others who would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your permit, or any other program relating to the NBC. Contact our Public Affairs Office at 461-8848/TDD 461-6549 or email at nbcpr@narrabay.com.
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