835 R.I. Code R. 835-RICR-20-00-1.4

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 835-RICR-20-00-1.4 - Building Sewer Connection Permits and Requirements

1.4.1Mandatory Connections

The owner of any building or property generating sanitary or industrial wastewater situated within the District and abutting on any street, alley, or right-of-way in which a public sewer is located, is required, at his or her own expense, to construct a building sewer and connect it to the public sewer. Structures required to connect shall include, but not be limited to, industrial and commercial facilities, single family or multi-family residential properties, all subdivisions, publicly owned buildings, and non-profit institutions.

1.4.2Direct Connections

The requirements of this section shall apply to all persons that directly discharge or propose to discharge to the NBC Facilities. No person(s) shall uncover, make any direct connection with or opening into, use, disturb, tamper with, construct, enlarge, alter, move or change the use or occupancy of a building or structure or increase flow by more than twenty percent (20%) to any NBC owned sewer or appurtenance thereof without first being granted a written permit from the NBC. The NBC may require the owner at his or her own expense to perform appropriate testing, monitoring or inspections of the NBC Facilities and any nonNBC owned facility related to the proposed sewer connection.

1.4.3Indirect Connections

The requirements of this section shall apply to all persons that indirectly discharge or propose to discharge to the NBC facilities via an indirect connection through sewer lines owned by a local municipality or other entity. No person(s) shall make any connection or construct, enlarge, alter, move or change the use or occupancy of a building or structure that is indirectly connected to the NBC's Facilities that will increase the flow by more than twenty percent (20%) to any NBC owned sewer or appurtenance thereof without first being granted a written permit from the NBC. The NBC may require the owner, at his or her own expense, to perform appropriate testing, monitoring or inspections of the NBC Facilities and any non-NBC owned facility related to the proposed sewer connection.

1.4.4Stormwater Connections

A. No person(s) shall make direct or indirect connections or shed stormwater from roof down spouts, foundation drains, areaway drains, or other sources of stormwater, which in turn are connected to any public sewer, unless the NBC determines that a combined sewer is the only reasonable means available for disposal, such connection receives NBC approval, and the NBC issues a sewer connection permit. Prior to issuance of such permit, the applicant shall be required to execute and bear the cost of developing a Stormwater Management Plan Application, if required by the NBC. The Storm Water Management Plan Application may require, but may not be limited to, the following studies and/or evaluations:

1. A site plan showing all stormwater flows from the site or drainage area and all points of discharge;

2. Investigation of mitigating measures to eliminate or reduce storm flow from the project;

3. The use of LID and design methods that utilize green infrastructure and other technologies to eliminate or reduce storm flow from the project;

4. BMP approach to stormwater management to eliminate or reduce storm flow from the project;

5. Investigation of alternative options available to direct discharges into natural waterways.

B. The NBC also shall consider the following factors when determining if a combined sewer is the only reasonable means available for disposal and whether to permit the discharge of stormwater to the sanitary sewer system: (Not in any order of priority)

1. The present condition of the areaway basin at the point of the proposed storm connection;

2. The potential impact of the proposed connection on the existing downstream connection;

3. The economic impact of the proposed connection on the NBC and the applicant; and

4. Any measures taken by the applicant to separate present and future flows, and to mitigate storm flows from the project.

1.4.5Sewer Alteration Permit

A. Any person(s) planning to initiate construction which will modify or expose structures such as, but not limited to, manholes, catch basins, and sewers owned by the NBC shall obtain a sewer alteration permit before performing any alterations to the NBC's Facilities. The sewer alteration permit application shall be obtained from the NBC and the applicant shall submit the completed application and any required information prior to the issuance of a sewer alteration permit. The sewer alteration permit application information required includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Contact name, company name, address and phone number.

2. Description of the project along with a sketch or map identifying the location of the project and a drawing which indicates at least two (2) points of reference (typically closest NBC-owned manholes) with distance measurements corresponding to each structure or connection to be altered.

3. Method(s) and material(s) to be used to construct the alteration.

4. Method(s) which will be utilized to prevent debris from entering NBC sewers.

5. Record Plans prepared at the completion of the alteration confirming the details of the changes made to the NBC sewers and appurtenances.

1.4.6Sewer Connection Permits Required

The owner(s) of any property subject to the provisions of §§1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.4, or 1.4.5 of this Part must obtain a permit in accordance with those provisions. Such permit shall be effective for one (1) year from the effective date of the permit and shall be renewable at the NBC's option for one (1) additional year. Said renewal shall be requested by the owner at least two (2) weeks prior to the expiration date.

1.4.7Transfer of Permits

Permits are not automatically transferable. Permits are issued to a specific applicant for a specific use and connection. A permit shall not be reassigned, transferred, or sold to a new owner, new user, different premises, or a new or changed operation without prior written NBC approval.

1.4.8Sewer Connection Permit Application

A. Persons seeking a sewer connection permit must complete and file an application with the NBC, together with any applicable permit fee. The sewer connection permit application shall include, but not limited to, the following information:

1. Name of owner/applicant and address of premise(s) which applicant wishes to connect to the NBC's Facilities;

2. Name and signature of property owner;

3. Overall site plan and plot plan;

4. Detailed plans of the proposed sewer connection;

5. The location of each connection to the sewer line;

6. The proposed use of the property to be connected to the sewer;

7. Any other pertinent features, specifications, or information which the NBC may require to assist in its evaluation of the application.

B. The NBC may require that designs and/or drawing plans which include mechanical or plumbing components be stamped by a licensed Rhode Island Professional Engineer. All applications for building sewer connection permits must be signed by the owner of the premises and the licensed plumber or licensed drainlayer who is constructing the sewer connection. The NBC shall evaluate the data furnished by the owner and may require additional information pertinent to the application. Based on the application, the NBC may issue a building sewer connection permit, subject to the terms and conditions enumerated in the permit. The NBC may deny a request for a permit when the information supplied indicates the user will be unable to reasonably meet the NBC's standards, or if it is determined that the NBC Facilities cannot accommodate the quantity or quality of proposed sewage. Any person denied a permit may request a hearing in accordance with the provisions of § 1.10 of this Part.

1.4.9Fees

All permits referenced in § 1.4 of this Part shall be subject to applicable fees as set forth in the NBC's Tariffs as approved by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

1.4.10Expedited Permit Process

Application for an expedited permit is permissible and shall be made in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-117.

1.4.11Permit Conditions

A. Persons seeking sewer connection and/or sewer alteration permits are subject to specific permit provisions contained in the permit as well as to provisions of this Part and all other Regulations, user charges, and fees established by the NBC. Permit conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Compliance with Federal, State, and other governmental laws, Rules and Regulations;

2. Submittal of Record Plans within sixty (60) days after the final inspection by the NBC, indicating, at a minimum, pipe sizes, materials, slope, details of pipe trench, details of connections to the NBC Facilities, pipe to pipe details, cleanout (including cap) and specifications of all materials and other components utilized for the connection. All non-NBC utilities shall be indicated on the plan. The plan shall show, at minimum, the building to be connected, the building connection and the NBC Facility to be connected to in plan and profile view. Commercial plans shall be stamped by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Rhode Island;

3. Use of water-conserving fixtures in the proposed structure or dwelling;

4. Implementation of LID and BMP approach to stormwater management and mitigation;

5. Obtaining necessary town or city permit and compliance with any applicable town or city requirements;

6. Provision for authorized NBC personnel and agents to enter and inspect the premises;

7. Posting of performance bonds for materials and/or labor costs associated with such permitted sewer connection;

8. Posting of the sewer connection permit on site until the construction is completed;

9. Televising the sewer line before and after the construction to ensure the structural integrity;

10. Monitoring the soil activity near and around all NBC Facilities in the area of construction; and

11. Any other reasonable conditions necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 46-25-1et seq.

1.4.12Sewer Connection Plans

A. Persons seeking a sewer connection permit must submit plans in accordance with the requirements set out in §1.4.8 of this Part. In addition, such plans must meet the following specifications:

1. All plans must show a "North" arrow and shall be oriented so the "North" arrow points upward or to the right-hand side of the plan; and

2. All plans must be identified by titles which describe the nature of the project or the work encompassed on the plan; and

3. All plans submitted for subdivision developments must bear the stamp, seal and signature of a licensed Rhode Island Professional Engineer responsible for the design.

B. Such plans and specifications shall be in conformance with applicable and appropriate standards of the ASTM and WEF or other standards the NBC may require or deem appropriate. Review by the NBC does not constitute any form of guarantee or insurance with respect to performance of the sewers or other wastewater facilities proposed. The NBC does not assume responsibility for means, methods or techniques used, or for the safety of construction work on the site, or for compliance with applicable laws and Regulations.

1.4.13Flow Monitoring/Impact Analysis

Persons seeking a sewer connection permit who anticipate the flow into the sewer from their proposed structure or dwelling to exceed two thousand (2,000) gallons per day may be required by the NBC to demonstrate through flow monitoring that the NBC sewer line, into which the person proposes to connect, has the capacity to accept the proposed additional flow.

1.4.14Discharge from Swimming Pools

The NBC shall be notified by the owner of the proposed discharge of water from a swimming pool to a public sewer. The NBC shall have the right to approve or deny the request, designate the time and rate of flow permitted, and to enter upon the premises to inspect the project prior to and during that operation. If an owner fails to provide such notification or disregards instructions, whether accidentally or intentionally, the owner will be held responsible for any damage that may be caused from such discharge subject to the enforcement powers contained in this Part, and the NBC shall not be held liable for said violation.

1.4.15Connection Costs

All costs and expenses attributable to the installation of the main sewer line as determined by the Commission using method(s) reasonably related to the Commission's cost of construction may be borne by the owner(s); all costs and expenses attributable to the installation and connection of the building sewer shall be borne by the owner(s). The owner(s) shall indemnify and hold harmless the NBC from any loss or damage that may result from the installation of the building sewer.

1.4.16Building Sewers

A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every newly constructed building. All building plans that involve altering a pre-existing shared building sewer must construct a new separate and independent building sewer for each building. All building sewers shall conform to all Federal, State, and local governmental laws, Rules and Regulations.

1.4.17Existing Building Sewers

Existing building sewers or service connections may not be used for direct or indirect connections for a new building.

1.4.18Building Sewer Construction

The size, slope, alignment, materials of construction of a building sewer, and the methods to be used in excavating, placing the pipe, jointing, testing, and back filling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of applicable governmental codes or other Rules and Regulations of the NBC. In the absence of code provisions, the materials and procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the ASTM and WEF Manual of Practice No. 9 shall apply.

1.4.19Building Sewer Elevation

Building check valves shall be installed as per 510-RICR- 00-00-3, Rhode Island Plumbing Code. At a minimum, if the elevation at which the building sewer enters the building is lower than the elevation of the crown of the public sewer at the point of connection, at least one (1) check valve shall be installed in the building sewer or building drain in an accessible location to prevent backflow. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted to the public sewer by a pump and a check valve shall be installed in an accessible location to prevent backflow. Whenever a check valve is installed in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph, it shall be installed and maintained at the owner's expense.

1.4.20Temporary or Permanent Connection Abandonment

A. An owner may abandon a sewer connection on a temporary or permanent basis with formal written notice to the NBC. All abandoned sewer connections shall be properly capped. Such cap shall be securely installed to prevent the escape of wastewater, gases, and the infiltration of groundwater and/or debris. Sewer connections shall be capped and sealed in accordance with the requirements established by the NBC and local municipalities.

B. If an owner desires to disconnect the sewer connection from the publicly owned sewer, the owner shall not be permitted to remove that portion of the sewer between the publicly owned sewer and the property line unless that portion of the sewer has been determined to be non-functional by a drainlayer or licensed plumber.

C. If an owner desires to permanently abandon the sewer connection, at the owner's expense the sewer shall be capped at said property line and removed from the property line to the initial point of connection.

D. New sewers installed to replace abandoned sewers shall comply with all new sewer connection permit requirements as specified herein.

1.4.21Clean Outs

Clean outs shall be installed in accordance with 510-RICR- 00-00-3, Rhode Island Plumbing Code. House connections may require the installation of clean outs at the property line to serve as the required cleanout for the house connection within the public right-of-way. Clean outs shall be made by installing a "Y" and one eighth (1/8) bends of the same diameter as the building sewer, up to a maximum of four inches (4"). For house connections larger than eight inches (8"), a manhole may be required. The clean out shall be brought to the finished ground level and be properly capped. The location of the property line clean out shall be properly documented and reported to the NBC.

1.4.22Safety Requirements

All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways, and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the NBC and the municipality.

1.4.23Interference with Traffic Flow

No contractor shall block any driveway, street, road or railroad at any time without the permission of the controlling agencies. Every effort shall be made to permit the movement of vehicular traffic at all times. Whenever it becomes necessary to cross or interfere with roads, walks, or drives, whether public or private, the contractor shall maintain, at its expense, safe bridges or other means of ingress and egress.

1.4.24Notice to the NBC

A. After a permit has been issued, the NBC shall be given advanced notice as specified in the approved permit before any construction or excavation work is begun on any direct or indirect connection. All work shall be performed by a licensed plumber or drainlayer. If the NBC has not been properly notified, it may require the completed work to be uncovered for examination, at the owner's expense. (See § 1.10 of this Part).

B. Requests for inspections scheduled after normal business hours will require an additional payment be made to the NBC within sixty (60) days of the inspection to cover the NBC's additional expenses.

835 R.I. Code R. 835-RICR-20-00-1.4

Amended effective 6/10/2019
Amended effective 6/1/2021