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Sewer Commission - Frequently Asked Questions 
Cohasset Sewer Commission
Cohasset Town Hall
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA 02025
781-383-4108
Fax: 781-383-1561
Email: sewer@townofcohasset.org
How do I apply for connection to the sewer ?
Visit the Town Hall office shared by the Sewer Commission and Building Department, and pick up an application form or better yet, download the form from the Forms section below. Fill out the form and return to the office. It will be considered at the next Commission meeting.
Who pays for operation of the sewage collection system and treatment plant?
The Sewer Commission operates as an Enterprise Fund, which means that all its operating costs must be paid by fees charged to the users. The Commission is responsible for periodically reviewing these fees and making necessary adjustments to cover all its operating costs.
WHO SHOULD I CALL IF MY GRINDER PUMP ALARM IS GOING OFF?
Please contact Richard Nye of Veolia N.A. the Town’s Wastewater Operator at 781-383-1519. If you get an answering machine, please leave a detailed message and the operator will be back to you within 24 hours. If you do not hear back after 24 hours, please call the Sewer Commissioner's office at 781-383-4108.
Who pays for the design and construction of additions or modifications to the system, i.e., the Little Harbor/Atlantic Avenue and Jerusalem Road extension?
Town Meeting approved these additions with the provision that the users would pay 100% of the costs. An additional article passed the same Town Meeting which put a ballot question to the voters that would share the costs of the new additions 50/50 between the users and general taxes. That article failed to get a majority of the votes, therefore the users will pay 100% of the costs of the expansion of the system and modifications to the treatment plant to accommodate the additional flow.
When will the Little Harbor/Atlantic Avenue and Jerusalem Road expansions be completed?
The schedule for the expansion projects is included in the informational documents available for download elsewhere on this site.
Am I in the District?
Existing and Proposed dwellings are listed in the information data base
Who should I call with questions about the sewer expansion project?
You should call the Coughlin Environmental Services Office Trailer at
781-383-2900. Daniel Coughlin, P.E. is the main contact.
WHAT OBJECT SHOULDN’T I FLUSH DOWN THE TOILET IF I HAVE A GRINDER PUMP?
The grinder pump is designed to handle domestic wastewater solids and toilet paper. All other objects and materials should be disposed of in the trash to ensure long term, trouble free operation.
WHO DO I CALL FOR A GRAVITY SEWER BLOCKAGE?
Generally blockages occur on your private sewer service which is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. In this case, you should contact a drain cleaning firm to clear the blockage. Blockages within street collector piping are uncommon, however if one should occur, please contact Richard Nye of Veolia N.A. the Town’s Wastewater Operator at 781-383-1519.
CAN I ADD A BEDROOM, AN APARTMENT, OR AN ADDITIONAL DWELLING UNIT IF I’M ON THE SEWER SYSTEM?
Generally speaking, yes, such minor expansions can be made providing system capacity is available. To receive authorization, go to the Board of Sewer Commission’s office at Town Hall and complete the application.
CAN I PAY OFF MY SEWER BETTERMENT EARLY?
Yes, even though betterments are issued for twenty years, you can pay off the betterment at any time; otherwise, the betterment will be assigned annually to your tax billing including a nominal interest charge.
HOW IS MY QUARTERLY SEWER BILL CALCULATED?
The sewer Bill consists of a base fee plus an amount determined by water consumption. Water consumption records are automatically obtained from your water supplier to facilitate accurate billing based upon use.
ARE THERE ANY STANDARDS TO FOLLOW IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MY SEWER SERVICE?
Yes, specifications are provided within the Town’s Sewer Regulations and are linked within this web site along with standard details, for easy reference.
WHO CAN CONSTRUCT MY SEWER SERVICE?
Only a Licensed Drain Layer authorized by the Town of Cohasset Board of Sewer Commissioners can work on the sewer system. The contractors are bonded and references are checked to better ensure the quality of work. A list of licensed Drain Layers is linked within this web site. For the most up-to-date list, please contact the Board of Sewer Commissioner’s office at 781-383-4108 and check this web site.
WHY DO I NEED A GRINDER PUMP?
Several areas of the Town of serviced by what is referred to as a Low Pressure Sewer System. These Low Pressure Sewer Systems allow wastewater to flow uphill and over difficult terrain eliminating deep excavations through ledge which would significantly increase the cost of the system. The grinder pump grinds the solids and pumps your wastewater into this Low Pressure Sewer System. Without the grinder pump, you would not be able to use the system.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO WITH MY OLD SEPTIC SYSTEM?
After connecting to the municipal sewer system, your old septic system must be decommissioned. Generally this means that the old septic tank and any chambers must be pumped out, sanitized, have their tops crushed and then the tanks/chambers backfilled. This precludes any future issues relative to collapse of the tank. For detailed information, please contact the Cohasset Board of Health at Town Hall at 781-383-4116.
CAN I DISCHARGE MY SUMP PUMP TO THE SEWER?
NO, this is considered clean water and should be discharged away from the house to the ground surface. No one is allowed to discharge their sump pump flow to the sewer because it consumes wastewater capacity and contributes to hydraulic overloading of the wastewater treatment facilities. For additional guidance, please call the Board of sewer Commissioner’s office at 781-383-4116 and staff will be happy to give you technical input on how best to handle you sump pump flow.
WHAT HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS SHOULDN’T I DISCHARGE TO THE SEWER SYSTEM?
Very simply, only wastewater from toilets, wash sinks, showers, tubs and laundry should be discharged to the sewer. Solid food waste, chemical cleaners and disinfectant, toxic substances, painting products, flammable materials and pesticides/herbicides should NOT be discharged to the sewer system. For additional clarification regarding a specific substance, feel free to contact the Board of sewer Commissioner’s office at 781-383-4108.
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