Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Des And Septic topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears DES permit and septic design estimates; consultant says permit lasts five years
Summary
A consultant told the committee a DES permit for the wetlands culvert would be priced by wetland impact area, about $0.60 per square foot, plus survey and engineer fees estimated at $7,000–$8,000; she said permits last five years and consultants could start in one to two months.
Cheryl Bentley, who consulted with committee members on site access and wetlands permitting, told the Highway Building Advisory Committee on Aug. 13, 2025 that a Department of Environmental Services permit for the culvert at the wetlands crossing would be priced by area of impact and require surveying and engineering.
Bentley estimated a per-unit wetland impact cost of approximately $0.60 per square foot and said the combined cost for surveying and engineering to secure access to the property would likely be $7,000–$8,000. She added that the DES permit would remain valid for five years and that the consultants she typically uses could begin work in one to two months.
William MacDuffie Jr. said the first corner of the proposed driveway is likely not in wetland, but the committee agreed a formal survey is required to confirm limits. Members discussed combining the DES permit survey with the septic design survey to encourage a quicker site visit from consultants and to reduce mobilization costs.
Bentley and committee members said completing permitting and a septic design would inform building siting and provide the data needed for reliable project cost estimates and any subsequent bond question.
