Hillsborough commissioners outline fees, meter counts and inspection requirements for Avanru Phase 2

The Town of Hillsborough Water & Sewer Commission on Sept. 10 reviewed the Planning Board submission for Avanru Phase 2 (Map 11O Lot 152) and described the water and sewer application requirements, estimated system development charges (SDCs) and meter obligations the developer must meet.

Commissioners said Planning Board approval does not substitute for commission approval; the developer must submit separate new service applications and pay the applicable fees. The commission will require an engineering review of the development plans at the developer’s expense and will require a third-party inspector approved by the commission to be onsite during infrastructure installation, with inspection costs paid by the developer.

Using the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Chapter Env-Wq 1000, Table 1008-1, commissioners calculated sewer SDCs by building: Building 1 (30 two‑bedroom condos) — 30 units x 150 GPD/bedroom = 9,000 GPD, SDC $60,390; Building 2 (24 two‑bedroom condos) — 7,200 GPD, SDC $48,312; Building 3 (80 senior housing units: 16 two‑bedroom and 64 one‑bedroom) — total 6,000 GPD, SDC $40,260. Commissioners said the water application fee will be $22,500 ($7,500 per multifamily building).

Metering rules: one meter set-up per building will be provided at no cost. Condominium buildings with individually salable units will require one 5/8" meter per unit; the commission will provide one meter set-up per such building at no cost and the developer must purchase remaining 5/8" meter set-ups from the commission at current vendor prices. As of Sept. 10, 2024 the unit cost for a 5/8" meter set-up was $653.87; the minutes list the unprovided meter cost at current prices as $34,001.24 (subject to vendor price changes).

Commissioners also noted that a backflow survey will be required to determine device type and hazard level; if a testable backflow device is required, the device must be inspected and tested by the commission’s authorized backflow professional prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (inspection/test fee $100). All water and sewer infrastructure testing must be performed with town personnel present; the first attendance carries no town charge, but any subsequent retesting assistance and observation time by town personnel will be billed to the developer at $50 per hour.

The commission’s comments document application requirements and costs the developer must address before the commission will accept new mains or authorize live service taps.