This ACO was issued in response to increasing flows occurring at the MWRA Clinton Waste Water Treatment Facility which accepts all of the LSDC’s flows as well as flows from the Town of Clinton.  The increased flows were suspected to be the result of Infiltration and Inflow (I&I), or leaky pipes, emanating from within the Lancaster Sewer District and the Town of Clinton.

In complying with the terms of the ACO the LSDC will only allow increases in flow or connections if they meet the following conditions:

Existing premises:
Connections of existing premises may be allowed when it can be certified that a connection is necessary to abate an imminent hazard to public health by inadequate sewage disposal.

The LSDC will allow connections when presented with evidence that the on-site system is in failure by way of the following:

• A Title 5 test indicating a failed septic system failure. 

Or, in lieu of a Title 5 test the following criteria will be acceptable pending verification by the Lancaster Board of Health:

• Effluent breakout or odor is observed at the applicant's premises 
  
  This must be verified by the LSDC or the Lancaster Board of Health. Effluent breakout and odor are automatic failures per Title 5.
  
  

• Applicant must supply design drawings or inspection reports, on file with the NABOH, showing that the system was installed prior to 1995. 
  
  If a system is found to be installed prior to 1995 it will be deemed to be in technical failure as it will not meet the standards of the current Title 5.
  
  

• Applicant must provide pumping records showing that a volume of effluent greater than the septic tank volume has been pumped from the system or that it was necessary to pump system more than once within the previous calendar year.
  
  A high volume of pumped effluent shows that the system is not properly functioning and will be deemed to be in failure.
  
  

Changes in use of existing connections.
Changes in use may be allowed only when it is certified that the change will not result in any increase in wastewater flow or contaminant loadings to the sewerage system.  All changes in use must be first approved by the Commission.  If it is determined that the change will increase flows, then the applicant may be denied.  A change may also be subject to a Change In Use Fee.

New Connections and Sewer Bank.
All other increases in flow, new connections, and all other connections having no other recourse under the terms of the ACO, may be allowed only after the applicant has secured flow credits through a special permit issued by the LSDC