Larger systems are possible, but require a groundwater discharge permit from the Department of Environmental Protection and higher levels of wastewater treatment. For neighborhoods in West Gloucester where community wastewater systems were suggested, wastewater flows would be approximately 7,000 to 10,000 gpd per system. In West Gloucester, the greatest potential advantage of community wastewater systems relates to the growth impacts of providing wastewater service. Preventing overdevelopment and preserving open space were identified by citizens as important goals at the public meetings held in November. Under state law, sewer service installed in West Gloucester must be made available to undeveloped lots that abut the street which contains the sewer line.
Local law allows private connections to be made to any undeveloped land in the city.
The provision of sewer service throughout large areas of West Gloucester may allow and encourage the development of areas that were previously unbuildable because of environmental constraints. In this way, community wastewater systems can be used to solve existing wastewater and pollution problems without intensifying development. Community wastewater systems may be either less costly or more costly than sewering, depending on the location. Without detailed information about subsurface conditions in each neighborhood, it is impossible to prepare accurate cost estimates for either type of system. Community wastewater systems may require additional effort to acquire the land and easements necessary to convey and dispose of wastewater.