Connection Guide
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Connection Process
Step 1
Project Completion Letter
Prior to completion of sewer construction, Northern Township will mail all eligible property owners a letter of project completion. This letter will include further instructions on the next steps to begin the connection process.
Step 2
Township Sewer Construction
As sewer construction progresses within the roadway, a sewer service stub will be installed within the Township right-of-way, at your property line. This stub is ultimately what you will connect to in the future.
Step 3
Notice of Sewer Connection Hookup
Once the newly expanded sewer system is deemed active, Northern Township will issue a Notice of Sewer Connection Hookup for all properties eligible to connect to municipal sewer. In accordance with the Northern Township Sewer Policy, property owners will be required to connect to the municipal sewer system within 5 years of receiving notification.
Step 4
Hire a Licensed Sewer Installer
Once you have received your Notice of Sewer Connection Hookup, you will need to hire a licensed sewer installer. Your licensed sewer installer will do the actual construction on your property and will be responsible for applying for the necessary permits. View a list of licensed sewer installers here.
Step 5
Sewer Connection
Your licensed sewer installer will apply for necessary permits prior to commencing work on your property. Contractors are required to contact Northern Township 48 hours prior to construction so that the Township can schedule an inspection. Ultimately, construction on your private property will consist of connecting the septic pipe that exits your building(s) to the sewer service stub installed at your property line. This will require excavation and installing pipe between those two points.
Step 6
Inspection Process
An authorized Township inspector will inspect the connection to Town sewer to ensure it complies with Northern Township’s specifications. A sewer connection tie card will be generated, documenting the location and details of the connection and underground components, which will be maintained in Township records. Northern Township will then update our records that your property is ready for sewer service billing.
Step 7
On-Site Septic System Abandonment
Any components of a SSTS, cesspool, or other similar system that will no longer be used must be abandoned in accordance with Minnesota Rule 7080.2500. The owner or owner’s agent must submit a completed record of abandonment to the Beltrami Environmental Service Department within 15 days of abandonment. For more information contact Beltrami County Environmental Services at 218-333-4158.
Step 8
Sewer Service Billing
Property owners will be charged a monthly sewer fee. Current sewer service rates and billing resources are located at https://www.northerntownship.com/. For questions regarding your sewer bill, please contact Northern Township at 218-751-4989.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our wastewater treatment project and related services.
When am I expected to connect to the wastewater system?
Residents along the completed project path are expected to connect to the new wastewater system within five (5) years after the system becomes operational, which is expected to be in 2026-2027. Early connection is encouraged to ensure adequate flows for efficient plant operation. Additionally, the $2,000 connection fee will be waived for residents who connect within the first year of service availability.
How much does all of this cost?
As a property owner, you will be responsible for the following costs:
- Sewer Assessment: The assessment rate is currently estimated at $165 per equivalent lineal foot. For an average lot measuring 85 feet, the assessment cost would be approximately $14,025. Assessments take effect when the system is installed, regardless of when you choose to connect. You can opt to pay the Sewer Assessment all at once when due or finance it over twenty (20) years via your property tax bill at an interest rate of 2% above the Township’s borrowing rate.
- Connection Fee: There is a one-time connection fee of $2,000. However, this fee will be waived if you connect within the first year after service becomes available to your property.
- Connection Costs: You are responsible for the cost of connecting your property to the wastewater system. Typical connection costs are around $30 per foot from your house to the system stub; a 50-foot run would cost approximately $1,500.
- Monthly Service Fee: Once connected, you will be charged a monthly service fee of $55 for the maintenance and operation of the wastewater system.
- Septic System Removal: You are responsible for the cost of removing your old septic system if you choose to do so. However, removal is not required.
Is there any payment assistance or assessment relief?
Yes, assessment relief options are available under Minnesota Statute 435.193 for hardship cases, including seniors, disabled individuals, and military persons. These options may allow for a deferral of the assessment payments under certain conditions. For more information, please refer to Appendix 1 in the Resident Connection Guide or contact the Northern Township planning and zoning office at 218-751-4989 or chris.lahn@northerntownship.com.
What role do contractors play in arranging placement of pipes on resident's property?
Contractors are responsible for determining the most effective way to arrange pipes on your property, ensuring a proper connection to the municipal sewer system.
What permits are required for sewer connections?
You will need a Sewer Connection/Trench Permit from Northern Township and possibly a Septic System Abandonment Permit from Beltrami County if you are removing an old septic system.
How does the inspection process work?
An authorized Township inspector will review the connection to ensure it complies with Northern Township’s specifications. A sewer connection tie card will be generated for record-keeping.
What happens to my septic system after I connect?
After you connect to the municipal wastewater system, you are responsible for your existing septic system. Removal of your old septic system is not required but is recommended due to future safety concerns. If you choose to remove or decommission your septic system, this may be done by the same contractor who connects you to the municipal sewer system.
What are the requirements for on-site septic system abandonment?
Any components of a SSTS, cesspool, or other similar system that will no longer be used must be abandoned in accordance with Minnesota Rule 7080.2500. The owner or owner’s agent must submit a completed record of abandonment to the Beltrami Environmental Service Department within 15 days of abandonment.
All septic system related questions should be directed to Beltrami County Environmental Services at 218-333-4158 or Northern Township at 218-751-4989 or via email at info@northerntownship.com.
How will I be billed for sewer services?
Property owners will be charged a monthly sewer fee. Current rates and billing resources are available on our website here. For questions, contact Northern Township at 218-751-4989.