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1. How do you become a Call Department member?

To become a member of our Call Department, you must be at least 18 years old and possess your EMT-Basic certification. You the can come down to the station and fill out an application and meet with our Training officer.

2. Do I need experience?

No. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic individuals with a strong work ethic.

3. How much does it pay?

The Call Department is an internship program with several opportunities for compensation.

4. Can I become full time someday?

Yes. We often look internally at our Call Department when we have openings for our full time staff. Many of our members do obtain full time careers locally as well. 

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1. What if I don't know if my proposed project is near a wetland?

If you are unsure, you should contact the Conservation Office.

2. When do I need to file an application with the Conservation Commission?

If you are planning any landscaping, clearing, filling, excavation, demolition, or construction within a wetland or floodplain, within the 100-foot buffer zone, or within 200' of a perennial stream - whether or not the wetland resource is on your property - please contact the Conservation Commission before you begin your project to determine if you will need a permit.

3. What is the Wetlands Protection Act?

The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL Ch. 131 S. 40) is a state law prohibiting the alteration of wetland resource areas or the associated 100-foot buffer zone without a permit from the Plainville Conservation Commission. The Rivers Protection Act (MGL Ch. 258 of the Acts of 1996) provides similar protections within 200 feet of a perennial (year-round) stream and is incorporated into the Wetlands Protection Act.

4. What is the Conservation Commission?

The Plainville Conservation Commission is a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the Board of Selectmen to protect the Town's wetland resource areas. The Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Regulations and the Plainville Wetlands Protection Bylaw (Chapter 472) and regulations (Chapter 900, Code of the Town of Plainville). The Commission also oversees the Town's conservation lands.

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1. How do I sign up for trips?

• Trips are sponsored by The Friends of Plainville Seniors organization. 
• The contact for the trips are volunteers Pat Bishop (Overnight trips) and Nancy Chapman and May Courbron (Day trips). 
• Trip brochures and flyers are posted at the senior center.

2. Do I have to live in Plainville to participate in the programs?

All seniors and disabled are welcome.  There may be a few programs, that due to limited capacity,  have Plainville senior resident priority sign-up. Out-of-town guests will be added to a waiting list. 

3. How do I sign up for the senior bus?

The Plainville Senior bus is available to Plainville seniors and disabled citizens for doctor appointments, shopping, banking, and errands during the hours of 9 am to 2:30 pm (doctor appointments must be scheduled no later than 1 pm). Please fill out the form on GATRA's page or contact the center.

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1. What is a cross connection?

A cross-connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a non-potable substance to come into contact with the potable drinking water supply. Common examples of cross-connections include a garden hose submerged in a pesticide mixture, a piped connection providing potable feed water to an industrial process, such as a cooling tower, or a submerged outlet of an irrigation system. Connections to firefighting equipment are other very common cross-connections. Most cross connections occur beyond the customer service connection, within residential, commercial, institutional or industrial plumbing systems. Identifying cross-connections can be challenging because many distribution systems are expanding to serve new customers and changing to accommodate customer needs. Further, temporary and permanent cross connections can be created in existing facilities without the knowledge of the water system managers and operators.

2. What is backflow?

Backflow is any unwanted flow of used or non-potable water, or other substances from any domestic, industrial, or institutional piping system back into the potable water distribution system. The direction of flow under these conditions is opposite to that of normal flow and is caused by either backsiphonage or backpressure. Backsiphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure (vacuum or partial vacuum) in the supply piping. Backsiphonage occurs when system pressure is reduced below atmospheric pressure. The effect is similar to sipping water through a straw. Backpressure is backflow caused by pressure in the customer's plumbing being greater than the pressure in the water supply piping. The higher pressure in the customer's plumbing may be from a booster pump, heating boiler, etc. Outside water taps and garden hoses tend to be the most common sources of cross connection contamination at home. The garden hose creates a hazard when submerged in a swimming pool or when attached to a chemical sprayer for weed control. Garden hoses that are left lying on the ground may be contaminated by fertilizers, cesspools, or garden chemicals.

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1. Does Plainville Fire offer CPR certifications?

Yes. You can email us or call the station for details.

2. What hospitals do you transport to?

Based on a patient's needs and status we transport to Sturdy Memorial, Milford Regional, Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Trauma, and Morton.

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1. Why is the town creating this department rather than using contractors?

On top of the potential to look at the long-term health of our buildings and have a dedicated team, creating the Facilities Maintenance Department affords us an assistant Building Commissioner when needed since Jim has the certification, and anytime we hire contractors we have to pay prevailing wage by law. The wage is higher overall, but Plainville is grouped with Boston for our prevailing wage, meaning that we need to pay upwards of $80 an hour per contracted employee.

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1. How do I obtain a burning permit?

Please click on the link for burning permits.

2. How do I request a public record?

Please email cburlingame@fire.plainville.ma.us with the information requested.

3. How do I become a Full Time Department member?

The Plainville Fire Department prefers to hire members that possess an EMT-P certification. We advertise for open positions on multiple platforms including social media. 

4. How do I become a Call Department member?

To become a member of our Call Department, you must be at least 18 years old and possess your EMT-Basic certification. You the can come down to the station and fill out an application and meet with our Training officer.

5. Does Plainville Fire offer CPR certifications?

Yes. Please contact EMS@fire.plainville.ma.us or call the station and speak with the OIC.

6. Does Plainville Fire dispose of sharps?

Yes. Please bring them to the station in a hard plastic sealed container. 

7. Does Plainville Fire take any unused medications?

No.

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1. How do I obtain a smoke detector certificate for a home sale?

You call or come into the station and speak with any member on duty. They will take your information and assist you with scheduling a date for inspection.

2. How much is a smoke detector inspection?

It is $50 for each inspection and it is good for 60 days

3. How do I get a commercial inspection?

You may call or come into the station and speak with our Fire Prevention division. All commercial inspections are coordinated through the building department.

4. What is the annual radio box fee?

$250

5. What services come with the radio box fee?

The Fire Prevention division will provide free maintenance service to your radio box, free battery replacements, programming, repairs, and monitoring of the radio box daily. Any parts for repairs are not included.

6. What is the oil tank replacement requirement in Plainville?

The Town of Plainville requires that any new oil tank installation in a residential home must be double walled or have a 100% self containment device to match the capacity of the tank.

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1. Why are we examining your home?

The Town of Plainville is addressing a problem with excess water entering the sanitary sewer system, which overwhelms the capacity of the system leading to basement back-ups and sanitary sewer overflows that could lead to a potential health hazard. The goal is to identify areas where stormwater and groundwater are entering the sanitary sewer system so that we can plan system improvements.

2. What should I expect?

• A chance to share information regarding any problems you are having with the sewer service in your area. 
• An inspection crew will examine the drains and sump pumps inside your home and drainage outside of your home. 
• The inspection will be conducted as efficiently as possible to minimize the disruption in your day.

3. What happens if the Town finds something wrong?

Should our inspectors find that your sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer, we will work with you to determine a plan that will allow you to disconnect from the system voluntarily.

We strongly recommend that you participate in the study to prevent a potential public health and safety issue, as well as to reduce the long-term impact of extraneous stormwater and groundwater on our sanitary sewer system.

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1. How does a septic system work?

A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease float to the top. Compartments in a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drain field area. Here is a brief overview of how a septic system works:

• All of the water runs out of your home from one main drainage pipe into a septic tank.
• The liquid wastewater then exits the tank into the drain field. If the drain field is overloaded with too much liquid, it will flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups into toilets and sinks.
• The wastewater percolates into the soil, naturally removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients.

2. Why it is important to maintain your septic system?

A malfunctioning septic system can be costly to repair. On average the cost to repair or replace a septic system can range between $3,000 and $7,000. The cost to maintain your septic system is approximately $250 to $500 every 3 to 5 years.

• By maintaining your septic system, you are protecting the value of your property. A malfunctioning septic system can drastically reduce the property value, hamper the sale of your property and pose a legal liability.
• A properly maintained septic system keeps your water clean and safe; it reduces the risk of contaminating the community, local and regional waters.
• A malfunctioning septic system can harm the local ecosystem by killing native plants and aquatic species.

3. What can you do to maintain your septic system?

Septic systems should be inspected at least every 3 years by a licensed contractor and your tank should be pumped generally every three to five years or as recommended by the inspector.

• Your septic system contains a live collection of organisms that digest and treat waste. Pouring chemicals down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system.
• Reduce the amount of fats, grease and solids entering your septic system by eliminating the use of garbage disposal. Note, increased disposal use can result in more frequent pumping of your septic tank.
• Do not flush feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds or cat litter - these products can clog and potentially damage your septic system.
• The less water you use, the less water enters the septic system, which decreases the workload. Run the dishwasher and washing machines only when full. Repair leaky toilets and pipes. When replacing toilets and faucets, select high-efficiency models.

4. Is it important to maintain your leach field?

• Do not park or drive on your leach field.
• Only plant trees the appropriate distance away from the leach field to keep roots from growing into the system.
• Keep sump pumps, roof drains and other rainwater drainage systems away from your leach field. Excess water can overwhelm the system and stop the treatment process.

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1. Where can I find more information about the programs you offer?

All information for our programs can be found on the programs and links page. Select any program to find out more information such as dates, ages, cost, general program description and more! Please note if this program is currently active or not as some programs will have information from the previous year, season, or session. Our current programs are also publicized using flyers at Town Hall, in the Plainville Public Elementary schools, etc., posted on our sign on South Street, and shared through our social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram. Follow us on social media to keep up with current offerings!

Visit the programs and links page.

2. Are your programs open to non-residents?

Yes, all of our programs are open to non-residents at no additional fee.

3. How do I register myself and/or my child for a program?

Registration can be done online or in person. Upon completion of registration you will receive an email confirming that we received the registration. Please be patient as we normally do not reply on weekends or evenings but we will typically send confirmation within 24 to 48 hours.

Online registration can be done through the sign-up page. This will bring you to a registration form that needs to be filled out completely for you and/or your child. Don't Forget to hit Submit after you have completed all information. Please note that at times there may be required questions that do not pertain to you or the program you are signing up for. For example, an adult registering for Pickleball will not need to include grade, bus, or teacher's name. If the question does not apply simply write N/A.

Additionally, you may sign up in person at the Park Department office. We will have paper registration forms available for those who prefer to sign-up in person.

Sign up for a program!

4. How do I pay the fee for the program?

All payments should be received by the first day of the program. Failure to pay for program(s) without communication to Park Department will result in ineligibility for future program registration until balance is paid in full! Please see the following payment options:

• Drop off cash or a check at the Recreation Office (tan building behind town hall between the pool and playground) during operating hours which vary day-to-day. Call ahead to see if someone will be in the office.
• Mail in a check to 142 South Street Plainville, MA 02762 or P.O. Box Number 1717 Plainville, MA 02762
• Drop a check off in our mailbox in Town Hall or in the black lock box outside the Recreation Office building after operating hours
• Pay online through city-hall systems (available for most programs!)
  1. Visit our epay page
  2. Select "Plainville" under Municipality Tab
  3. Select View or Pay bills
  4. Select Bill Type "Park and Rec" on the left-hand side of the page
  5. Choose the program you wish to sign up for and complete the required information

All checks must be made out to the Plainville Park Department. If paying for multiple programs on one single check please indicate the breakdown on the memo line or on separate note. Confirmation emails will be sent for all payments once we received them. Please be patient!

5. Does your department offer scholarships or financial assistance?

Please contact the Park department with any financial concerns. Payment plans and assistance may be provided for those who communicate specific needs. No child will ever be denied participation due to financial constraints.

6. What is your refund policy?

Refunds are given on a case by case situation. If you have to pull you and/or your child from a program before the start we will keep a record of the amount your family has in a credit balance. This credit can be used towards a future program with the Plainville Park Department. Refunds in the original form are up to Director discretion.

7. How can I contact the Park Department?

See our contact information.

8. What are your operating/office hours?

Our office hours vary from day to day and time of year. Due to the small size of our Department (1 full-time director and 1 part-time assistant), we are often in and out of the office running various programs and maintaining recreation spaces. If you need to meet with the park staff in person, please call or e-mail ahead of time to set up an appointment.

9. Does your department offer space to rent?

Yes! Our department offers several spaces for rent, including our ballfields and soccer fields, the pavilion, gazebo, tennis and basketball courts, and more.

10. How do I request/reserve space?

You can download a Facility Request Form (PDF) or you can stop by our office to fill one out. All spaces are first-come, first-serve and must be approved by the Recreation Director and Commissioners. We ask that requests are given at least 2 weeks in advance.

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1. What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Although this is not an emergency, as our customer, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

In compliance with the drinking water regulation, we must provide you with this Public Notice so you can make informed decisions about your drinking water while we continue to monitor the water supply.

Some people who drink water containing these PFAS in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects on the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid, and fetal development. These PFAS may also elevate the risk of certain cancers.

The Town of North Attleborough Water Division has constructed a kiosk for members of the sensitive subgroups (pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under 1 year old or persons with compromised immune systems) to have access to PFAS-free water. While intended for these subgroups, the kiosk is open to all North Attleborough and Plainville residents.

The kiosk is located at 49 Whiting Street (a small parking lot at the end of Broad Street) in North Attleborough. The initial hours of operation for the kiosk will be 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. This may be changed based on the needs and feedback from residents. Residents will need to bring their own containers to fill. There is no limit on the amount of water that can be taken, but please be mindful of others who may be waiting.

This project was funded through a grant by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The kiosk will remain operational until the water system meets the new DEP regulation for PFAS6. Should you have any questions about the kiosk, please contact 508-695-7790.

2. What is PFAS6?

PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA).  PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain-resistant products, and other industrial processes.

3. What do I need to do?

For Consumers in a Sensitive Subgroup

• Consumers in a sensitive subgroup (e.g., pregnant or nursing women, infants, and people diagnosed by their healthcare provider to have a compromised immune system), are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ng/L
• Consumers in sensitive subgroups are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking foods that absorb water (like pasta)
• For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water
• Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. A list of companies that voluntarily tested their water for PFAS and shared the results can be found on MassDEP's website

For All Consumers

• For older children and adults (not in a sensitive subgroup), the 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. For these groups, shorter-duration exposures present less risk. However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS6 concentration in the drinking water, the use of bottled water will reduce your exposure. A list of companies that voluntarily tested their water for PFAS and shared the results can be found on MassDEP's website.
• In most situations, the water can be safely used for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing, and showering.
• Boiling the water will not destroy PFAS6 and will somewhat increase its level due to the evaporation of some of the water.
• If you have specific health concerns regarding your past exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS concentration in the drinking water, you should see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's link below and consult a health professional, such as your doctor.
• Some home water treatment systems used to treat/filter individual faucets or entire homes can or may be able to lower the level of PFAS6 in drinking water. Our public water system has not evaluated any home treatment systems or devices to determine their efficacy to remove and maintain PFAS6 below 20 ng/L and is not aware of a currently available home treatment system or device shown to meet the Massachusetts drinking water standard for PFAS6 of 20 ng/L. Therefore, when deciding on home water treatment for PFAS6, you should be aware of the specific information on home water treatment systems and PFAS6.

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1. How can I contest a traffic citation?

Pleading "not guilty" is fairly simple, but the process varies slightly depending on whether you received a civil or criminal citation.

• Check your ticket to determine which type of infraction you were cited with before proceeding.

Civil Citations

• You have 20 days to respond to a civil traffic ticket in Massachusetts.
  • If you wish to appeal your citation, you have to request a court hearing by:
    • Including a $25 check or money order payable to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in your response, the money is your court filing fee.
  • Checking Box 2 on your ticket, to request a court hearing.
  • Signing and dating the back of your ticket where indicated.
  • The envelope should be provided with your traffic ticket.
  • Mail the money, along with your signed and dated citation, to:
    Citation Processing Center
    P.O. Box 55890
    Boston, MA 02205
• The proper court should respond with the time and date of your arraignment. If you did not send the fee, the court will also send instructions on how to pay it online or by mail.
• The letter will include a time frame to pay your fee.

Criminal Citations

You have 4 days to respond to a criminal traffic ticket in Massachusetts.

To contest the ticket, you'll have to:

• Sign and date the ticket where indicated.
• Return it to the specific court for the area where you were cited.
  Since the deadline to respond to a criminal citation is so short, consider returning it to the court in person, rather than via mail. Do not use the envelope that comes with the ticket. The appropriate court name and address should be written on the front of your ticket, or you can look up the specific court you need online.

Massachusetts RMV Website

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1. What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land in which all surface and groundwater flows downhill to a common point, such as a river, stream, pond, lake, wetland or estuary. An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water in which river water is mixed with seawater. Despite the differences in size, all watersheds share common properties. They all perform the same function of transporting water over the earth's surface. We all live in a watershed. If your feet are on the ground, you're in a watershed.

2. Did you know that watersheds encompass lawns, parking lots and streets?

Water seeps down through the soil to aquifers, which are underground rivers that slowly move water below the watersheds to outlet points at springs, rivers, lakes and oceans.

3. What human activities have effects on watersheds?

Construction projects like dams can limit the flow of water; construction of roads and buildings can divert and even increase the flow of water. Agricultural fertilizer can run off of crop fields and inadvertently harm microorganisms in rivers and lakes, having an adverse effect on water quality and marine life. The irresponsible disposal of household and industrial chemicals can be harmful because these chemicals travel through the watershed, poisoning life and damaging the ecosystem.

4. Did you know that watersheds can also have an effect on human life?

Many communities use rivers and streams as their source of drinking water. Water treatment prepares this water for human consumption, but if the water is laden with chemicals and microorganisms, it can be difficult to treat effectively.

5. Are floods a major event in a watershed?

Homes built on flood plains, low-lying areas adjacent to rivers, are susceptible to flooding conditions when heavy precipitation exceeds the watershed's capacity to absorb water. Rivers, streams, and lakes overflow, threatening human lives, and damaging or destroying roads, buildings, and flood control measures.

6. Can watersheds also become dry?

When a watershed becomes dry due to a lack of precipitation, this can cause a water shortage for those who depend on their lakes and rivers for drinking water.

7. Did you know that stormwater produces water for our watersheds? What is stormwater and why does it matter?

Stormwater is any precipitation that falls from the sky including rain, hail, and snow. In a natural landscape without development, stormwater is absorbed into the ground or falls into bodies of water. This gives needed water to plants and animals, and it replenishes reserves of surface and groundwater.

8. Is stormwater runoff generated in more urban developed areas?

In developed urban areas, stormwater falls onto impervious surfaces (surfaces that do not absorb water) such as roads, sidewalks, rooftops, or parking lots and is not soaked up by the ground. As a result, the falling water is swept across the surface as runoff; finding its way into a local waterway or it is directed into a local waterway through a storm drainage system.

9. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm drainage system or directly to a local waterway. Anything that enters the storm drainage system flows directly into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water.

10. Can polluted stormwater runoff have adverse effects?

• Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment can also destroy aquatic habitats.
• Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

11. Can pollutants on land reach waterbodies that are miles away?

• Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.
• Debris - plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts that wash into our waterways can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.
• Common household products can have an adverse effect on our waterways…
• Household hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become extremely ill from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
• Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and water treatment costs.

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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater is the water that runs off of the land surface when it rains or snow melts. It enters the Town's storm drain system and flows directly to local lakes, streams and wetlands. Stormwater runoff from undeveloped land is typically low since most rain or snow melt infiltrates into the ground or is lost to evaporation. Additional runoff from developed areas is created from impervious surfaces like streets, parking lots, and rooftops that prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

2. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater from developed areas typically contains a number of pollutants, such as oil and grease from roadways and parking lots, pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, sediment from construction sites, sand and dirt from roadway maintenance practices, and carelessly discarded trash such as cigarette butts, wrappers, plastic bags, and plastic bottles. When these pollutants enter water bodies, they can contaminate drinking water supplies, hinder recreation activities, and harm aquatic and other wildlife habitats.

In addition to washing pollutants into our surface waters, improperly managed stormwater runoff can result in soil erosion and flooding.

3. What are the effects of pollution?

Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.

• Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitats.
• Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels
• Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming hazards, often making beach closures necessary.
• Debris—plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts—washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.
• Household hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
• Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

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1. How do I get a street opening permit?

The Street Opening Permit application is attached below. This is a two-page document - the first page is the application and the second page is the Fee Schedule.

Street Opening Permits are accepted for work being performed from April 1st through November 1st. Only permits for emergency work are accepted outside of this time frame.

Please complete the first page (application) with the following information:

• Dig Safe number
• Start date and time of scheduled work
• Applicant's name, address, phone number and contact person
• Licensed contractor's name, phone number and 24/7 phone number (if different)
• Location and description of work (include a hand sketch of the location, large work and utilities will require attached plans)
• Expected trench size
• Applicant's signature
• Date

The standard application fee is $50. If the Street Opening Permit requires a trench that is greater than 3 feet in depth, and 15 feet or less between the soil walls as measured from the bottom, an Excavation and Trench Safety Permit is needed, at an additional cost of $25.

Based on the scope of the work being performed, additional fees from the Fee Schedule (page two) may apply. Please contact Dennis Morton, DPW Operations Manager, at 508-699-2071 to discuss the work being done and to determine any additional fees.

Checks should be made payable to "Town of Plainville". Please include "Street Opening Permit" and the property address in the memo line.

Once the application has been completed and the total application fee amount has been determined, please mail the application and your check to:

Plainville DPW
P.O. Box 1565
Plainville, MA 02762

If you would like a copy of the approved application, please include your email address somewhere on the application.

Street Opening Permit Application (PDF)

2. What is capital charge?

The capital charge is shown on your bill as a breakdown of yearly charge of $240 water, $150 in sewer (2020.) This charge goes towards helping improve our systems such as water tank maintenance, piping replacement throughout our system, and upgrades to pumping stations.

3. How do I schedule a final bill?

Please call our office at 508-695-6871 to schedule this service.

4. Where can I pay my water bill?

Bills are sent on a quarterly basis for residences and a monthly basis for commercial and large apartment complexes.

Five Ways to Pay

• The Tax Collector's office will be open from 8 am until 4:30 pm. Monday through Thursday and 5 pm to 8 pm on Mondays.
• Online payments are accepted through the ePay website. 
• Electronic Check through your bank: please reference your 5 to 6 digit account number. This will insure proper payment.
• There is a secure drop box to the right side of the Town Hall's front door. No cash payments are accepted through this box.
• Mail to P.O. Box 1795 in Plainville, MA 02762.

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1. How do I schedule a home safety inspection?

Please email or call our Senior Safe coordinator or contact the Senior Center.

2. Is there a charge for a home safety inspection?

No. This a free service provided by PFD.

3. How do I get a File of Life card?

You can contact the Senior Safe coordinator or the Senior Center. They are free of charge and we will assist you with filling them out.

4. Will you help change my smoke detector batteries?

Yes. We will schedule an appointment and come to your home and assist with changing the batteries in your detectors.

5. What is the charge for assistance with my smoke detectors?

This is a free service provided by the PFD.

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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater is the water that runs off of the land surface when it rains or snow melts. It enters the Town's storm drain system and flows directly to local lakes, streams and wetlands. Stormwater runoff from undeveloped land is typically low since most rain or snow melt infiltrates into the ground or is lost to evaporation. Additional runoff from developed areas is created from impervious surfaces like streets, parking lots, and rooftops that prevent stormwater from naturally soaking into the ground.

2. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater from developed areas typically contains a number of pollutants, such as oil and grease from roadways and parking lots, pesticides and fertilizers from lawns, sediment from construction sites, sand and dirt from roadway maintenance practices, and carelessly discarded trash such as cigarette butts, wrappers, plastic bags, and plastic bottles. When these pollutants enter water bodies, they can contaminate drinking water supplies, hinder recreation activities, and harm aquatic and other wildlife habitats.

In addition to washing pollutants into our surface waters, improperly managed stormwater runoff can result in soil erosion and flooding.

3. What are the effects of pollution?

Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.

• Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to grow. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitats.
• Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.
• Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming hazards, often making beach closures necessary.
• Debris—plastic bags, six pack rings, bottles and cigarette butts—washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate or disabled aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.
• Household hazardous waste like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water.
• Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

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1. What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one?

The Veterans Identification Card Act 2015 (Public Law 114-31) was enacted on July 20, 2015. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is drafting regulations that will allow VA to implement and enforce the legislation. However, this is a lengthy process that requires time for a public comment period as well as approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The rule-making process is expected to take 12 months or more. VA is also in the process of developing procedures and policies to implement the VA ID card program. VA currently estimates the program will be implemented in 2017.

In the meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to provide a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for veterans to use at VA medical facilities. The VIC will be issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. The new card protects personal privacy by not showing Social Security Numbers or dates of birth on the front of the cards.

VA has Service Connected, POW, and Purple Heart (PH) indicators on the new VIC. Veterans who have been awarded service-connected status after their VIC has been issued or SC status is not properly documented on their card, will need to present their letter showing their SC rating to the eligibility clerk at the local VA Medical Center where they obtain treatment. After verification, the eligibility clerk will submit a request to National Card Management Directory (NCMD) System for a new card to be issued to the veteran.

Once a veteran has his/her picture taken for the new card at the VA medical facility, the card will be mailed to the veteran at the address that has been provided. To ensure that a veteran receives the new VIC card, the veteran should please verify that VA has the correct address on file. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility at which the card was requested. The card will then be held in a secure location at the facility for 90 days. If the card is not picked up within the 90-day period, the card will be destroyed.

With regard to the use of veteran ID cards for store discounts, please note that the VA identification card, once available, will allow Veterans to demonstrate proof of service for discounts at private restaurants and businesses.

It should be noted that the identification card is different from a Veteran Health Identification card or a DoD Uniformed Services or retiree ID card. As such, the VA identification cards cannot be used as proof of eligibility for any federal benefits and do not grant access to military installations.

When available, Veterans will be able to request an ID card from VA for a fee. VA is currently making plans to implement the new law in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible while protecting Veterans' personal information. We estimate that VA will be able to implement the program in 2017. The cost of each card has not yet been determined.

In the meantime, Veterans who would like an identification card that displays their military service do not have to wait until VA implements the new law. You have several options:

You can access and print a free Veterans identification card through the joint VA/DoD web portal, eBenefits. This paper identification card serves as proof of honorable service in the Uniformed Services, as defined in the laws of the Department of Defense (DoD). Veterans can get a free eBenefits account.

Your driver's license or state identification card can carry a Veteran designation. This option is currently available in 49 states, along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. We expect the 50th state, Washington, to offer this service in August 2017. Veterans wanting more information should contact their state Department of Motor Vehicles or the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care can obtain a free Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).

Veterans who have retired from military service can receive an identification card from DoD. For information on obtaining or renewing such a card, please contact your nearest DoD identification card facility. 

2. How can I check on the status of my pending claim? Can I check status online ?

You can use the eBenefits portal to check the status of your claim online if you are an eBenefits Premium (Level 2) account holder. To determine the status of your pending claim, login to your eBenefits account and select My eBenefits. On the "Compensation" tab, select Compensation and Pension Claims Status to view your claim status. You can also call 800-827-1000 and follow the recorded instructions, or you can contact VA and fill out the Ask A Question form. If you are not an eBenefits account holder, you can visit the eBenefits Registration page for information on how to establish an account.

3. Did you know Military retirees should update your DEERS record and Military Retiree ID Card when eligible for Medicare?

Did you know that Military Retirees must update their DEERS record and Retired Identification Card when becoming eligible for Medicare, normally at age 65. Once updated, your new Identification Card will never expire.

Additionally, the new Identification Cards no longer display your Social Security Number. There is a new DoD ID Number on the front and a DoD Benefits number printed on the back. If your Retiree Identification Card currently displays your Social Security Number, you may get a new one anytime.

Save time by making an online appointment. Visit the Appointment Scheduler. Remember to bring 2 forms of government-issued Identification. If you need to locate your nearest Identification office, use the DEERS / RAPIDS Site Locator.

4. What information, services and benefits does VA provide to veterans regarding Agent Orange?

Information about Agent Orange can be found on our VA website. Please go to this website for all VA information related to this topic. Thank you.

5. Can I get a loan from VA to buy a house?

For a comprehensive look at what VA offers in the way of Home Loan services, please go to the Home Loans website.

6. Can I obtain free prescriptions from VA?

VA provides medication to eligible veterans who are receiving care from VA medical facilities, and to those veterans authorized by VA to receive care from private physicians at VA expense. VA pharmacies cannot fill prescriptions written by a private physician unless the veteran is specifically eligible.

7. What services are available from the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities?

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides to veterans with service-connected disabilities. This website is dedicated to providing information about veteran benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service to veterans, employers, and the general public.

The website provides information about vocational counseling available to active-duty service members and veterans who have recently separated from active duty. You will also find information about vocational counseling and special rehabilitation services available to dependents of veterans who meet certain program eligibility requirements. In addition, there is a link to VetSuccess.Gov which is Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Service's website that emphasizes employment for veterans with service-connected disabilities. There are links to employment information, small business resources, coming home to work, etc.

8. Does VA provide dental care and how do I qualify?

Eligibility for dental care is limited by law.

• Information on finding out if you are eligible for VA medical care
• Information on specific VA dental benefits

9. Do I still need Medicare Parts A and B if I receive my health care from VA?

VA does not require a Veteran to have Medicare Part A or B to be enrolled in VA health care. However, a Veteran may want to consider their total healthcare needs before changing any insurance coverage.

• More Information
• Information About Medicare

10. What benefits and services are available for spouses and dependents of deceased veterans?

The Veterans Benefits Administration has created a "survivors" website for spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The website is organized into two broad categories - death in service and death after service. It provides website visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from and provides links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents. 

Survivor Benefits

11. What assistance / support does VA provide to caregivers of veterans who are not hospitalized?

Information About VA's Caregiver Support Program

12. How do I get my discharge upgraded or changed?

Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with the authority to change, correct, or modify discharges or dismissals that are not issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges. The veteran or his surviving spouse, next of kin, or legal representative, may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned, using Department of Defense Form 293 and also DD 149. You can obtain this form from your local VA regional office, call 800-827-1000, from veterans service organizations, or online.