(08/18/06) HANOVER ? Residents along Whippany Road in Hanover say the sewer authority is forcing them to switch from perfectly good septic tanks to a new sewer system.

According to residents, the mandatory switch is completely unnecessary and politically motivated. They say the timing of the switch, which the town claims will cost $3,900, is very suspicious. Residents claim the forced switch coincides with the development of nearby property. According to opponents, the developer needs a sewer system in place for a proposed commercial complex.

Residents say the switch is being implemented specifically to keep the developer happy. They want the developer, not residents, to foot the bill. One homeowner is taking the Hanover Sewage Authority, the developer and the planning board to court over the matter.