The Trump administration has terminated a 2023 settlement agreement with the Alabama Department of Public Health that sought to correct longstanding sewer issues in Lowndes County, Alabama, the state’s poor Black Belt region. Multiple media sources reported the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement on April 11 of an executive order by President Donald Trump that ended the agreement, citing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, or DEI.  

The agreement had been in place since 2023 between the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, and the DOJ and the ADPH. The ADPH agreed to take action to address wastewater infrastructure and public health concerns in the rural county. These actions included the funding of septic system installations, upgrades and repairs.

In a statement the ADPH said: “The installation of sanitation systems and related infrastructure is outside the authority or responsibilities conferred upon ADPH by state law. Nonetheless, ADPH will continue working with subgrantees on installation of septic systems as contemplated by the Interim Resolution Agreement until appropriated funding expires. After that time, ADPH will support and be available to provide technical assistance to other organizations that may choose to engage in this work.”

Texas

Washington County, Texas, adjusted its septic requirements, reported KTEN. The revised requirements cover new product classifications, like tiny homes and park recreational vehicles, which were not a part of the county’s 2009 On-Site Sewage Facilities order. The requirements also provide additional flexibility for single properties with multiple dwellings.

The county also added a new regulatory conformance requirement before a permit is approved, associated with subdivision regulations, flood plain permits and similar issues. Another change was the implementation of a suspension policy for installers with multiple failed inspections.

Minnesota

Low-income residents of Crow Wing County, Minnesota, may apply for grant funding to update their failing septic systems, reported the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources and the Clean Water Fund are offering state grants to fix existing septic systems and seal unused wells. County residents can apply for grants on Crow Wing County’s website. 

Ohio

Residents in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, may be eligible for grant funding for home improvement projects that reduce the chances of sewer-related basement flooding. cleveland.com reported that the Sanitary Sewer Backup Reduction grant program launched in 2023 has been expanded and renamed the Sanitary Sewer, Septic, Waterproofing Assistance Grant Program.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available to cover septic replacement and various sewer and waterproofing projects not covered by insurance or other grants. To qualify, households must have experienced basement flooding on or after July 20, 2023. 

For more information, contact the Middleburg Heights Department of Public Service.

Oklahoma

The town of Summit, Oklahoma, received $1.15 million in grants to improve water and wastewater systems, according to a news release from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. A portion of the $1.15 million funding will be used to replace failing septic systems. The grant also will improve access to public water supplies with the installation and grading of new drainage pipes for stormwater flow and the establishment of new water service connections. 

The funding program is financed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s American Rescue Plan Act grants.

Oregon

Legislation aimed to prevent groundwater pollution has been introduced in Oregon, the Capital Press reported. In addition to other provisions, Senate Bill 1154 would give new powers to state inspectors, granting them the authority to examine private septic systems under specific circumstances to determine if the systems are contaminating the groundwater. 

Gov. Tina Kotek’s office said the bill goes beyond addressing agricultural groundwater regulation to address other potential sources of water pollution. At a legislative hearing, Chandra Ferrari, the governor’s natural resource policy adviser, said the legislation is “an attempt to make sure we are well-equipped as a state to address all causes of contamination.” 

The proposed bill received pushback from several organizations, including the Oregon Property Owners Association. Dave Hunnicutt, president of the association, said that many property owners would not be comfortable with Department of Environmental Quality inspectors examining their private septic systems.

“In my rural community, having DEQ come into your property would not be a welcome event,” he said.  

Massachusetts

Two legislators are preparing proposals to change Massachusetts’ Title 5 septic code tax credit, reported The Enterprise News. State Rep. David Vieira (R-Falmouth) and State Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth) are preparing bills that would change the tax credit from nonrefundable to refundable. Both bills relate to a $18,000 tax credit for a septic upgrade or connection to a sewer line.

By making the tax credit refundable, the state would give eligible taxpayers a tax credit worth more than the taxes owed. A nonrefundable tax credit, on the other hand, only benefits taxpayers to the point of breaking even and not owing taxes.

Rep. Viera’s bill includes a nonrefundable tax credit for residents regardless of their income or the amount they owe in taxes. It also allows for two credits for residents who own a primary residence and a second home. In contrast, Sen. Fernandes’s proposal imposes an income cap on the tax credit and applies to a principal residence in Massachusetts.