A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s order which placed a moratorium on new septic tank installations in parts of the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, because of concern for manatees, multiple media outlets reported. The moratorium took effect July 17.
In a 2-1 decision, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. District Judge’s ruling. Both courts ruled that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection must stop issuing permits for constructing and installing septic systems in the watershed. In addition, the state must implement a biomedical assessment program and supplemental feeding program for manatees in the region.
Manatees are classified as a threatened species in the U.S., and these programs are designed to protect the animals. In 2022, an environmental group filed a lawsuit arguing that wastewater pollution killed seagrass, a primary food source for manatees, causing them harm and contributing to their deaths.
Maine
Gov. Janet Mills signed a new law modifying Maine’s septic system rules, multiple media outlets reported. The law aims to strengthen water quality by ensuring that new septic systems are designed to properly treat wastewater in certain sandy soils. The sandy soils in the state don’t do the best job removing nutrients from septic system effluent. So, the state directed the Department of Health and Human Services to amend septic rules to promote better effluent treatment.
Massachusetts
The Nantucket Board of Health imposed a temporary moratorium on septic variance requests in nitrogen-sensitive areas, the Nantucket Current reported. The moratorium will be in effect until the Board of Health meets on Sept. 18, allowing time for the board to review information and scientific data regarding the impact of conventional septic systems and innovative/alternative systems on the environment.
Current policies limit the number of bedrooms in a home based on square footage. Before the moratorium took effect, homeowners could apply for a variance to add one or more bedrooms.
Board of Health chair Malcolm MacNab said the board considers each variance application based on its individual merits.
“Recently, it has been suggested that increasing the number of bedrooms on a property can be more detrimental to the health and environment of the island and that the benefits of an IA system do not sufficiently offset that harm,” MacNab said. “Since the board adopted its IA system regulations several years ago, there have been new developments in IA system technology and scientific research concerning their effectiveness.”
The moratorium doesn’t apply to requests that don’t require a variance or for requests to upgrade or replace a failed septic system, as long as the new system doesn’t increase sewage flow.
Virginia
The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region Septic Pump-Out Program received a second round of grant funding, enough to continue its free septic pumpout program for another three years, The Roanoke Star reported. Roanoke County, Virginia, partners with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and the Virginia Environmental Endowment’s Community Conservation Program to administer the program.
Residents in Roanoke County and Craig County, Virginia, are eligible to apply if their annual income is at or below 80% of the area’s median income. For more information, visit roanokecountyva.gov/2963/septic-pump-out-program.
South Carolina
Kershaw County, South Carolina, is offering grants for homeowners in the Lake Wateree watershed who need to repair or replace a failing septic system. The Chronicle-Independent referenced a Kershaw County news release stating that the county received nearly $200,000 in grant funding. Homeowners may be eligible for up to 60% cost-share assistance.
The Lake Wateree Septic 319 project received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with assistance from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
The program prioritizes septic systems located near Lake Wateree, streams and tributaries. Individuals interested in applying for a grant should email Lucas Clifford at lucas.clifford@wsp.com or call 803-451-3679.
Georgia
Low-income homeowners in Douglas and Cobb counties in Georgia may be eligible for funding to maintain their septic systems, according to a Cobb & Douglas Public Health news release. Financed through the American Rescue Plan Act, the funding program covers up to $500 for septic pumping and up to $15,000 for septic repair costs.
To be eligible, homeowners must earn a household income at or below 185% of the current year’s federal poverty level. Applications are available at the Cobb & Douglas Public Health website.
In a statement, Dr. Janet Memark, CDPH district health director said, “This project not only provides financial relief for homeowners who may be struggling financially, but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining septic systems to prevent environmental contamination.”
New York
Residents living near select waterways in New York State may apply for grants to repair or replace a failing septic system, North Country Now reported. The Department of Environmental Conservation and St. Lawrence County Planning Office are administering grants of up to $10,000 for septic upgrades. To qualify, properties must be located within 250 feet of the St. Lawrence River, lower Raquette River and the minor tributaries of the Raquette.
Eligibility extends to primary residences, camps, seasonal residences and businesses with a daily flow under 1,000 gallons. The Department of Environmental Conservation is partnering with the Environmental Facilities Corporation to provide the funding.
For more information or to apply, visit St. Lawrence County’s website and go to the Planning page.
