The Virginia Department of Health released draft proposals of septic system regulations intended to address pollution control in rural areas susceptible to groundwater flooding and sea water level rise, the Virginia Mercury reported. The new septic regulations would identify a “critical impact area” where stricter pollution protection measures would be enforced. The draft document also increases setbacks between conventional septic systems and waters with shellfish from 70 feet to 100 feet, with some exceptions. The health department plans to continue working on the proposals.
Homeowners affected by the Ruidoso wildfires and floods eligible for FEMA funds to repair septic systems, wells
Homeowners in the village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, may be eligible for reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency after devastating wildfires and flooding damaged private wells and septic systems. Homeowners can apply to be compensated for septic system repairs or replacement and also for the cost of a licensed technician to inspect their system and prepare an estimate. Nearly 2,800 state residents have already registered for FEMA assistance, with FEMA approving more than $5.6 million in assistance, the village of Ruidoso reported in a media release.
Grants to assist replacing onsite systems in several Michigan watersheds
Seven different projects will benefit from $3.5 million in nonpoint source pollution grants awarded by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, reported the Michigan Farm News. The seven projects will address recommendations in watershed management plans and help reduce pollution and excess runoff.
One project will assist property owners with replacing their failing septic systems in the Mid-Shiawassee River, Sand Creek and Crockery Creek watersheds. Another project involves a program to educate homeowners about septic system inspection and maintenance. This project also implements septic inspections and cost-share programs for septic repairs or replacement on tribal lands.
The EGLE grants are funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Renew Michigan Fund.
Arkansas counties eligible for FEMA assistance for storm-damaged wells, septics
Several counties in northern Arkansas are eligible for FEMA assistance due to damage from severe storms and flooding in May, reported K8 News. Homes and businesses in Baxter, Fulton, Randolph and Green counties can apply for assistance for storm-damaged wells or septic systems.
Pennsylvania township discusses septic maintenance ordinance
Supervisors in the Lower Towamensing Township in Pennsylvania discussed the adoption of a septic maintenance ordinance that would comply with state environmental guidelines, reported the Times News. Upon adoption, the ordinance would require residents to have their septic systems pumped and inspected by a licensed pumper and provide proof of these services to the town. Supervisors spoke in favor of pumping and inspections every five years, versus three years. Before moving forward with the ordinance, supervisors plan to consult the town’s sewage enforcement officer and discuss the ordinance further.
Adirondack region eligible for state funds to replace, upgrade onsite systems
More homeowners in the Adirondack region of New York will be eligible for state funds to replace or upgrade their septic systems, reported the Adirondack Explorer. The 2024 septic system replacement fund, totaling $30 million statewide, will be allocated to eligible property owners with homes located near vulnerable lakes and tributaries in the Adirondack region and other areas of the state.
In 2023, property owners were eligible for funding for septic systems located near a dozen water bodies in the Lake Champlain and Lake George watershed. Now, the program has expanded to cover over 100 water bodies in the forest preserve. Reimbursement is available for up to 50% of the cost of septic system replacement or upgrades.
Kansas county assists low-income residents with septic repairs
Low-income households in Ellis County, Kansas, are eligible for grants to repair or replace their failing septic systems, reported the Hays Post. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Local Environmental Protection Program awarded a $50,000 grant to the Ellis County Environmental Department to fund the wastewater system program.
North Carolina county’s Septic Repair Program marks 200 system repairs
Haywood County, North Carolina, recently marked a milestone in its Septic Repair Program. Since 2006, the program has provided grants to repair 200 failing septic tanks, reported the Smoky Mountain News. Officials estimated that the repairs have kept Haywood County streams free of up to 72,000 gallons of untreated human waste each day.
Two organizations contribute funding to the county’s Septic Repair Program: Pigeon River Fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the state’s Department of Environmental Quality Section 319 Grant Program.
The Haywood County Environmental Health Department and the Haywood Waterways Association administer the grants. The two organizations also hold an annual septic system educational workshop for homeowners.
Lake of the Ozarks property owners eligible for pumpout reimbursement
Property owners at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, can now apply for $100 reimbursement coupons for septic pumpouts, reported the Lake Expo. The coupons are available for properties in the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance.
To receive reimbursement, property owners must email their paid pumpout receipt to adminasst@lowatershed.org. In addition to the property owner’s name and address, the receipt must show the date of service, number of gallons pumped and payment confirmation.
The funding for pumpouts became available in July when the Region 7 Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources updated the watershed’s management plan.
Oneida County launching onsite septic reimbursement program
Oneida County, New York, received $200,000 to launch a septic system reimbursement program. The Oneida County Health Department is offering 50% reimbursement for the repair or replacement of commercial and residential septic systems, up to $10,000 per applicant, reported the Rome Sentinel.
“Oneida County is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our residents and businesses,” County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said in a media release. “This septic system reimbursement program is a vital step in protecting our environment and supporting the long-term sustainability of our communities. I urge those eligible to apply immediately for this outstanding opportunity.”
To be eligible, homes and businesses must be located in a priority geographic area near one of nearly 20 designated water bodies. New York state identified this area as being critical to reducing the effect of sewage effluent on surface water and groundwater.
Program funding is provided by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation as a result of the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. The septic system reimbursement program ends March 31, 2027, or when the fund is depleted. For more information, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064.
