Oceanfront property owners in North Carolina voiced concerns about the potential unintended consequences of proposed septic regulations for erosion-prone ocean hazard areas, the Island Free Press reported.
The proposed policies, intended to regulate septic systems in or beside the surf, might inadvertently apply to properties hundreds of feet from the ocean. In addition, the proposed regulations may apply to properties where septic systems aren’t threatened because of their location behind a substantial nourished beach or reconstructed dune.
In response, the North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission asked the Division of Coastal Management staff to draft a more narrowly focused septic system regulation proposal. The septic policies are being developed to address storm monitoring, septic failures, erosion, infrastructure vulnerability, and coastal permitting along the Outer Banks.
Suffolk County online portal provides information on Septic Improvement Grant Program
Suffolk County, New York, launched an online portal for residents to access information regarding the Suffolk County Septic Improvement Grant Program, TBR News Media reported. Residents can check their eligibility for grants, apply, and submit documents at suffolkcountyny.gov/septicgrants.
Eligible property owners may qualify for up to $25,000 from the New York State Septic System Replacement Program and $20,000 from the Suffolk County Septic Improvement Grant Program. The grants help cover the cost of installing Innovative/Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.
The grant program prioritizes funding for properties with failing septic systems.
Alachua County providing rebates for septic upgrades to meet new rules
Property owners in Alachua County, Florida, may be eligible for rebates of up to $16,000 to upgrade their septic systems to meet new septic rules, multiple new outlets reported. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is providing the rebates through the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department. Eligible homeowners can earn rebates to upgrade their septic systems to enhanced nutrient reducing septic systems.
The nitrogen-reducing systems are now required for existing and new septic systems within the Silver Basin (upgrades are due by 2046). ENR septic systems also are required for new septic systems within the Santa Fe Priority Focus Area. In addition, ENR systems are required for lots of 1 acre or smaller in the Santa Fe Basin outside the Priority Focus Area and in the Orange Creek Basin.
Individuals can learn more and apply for rebates by visiting the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department website.
Limestone Valley council offers financial assistance to repair failing septic systems
The Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council in Georgia is offering financial assistance to property owners for the repair of failing septic systems, News Channel 9 reported. Limestone Valley will reimburse eligible property owners along the Chattanooga Creek watershed in Walker County up to 60% of their repair costs. More information is available on the Limestone Valley website.
Septic repair program provides assistance in Louisiana watershed area
Homeowners living in select areas of Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in Louisiana may be eligible for financial assistance to upgrade their septic systems and cesspools, WBRZ reported.
The septic repair program covers the Bayou Lafourche and Folse Watershed. Property owners may be eligible for $2,000-$4,000 to repair or replace existing septic systems. The program also covers septic pumpout expenses for eligible participants.
The program is a collaboration between the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, South Central Planning and Development Commission, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, and the Environmental Planning Agency.
New York county provides funds to assist with septic system upgrades
State funds may cover up to 50% of the cost of septic system upgrades for eligible homeowners in Wyoming County, New York, The Daily News reported. Homeowners in high priority areas can receive up to $10,000 to replace a cesspool with a septic system; install, replace, or upgrade a septic system; or install enhanced treatment technologies. For more information, contact the Wyoming County Public Health Department.
New Shoreham updates its septic loan program
The New Shoreham Town Council in Rhode Island has updated its septic loan program, Uprise RI reported. In August, the Council established a $300,000 non-restoring line of credit and raised the loan maximum from $25,000 to $40,000.
New Shoreham partners with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to offer zero-interest or low-interest loans to homeowners to assist with the repair or replacement of failing septic systems. The town started the loan program in 2002 and has issued approximately 35 loans over the years, with no defaults.
Niagara County accepting grant applications for septic repair and replacement
The Niagara County Department of Health in New York is accepting applications for septic system repair and replacement grants, multiple news outlets reported. New York’s septic system replacement fund is issuing grants to eligible residential and commercial property owners with properties located within 250 feet of designated waterbodies. Awards are capped at 50% of project costs, for a maximum of $10,000.
Information regarding the application process and eligibility requirements is available at the Niagara County website.
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