The town of Nags Head in Dare County, North Carolina, will receive $500,000 in Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds for septic system improvements, multiple media outlets reported. The funding is to be used to repair or replace approximately 400 failing septic systems. The loans are part of the state’s $265 million commitment to 99 drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in 45 different counties in
North Carolina.
Massachusetts new ADU policy goes into effect
Massachusetts now has an alternative housing option to address the state’s housing crisis. Homeowners in Massachusetts now can build small, independent living spaces on their properties, The Greenfield Recorder reported. Gov. Maura Healey signed the Accessory Dwelling Units law in August 2024, and the law took effect in February.
An ADU provides housing for renters, vacationers and family members. Aging parents and adult children can move out of a primary residence, yet still live close by in an ADU. An ADU must have its own entrance. It can’t be larger than half of the principal residence and no larger than 900 square feet. Property owners can create an ADU as an addition to their home, as a separate building, or by converting part of their home.
The ADU policy applies to 350 municipalities in the state, but not Boston, which is pursuing its own policy. Municipalities regulate ADUs, including their size, septic systems, setbacks and site plans.
Minnesota county ordinance for short-term rentals includes compliant onsite systems
Cass County, Minnesota, adopted an ordinance and licensing program for short-term rentals, The Pilot-Independent reported. Cass County is home to Leech Lake, a popular fishing destination. One requirement of the new ordinance is a compliant septic system. Short-term rentals include homes, condos, cabins or other buildings with sleeping quarters that are rented for fewer than 30 days at a time.
New septic regulations around Lake Sunapee require pumping, inspection
New septic regulations took effect in Newbury, New Hampshire, reported The Eagle Times. The new regulations require septic pumping and inspection every three years for properties located in the Lake Sunapee Watershed. Newbury follows three other towns bordering Lake Sunapee that enacted similar regulations earlier this year.
Lake George Association continues grant program to replace failing systems
Applications are now being accepted for the Lake Impact Fund grant program offered by the Lake George Association in New York. The Adirondack Almanack reported that grants of up to $10,000 are available to help residents replace failing septic systems. Grants are based on income and environmental impact. The Lake George Association issued nine wastewater improvement grants and 14 septic engineering grants in 2024.
Foundation presents funds for septic program on Gwynn’s Island, Virginia
Low-income homeowners on Gwynn’s Island, Virginia, may be eligible for financial assistance to repair or replace a failing septic system, reported the Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal. The Mathews Community Foundation presented $9,000 to Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, to be used for septic system upgrades. The MPPDC On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Funding Program will manage the septic program.
