After months of public pushback, the Southern Nevada Health District withdrew its unpopular proposal to update septic regulations and fees, multiple news outlets reported. The Board of Health unanimously voted to withdraw the septic proposals and maintain the existing rules and fees.
Health officials originally proposed a five-year mandate for a septic permit costing $226 and septic inspections every five years. Homeowners with failing septic systems would be required to connect to a sewer line, estimated to cost $40,000-$100,000.
A crowd of approximately 1,000 residents attended a community outreach and informational meeting in February to voice opposition to the proposed changes. The venue couldn’t accommodate the crowd and the online version of the meeting wasn’t working, so the health district abruptly ended the meeting, which had turned chaotic.
In a statement, the Chair of the Southern Nevada Health District said public input directly shaped the board’s decision.
Alabama expands grant program for septic upgrades
Alabama legislators introduced a bipartisan bill to help homeowners install or upgrade their septic systems, multiple media outlets reported. The Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act would expand the existing USDA Rural Decentralized Water Systems Program. The program provides funding to low-income and mid-income households for septic upgrades and installation.
The proposed legislation aims to extend the current septic system grant program through 2031, offer loans and grants to low-income and moderate-income households, and increase the maximum awards from $15,000 to $20,000.
La Plata County issues new regulations to comply with Colorado’s Regulation 43
New septic regulations that align with Colorado’s Regulation 43 took effect in March in La Plata County, Colorado, The Durango Herald reported. Homeowners and contractors planning to install or upgrade a septic system are encouraged to contact the La Plata County Public Health Department to confirm that their plans comply with the recent updates.
Under the new regulations, design, siting, inspection and documentation procedures must follow the current Regulation 43 state requirements.
The newly adopted county regulations also affect real estate sales. The former Transfer of Title Program is now called the Continued Use Permit Program. The program ensures that septic systems are inspected and compliant before a property is transferred.
Florida counties launch septic upgrade incentive programs
Hernando County Government announced the launch of the Hernando County Septic Upgrade Incentive Program in Florida, multiple media outlets reported. The program offers incentives to homeowners who install enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic systems in the Weeki Wachee Springs Priority Focus Area.
Eligible homeowners can earn up to $7,500 for a septic upgrade performed by certified septic system installers and licensed plumbers. Only 132 systems will be accepted for the program. Applications are available on the Hernando County website.
Homeowners living near Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs in Orange County, Florida, may also qualify for incentives to replace or update their septic systems, The Apopka Voice reported. Orange County’s Septic Upgrade Incentive Program offers up to $10,000 per household for septic upgrades to reduce nitrogen pollution. Program information and eligibility requirements are available on the Orange County website.
Volusia County approves funding for septic upgrades
The Volusia County Council in Florida approved $375,000 in funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to help homeowners upgrade their septic systems, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported. The funding will help homeowners in the DeLeon Springs area upgrade conventional septic systems to enhanced nitrogen-reducing treatment systems.
Owners of a single-family home, two-family home or a mobile home may be eligible for rebates of up to $14,000 for each septic system upgrade. Before the septic upgrades begin, Volusia County must approve the contractors and the Florida Department of Health must issue permits.
Michigan Senate committee considers statewide septic code
The Senate Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee in Michigan heard testimony regarding a statewide septic code, Michigan Public Radio reported. Senate Bill 771 would create a statewide database of septic systems, require periodic septic tank evaluations and direct the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to develop state septic standards within three years.
Proponents of the legislation expressed support of an evaluation system since many septic systems are past their intended lifespans and may pose a threat to the environment and public health.
Opponents emphasized the need for state funds to support low-income or fixed-income residents who may be required to upgrade their systems. Opponents also expressed concern about overburdening local health departments with additional responsibilities without providing additional funding.
The Senate committee will decide whether to advance the bill to the full Senate.
Polk County launches grant program to help replace failing systems
Polk County Environmental Services in Minnesota launched a cost-share grant program to help homeowners fix or replace failing septic systems, Thief River Falls Times reported. Cost-share grants of up to $12,000 are available to eligible homeowners. The grants cover 60%-80% of septic installation costs.
To be eligible for the grant program, homeowners must live in the home and meet income guidelines. Funding will be prioritized based on the condition of the septic system, proximity to bodies of water, and the homeowner’s income.
The grant program is funded by the Minnesota Clean Water Legacy Act. Grant applications, due May 8, are available on the Polk County website.
Missouri county adds new septic rules to protect groundwater
McDonald County Commissioners in Missouri added two new rules to the county’s wastewater ordinance, multiple news outlets reported.
One of the rules prohibits the installation of septic systems on lots smaller than 92-hundredths of an acre. The other rule prohibits residents from connecting more than one home, RV or commercial building to a single septic system. Thus, multiple RVs cannot be connected to one system that is designed for a single-family home.
Commissioners adopted the rules to protect groundwater quality and public health and to avoid overloading onsite wastewater systems.
New regulation in Flathead County allows gravity-fed septic systems
Flathead County Commissioners in Montana adopted new septic regulations that allow gravity-fed septic systems, multiple media outlets reported. Although county officials said they still favor pressurized systems, they recognized a need to give property owners additional options.
The commissioners adopted the regulations based on a recommendation from the Flathead City-County Health Board. The Health Board spent 18 months evaluating the county’s existing septic regulations and Montana Department of Environmental Quality standards before forwarding a proposal to commissioners. The state of Montana allows gravity-fed systems.
At a public hearing, numerous speakers expressed their opposition to the proposal, and commissioners spent 90 minutes reviewing written comments. More than 75 written and spoken comments were submitted in opposition to gravity systems.
Prior to the regulation change, Flathead County had allowed only pressurized septic systems since 2004.
Interest-free loans offered to repair septic systems in New York City Watershed
The city of New York’s East of Hudson Water Quality Improvement Program is offering interest-free loans of up to $49,999 to help homeowners and small business owners repair or replace their septic systems or connect to sewer, Mid Hudson News reported. The $3.5 million program covers eight counties and more than 2,000 square miles in the New York City Watershed.
Virginia program offers reimbursement for septic pumpouts and repairs
Residents in Cumberland County, Virginia, may be eligible for free septic pumpouts and septic repairs, The Farmville Herald reported. The Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District is offering 100% reimbursement, with a maximum of $550 per property.
In addition, residents in Buckingham County and Prince Edward County may be eligible for 50% to 80% reimbursement depending on their proximity to the Slate River and Rock Island Creek Watershed.
The National Fish and Wildlife Federation, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and local organizations are funding the reimbursement programs. More information is available at the Peter Francisco SWCD website.
Rhode Island town continues successful septic system loan program
The Jamestown Town Council in Rhode Island entered into its third round of the Community Septic System Loan program by approving a loan agreement with a local bank, The Jamestown Press reported. The town offers low-interest loans of up to $40,000 per property for residents to replace failing septic systems. Since 2004, the septic loan program has provided 22 loans and recorded a 100% repayment rate.
