Date: Fri 01-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

sewer-septic-repair

Full Text:

Engineers Review Applications For Septic Repair Program

The town's consulting engineers are reviewing the applications of property

owners who want to participate in a government subsidy program designed to

help them repair their failing septic systems lying outside the sewer

district.

Town Health Director Mark Cooper has informed the Water Pollution Control

Authority (WPCA) that 11 applications meet program rules.

Also, another two applications were made to repair septic systems of marginal

quality, according to Mr Cooper. Those two septic systems may potentially

fail, according to WPCA Chairman Peter Alagna.

Also, another two applications involve septic system problems, which only

could be solved by building "community " septic systems which would serve many

homes. The septic system repair program is intended to make repairs to

individual failing systems, not groups of systems.

Mr Alagna said financial aid might be designated for the two systems that

might potentially fail, if sufficient funds remain after the 11 other systems

are repaired.

Voters at an August town meeting approved using some of the town's $34.3

million in sewer bond money to help repair failing septic systems located

outside the sewer district where such repairs will provide a permanent

groundwater pollution solution, and thus avoid the need for sewers.

The program provides subsidized federal loans and some small grants. Grants

could range up to 10 percent of a septic system's repair cost. The average

cost to repair a failing septic system is estimated at $10,000 to $12,000. The

smallest amount which will be loaned is $2,000. The largest amount will be

$20,000.

Those property owners helped by the program will follow the WPCA's rules and

regulations, including having their septic tanks pumped out periodically.

Program participants will be provided with loans at a two percent subsidized

interest rate. The loans could be repaid across 5-, 10-, 15-, or 20-year

terms. To be covered by the septic system repair program, the affected houses

must have been occupied before July 1, 1983.

The town is eligible to receive up to $660,000 from the federal government for

the program. The money comes from the federal Clean Water Fund, money which

typically is used for sewer system construction.