Date: Fri 27-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

septic-loans-grants-sewer

Full Text:

Deadline Set For Septic System Loans And Grants

BY KAAREN VALENTA

Homeowners whose septic systems are failing only have until October 30 to

apply for grants and low-interest loans available through the town's septic

repair program.

So far 19 septic systems have been repaired or are in the process of being

repaired, expending about $233,322 of the $660,000 available from the federal

Clean Water Act, according to Donna M. McCarthy, the Newtown Health District's

director of environmental health.

The $233,322 includes $21,300 in grants and $212,022 in 20-year loans with an

interest rate of 2 percent.

The $660,000 is available through a one-time program which will expire at the

end of October. It became available when voters agreed in August 1996 to use

some of the $34.3 million in sewer bonds to help repair septic systems outside

the town's new sewer district.

Loans are available for 5-, 10-, 15- or 20-year periods at 2 percent interest.

Grants could range up to 10 percent of the repair cost.

"It is our understanding from conversations with DEP (state Department of

Environmental Protection) personnel in the Clean Water Fund Program Division

that the money allocated for the septic repair program is available until

October 30, the date when the Clean Water Fund Agreement with the town is to

be closed," Ms McCarthy said.

Dr Thomas F. Draper, health district medical advisor, said those persons who

have their applications filed by the deadline will be served even if the work

has not been completed.

Under terms of the program, homes must have been built and occupied before

July 1, 1983, to be eligible.

Peter Alagna, chairman of the town's Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA),

said the average septic repair is $10,000 to $12,000. Those property owners

who receive grants or loans must follow WPCA regulations including having

their septic system pumped out periodically.

For more information, contact the health district at 270-4291. The health

district office is located in Canaan House at Fairfield Hills.