By CHAD COOPER
Residents in the Knox and Papaw watersheds now have an opportunity to receive financial assistance for septic system maintenance and repairs through a new grant program aimed at improving local water quality.
The Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District has officially opened the application process for a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality-funded septic system cost-share program that will help eligible homeowners pay for septic system pump-outs, repairs and replacements.
Jeanne Presley, who is coordinating the program for the district, said more than $200,000 in grant funding is available to assist residents in the two watersheds.
The funding is part of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Implementation Plan, which is designed to reduce pollution and improve water quality in streams where bacteria levels, particularly E. coli, have exceeded Virginia water quality standards.
“This grant has been a long time coming,” Presley said. “We’re excited to finally begin helping residents. The application process is very simple, and we encourage anyone living in the Knox or Papaw watersheds to contact us to see if they qualify.”
The program is available to all residential property owners within the eligible watersheds, regardless of income. Participants may receive reimbursement for 50% of approved project costs, while qualifying low-income homeowners may receive up to 90% reimbursement.
Eligible projects include septic system pump-outs, inspections, repairs and complete replacements. District officials said routine pump-outs and inspections can help extend the life of septic systems and identify problems before costly failures occur.
If inspections reveal additional repairs are needed, homeowners may still qualify for assistance through the program.
Applications must be submitted and approved before any work begins. Officials warned that work completed before approval may not be eligible for reimbursement.
The conservation district also offers free assistance to help property owners assess the condition of their septic systems and determine what work may be needed. Once approved work has been completed, reimbursement payments are processed promptly.
District officials said the voluntary program benefits both homeowners and the environment by helping ensure septic systems are functioning properly, protecting groundwater and nearby streams, and maintaining property values.
Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District board member Bobby Looney praised the program and its potential impact on the community.
“This is one of the greatest things that has happened for the Hurley area in a long time,” Looney said.
Residents who live in the Knox or Papaw watersheds and would like to learn more or apply for the program are encouraged to contact Jeanne Presley at the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District by calling 276-935-7750 or emailing [email protected].
Funding for the program was provided through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
