In the press...... Funds Available to Fix Septic Systems A properly working septic system is critical for treating household wastewater and protecting streams, rivers, and lakes. Since 2006, Haywood Waterways and the Haywood County Environmental Health Department have worked together to fix 38 failing systems. The repairs have prevented as much as 14,000 gallons per day of untreated human wastewater from flushing into local waterways. As a result, bacteria levels have significantly reduced in several streams. The partnership recently received two more grants to continue the program. They received a $50,000 NC Division of Water Resources 319 Program grant for repairs in the Richland and Raccoon Creek watersheds, and a $30,000 grant from the Pigeon River Fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for all other areas in the county. The partners are currently seeking homeowners who need assistance. Clues of a failing system include slow plumbing, foul odors, excessive grass growth, soggy soil, and standing ground water near the system. When a septic system fails, everything dumped in sinks and toilets can leak into groundwater and waterways, including laundry detergents, cleaning chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The largest concern is human fecal waste. Bacteria and viruses from the human digestive tract can cause ear infections, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, dysentery, and other serious health problems. The partnership has several maintenance recommendations for extending the life of the septic system. The most common problem is overloading the system with excess water. Conserve water by repairing leaky faucets, using low-flow fixtures, and staggering showers and use of kitchen and laundry appliances. Protect the septic drain field. Direct roof drainage and sump pump drains away from the field to prevent soil saturation. Don’t park automobiles or other heavy items over a system; they can crush the drain lines. Plant only grass over the system; tree and shrub roots may clog and damage the tail lines. Don’t dump chemicals that kill the bacteria that purify sewage. These include bleach, disinfectants, paints, solvents, pesticides, antifreeze, antibiotics, medications, anti-bacterial soap, and drain cleaners. Don’t flush hanging toilet cleaners, coffee grounds, cooking oils, and feminine hygiene products. These can clog the system and cause sewage to back up into the house. Regular pumping of the septic tank is the best preventative maintenance. A typical 1,000 gallon tank for a family of four should be pumped about every three years. Pumping prevents solids from clogging the drain lines. Homeowners needing assistance should contact the Environmental Health Department at (828) 452-6682. Grant funds are used to pay 75% of the total repair cost. Projects are prioritized by severity of failure and proximity to a waterway.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 10:42:31 +0000
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