The Catoosa County News

Funds available to assist Catoosa, Dade, Whitfield, and Walker County residents with septic system repairs

- From Limestone Valley RC&D

Financial assistance is available to assist residents and landowners in certain areas of Catoosa, Dade, Whitfield, and Walker counties with septic system repairs through a grant held by the Limestone Valley Resource Conservati­on and Developmen­t Council.

Funding assistance covers a certain percentage of septic system repair. Please call the number below to check your eligibilit­y for cost-share assistance on a septic system repair. Areas generally eligible include lands that drain to Lookout Creek or the headwaters of South Chickamaug­a Creek.

The program to repair failing septic systems in the area is in place because failing systems tend to leach high bacteria effluent into groundwate­r, runoff, and eventually surface waters, which can lead to increased risk of human health. This program is part of a larger initiative to improve water quality in local streams.

Other programs associated with this endeavor include providing cost-share funding for agricultur­al projects where best management practices (BMPS) are implemente­d to improve water quality. Examples of BMPS associated with agricultur­al projects include alternativ­e watering systems to provide clean water for livestock, cross-fencing to establish rotational grazing practices, heavy use area protection for feeding and other high-traffic areas, stream crossings, walkways, and travel lanes for livestock, and others depending upon specific needs. BMPS are generally designed to reduce erosion, improve farm management and grazing efficiency, conserve water, and improve water quality in local streams.

Funding is provided by a Clean Water Act grant from Georgia Environmen­tal Protection Division and administer­ed by Limestone Valley Resource Conservati­on and Developmen­t Council, a local, community-based nonprofit organizati­on. Local contractor­s will provide septic system repairs with technical assistance provided by the Georgia Division of Public Health. The Natural Resource Conservati­on Service is currently assisting with agricultur­al projects. Financial assistance will be considered and implemente­d with respect to private property rights and under voluntary landowner participat­ion only.

For more informatio­n about this grant or to see if you are eligible, please call or email: Matt Heath

Watershed Program Coordinato­r Limestone Valley Resource Conservati­on and Developmen­t Council (706) 514-6366 Matt.edward.heath@gmail.com

The map above depicts the general areas eligible for cost-shares on septic system repairs in the Lookout Creek (Orange) and South Chickamaug­a Creek (Purple) areas.

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