319 Sewage Grant Project

"Working with the Stillwater River Watershed

 Project to protect our water resources."
 

Picture of Amanda Baker (Former Secretary) & Ginger Gehret (project sanitarian)

The 319 Grant has been completed for the Stillwater River Watershed; however, Low Interest Loan Fund money is still available to qualifying applicants.

Map of Stillwater River Watershed

Frequently Asked Questions About the 319 Grant

 Homeowner letter

Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Application

Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Information

Field workers are now mapping septic systems located outside of the watershed.

Field Work

Goal of Project:  To reduce non-point source pollution of the Stillwater River Watershed from failing septic systems by identifying failing septic systems, upgrading failing systems, and increasing homeowner knowledge of their septic system.

§        The Darke County Health Department, with the support of the Stillwater River Watershed Project, received a 319 Grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for onsite sewage systems in Darke County.  The grant helped educate homeowners on septic system maintenance and ways to reduce pollution in the Stillwater River Watershed. 

§        The Ohio EPA 1994 Nonpoint Source Assessment showed that 57% of the stream miles within the watershed were impaired, and septic systems were identified as a “source of known or suspected impact.”  The Stillwater River Protection Project also identified failing septic systems as a potential source of pollution in the watershed. 

§        In 1994, it was estimated that 53% of the homes within Darke County were built prior to 1949.  Therefore, many of these homes may not have much of anything in regard to septic system treatment. 

§        Letters were mailed to Darke County homeowners who live within the Stillwater River Watershed informing them that a project representative would be visiting their property and gathering information on their septic systems.  Areas within the watershed that have the highest pollution rating due to septic systems were inventoried first.

§        A project representative inventoried/mapped the septic tank and well locations using a Global Positioning System (GPS).  Information about the septic systems was computerized so homeowners, realtors, bankers, and potential buyers, will be able to locate and quickly access the data.

§        Septic tank permits on file with the Health Department, which have been required since 1953, lack addresses and were matched with their respective septic systems.  If a permit is on file, it was given to the homeowner when their property was visited.

§        Information on septic systems and septic tank maintenance was given to homeowners when their property was visited and information was displayed on the Health Department’s website.

§        Pollution was reduced in the watershed by preventing failing septic systems.  The intent of this project was not for enforcement, however, if a septic system was found polluting the watershed the system it will need to be brought into compliance.

§        The grant encouraged homeowners to install risers on their septic systems.  Risers have been required by law since 1977.  Risers were provided on a first come, first served basis to homeowners within the watershed who had their tanks pumped and also filled out a “319 Grant – Septic System Riser Application.”  Risers help locate the septic system, eliminate digging to get to the tank, and keeps owners more aware of their system and its maintenance needs. 
 

§         The grant allowed some homeowners to receive federal match money to repair or replace failing septic systems and informed them of the Ohio Water Pollution Loan Fund (WPCLF) where homeowners may receive low interest loans to repair or replace their failing septic system. 

Please contact the Darke County Health Department at (937) 548-4196 extension 233 with any questions, concerns, or to set up an appointment to speak with one of our representatives.  Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

E-mail a Project Representative

Last Revised: 11/5/2007

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