Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) Information Sheet
Homeowners who are interested in repairing or replacing their septic systems may wish to apply for WPCLF money. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notified the Darke County Health Department that its $500,000 WPCLF linked deposit project is now available. Through the linked deposit system, local banks can offer interest rates that are as much as 5% below market rates to credit worthy homeowners for the upgrade or replacement of their septic system. Homeowners must live within the Stillwater River Watershed and must install or repair non-discharging systems, such as leach fields or mound systems. Homeowners who are interested may wish to apply.
The following is an outline of this process:
1. If the homeowner has not had a site inspection performed by the Health Department, they will need to complete a site inspection form for an existing home. This form can be obtained at the Health Department.
2. A Sanitarian from the Health Department will then complete a site inspection at
the property to determine what type of septic system can be installed, where it can be located, or if a soil scientist will need to be contacted prior to the site inspection to evaluate the soil for sewage treatment.
3. The homeowner will then need to obtain an estimate from an installer. The estimate must be itemized to include the cost of the septic tank and the cost of the leach field or mound system. The estimate may also include itemization of labor, gravel, equipment, etc. The homeowner must include when the installer will be installing the septic system. An example of this could be Winter 2006 or November 2006. The homeowner can also install the septic system and prepare an estimate. However, they are unable to include labor in the cost of their project. Please note that the homeowner only needs to bring one estimate to the Health Department.
4. The homeowner must then contact the Health Department to set up a time to purchase their
Home Sewage Treatment System permit. The homeowner needs to know who the installer will be at this time and have their estimate with them. Sewage permits are good for one year from the purchase date.
5. Approved applicants may receive the Certificate of Qualification to take with
them to one of three participating lending institutions, provided they purchased their sewage permit and provided an estimate. Upon receipt of a certificate, residents can then apply to a lender for a three or five year linked deposit loan. Like any other loan, each bank has its own criteria to determine who qualifies. Certificates of Qualification are being issued on a first come, first serve basis. The WPCLF program ends when all loans are distributed or December, 2010.
Contact information for participating lending institutions:
Second National Bank, Greenville, Ohio - Contact Dennis Baker at (937) 547-2550
Old National Bank, Union City, Ohio - Contact Bev Lenkensdofer at (937) 968-3141 ext. 74134
Minster State Bank, Minster, Ohio - Contact Jason Wagner at (419) 628-2351
If you have any questions, please contact Liz Farver at (937) 548-4196 ext. 233.
Page last updated: 7/31/2009