Septic System Replacement Fund Program

About the program

The Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 established the State Septic System Replacement Fund, a pivotal initiative addressing environmental and public health concerns associated with failing septic systems. Designed to alleviate the impact on groundwater quality used for drinking water or threatened/impaired water bodies, the Program for Septic System Replacement Funding extends financial assistance to homeowners through grants. This funding facilitates the replacement of existing systems by covering up to 50% of eligible septic system project costs, with a maximum reimbursement cap set at $10,000. This strategic approach aims to mitigate quantifiable environmental risks and enhance the overall well-being of affected communities while encouraging sustainable water management practices.

An eligible septic system project is defined as the comprehensive replacement of a failing septic system, encompassing the installation, replacement, or upgrade of septic system components that may be negatively impacting a priority geographic area. The identification of priority geographic areas eligible for property owner participation is determined based on certain criteria’s, including:

• The critical presence of a sole-source aquifer essential for providing drinking water.
• Recognition of water quality impairment linked to failing septic systems.
• Evaluation of the potential effectiveness of septic system upgrades in mitigating water quality impairments

Furthermore, it includes the implementation of enhanced treatment technologies aimed at substantial and measurable reduction of environmental and/or public health impacts linked to effluent discharge from a septic system. This reduction is specifically targeted towards groundwater utilized for drinking water purposes or directed to a threatened or impaired waterbody situated within a designated Priority Geographic Area.

What properties would be considered for funding?

Residential and small commercial (flows less than 1000 gallons per day) properties with septic systems within 250 feet of specified water bodies, experiencing failure or deemed Reasonably likely to fail systems, qualify for program participation. If the septic systems are located beyond 250 feet but are failing or are Reasonably Likely to Fail, eligibility may still be considered. The participating county will assess whether the existing septic system has the potential to adversely impact any listed water body, determining eligibility for the program.

When conducting a septic inspection, the identification of certain conditions serves as an indication that the septic system is failing.  Signs of concern include overloaded and/or clogged absorption areas such as seepage pits, leach fields, or sand filters. Instances of sewage backup into the facility served by the system due to an overloaded and/or clogged leach field, seepage pit, or sand filter are also key indicators. Moreover, discharge of effluent directly or indirectly to the ground surface, the absence of a separate tank component for primary solids separation, and the need for septic tank pumping four times a year are among the identified conditions warranting attention.

Additionally, component deficiencies encompass issues such as septic tanks showing signs of deterioration, cracked or structurally unsound tanks indicating infiltration or exfiltration risks, uneven distribution boxes, cracked or opened service lines, malfunctioning pretreatment units, and deterioration or improper installation of other system components. Location deficiencies include absorption areas extending within two feet of the seasonal high groundwater level, proximity to individual wells or public water supplies, and placement within specific distances from water bodies. Addressing these identified conditions is vital for ensuring the effective functioning of septic systems and may involve replacement with enhanced treatment technology when required.

List of priority water bodies in Erie County

What are the covered costs?

• Design and installation costs
• Costs of the system
• System components
• Enhanced treatment technologies
• Design costs (limited only to work needed to complete approved design)

What costs are not covered?

• Routine maintenance such as pump out of a septic tank
• Expenses that are not appropriately documented
• Government permit fee
• Interest and late fees
• Fines and penalties
• Sales tax payment
• Non-essential site beautification or interior plumbing changes
• Administrative work conducted by the engineer
• Construction observation by the engineer if the engineer, or an entity owned, controlled by or employing the engineer, is also conducting the repair or replacement

How do I determine if my septic system would qualify for funding?

To determine if your septic system replacement would qualify for funding, please complete the Septic Replacement Fund Application and submit it to jennifer.delaney@erie.gov.  The Department will review the information provided and determine if your septic system is located within 250 ft of one of the priority water bodies listed above. If your system is within 250 ft, a Department representative will call to schedule an appointment to complete a dye test and visual inspection to verify that your system is in failure.  If it is determined that your system is in failure you will be required to submit a Construction Permit for an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System for Existing Residential Lots Application. There is a fee of $300 for the Construction permit.  A Department representative will then schedule a second site visit to perform a site inspection prior to issuing specifications for a new system.

How do I apply for the program?

Apply here for the Septic System Replacement Fund Program