Septic tanks must be professionally maintained to operate correctly and preserve our environment. They should be emptied every 2 years for year-round residents and every 3 years for part-time residents.
Leakage from a poorly maintained or damaged septic system can stimulate weed growth in the Lake and pollute the waters.
Many household chemicals, if emptied down drains or toilets, can damage the operating efficiency of septic systems. Paint and varnish removers containing ethanol, toluene and methylene chloride; motor oil additives containing petroleum distillates; household cleansers containing phenylphenol or petroleum naptha are just some of the items that should not be disposed of in septic systems.
NYS DEC’s has a septic tank matching grant program for septic systems in disrepair. They will pay up to 50% of the repair up to $25,000. Details of the program and application can be found at https://www.efc.ny.gov/EOH.
There has been some confusion about the eligibility criteria, since different regions of the watershed have slightly different criteria. Lake Sagamore is in the Boyd’s Corner section, and here are the main eligibility criteria:
- Property must be owner’s primary residence; provide copy of deed and driver’s license (or other ID indicating primary residence).
- Property must be a one or two family residential building.
- The septic system must have been constructed on or before November 2, 1995.
Septic system must be determined to be in failure or reasonably likely to fail. Do you have an open Notice of Violation from the County Health Department or NYCDEP? Also acceptable would be an inspection report from a licensed septic contractor.
There is no a Hardship Criteria for the Boyd Corners Basin (i.e., no maximum or minimum income to qualify for grant).
If you know anyone in the area who might need septic tank repair, they can contact the program with their address to confirm that their property is within the target area as a first step.
Below is the contact person at the septic grant program for more information.
Lynn Catizone
Program Specialist
NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation
625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207-2997
518.486.9267 (p) | 518.486.9323 (f)
lynn.catizone@efc.ny.gov