State program provides septic system repair funds to eligible homes.
Madison Tromler The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA — Five Northeast Ohio counties, including Lorain, are receiving funding from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Pollution Control Loan Fund to assist homeowners in remedying failing home septic systems.
Lorain, Cuyahoga and three other counties each are receiving $200,000 to $300,000 in principal forgiveness loans and eligible homeowners will receive 100 percent, 85 percent or a 50 percent share in principal forgiveness based on their household income.
Counties will identify households with failing sewage systems and Ohio EPA will make the money available to repair septic systems, replace systems or fix the connection to the sewer to stop untreated sewage from contaminating streams and groundwater.
“We are excited to see applications coming in, and we feel that many people can be assisted in this program,” said health educator Kate Bevan of the health district.
“Public health is all about prevention.
We recognize that by assisting these repairs we are able to prevent public health issues from happening.” When the application comes in, the health district will evaluate the septic system and work with the homeowner to see what must be done.
It then will contact a contractor.
Residents with any questions can call the health district at (440) 322-6367.
Contact Madison Tromler at 329-7155 or ctnews@chroniclet.com.