A-NPDC Program Offers Free Septic Pump-Outs to Those With Low to Moderate Incomes

Many areas where septic tank repair and replacement can be funded under the A-NPDC East Coast Septic Tank Pumping Program are within the colored lines above. The Kings Creek watershed, which includes much of Cheriton, is also eligible. A-NPDC images.

By Stefanie Jackson – The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission (A-NPDC) is seeking applicants for the Eastern Shore Septic Pump-Out program.

A successful applicant can pump out a wastewater treatment plant for free or receive assistance with the cost of repairing or replacing the wastewater treatment plant, depending on the applicant’s location, income and other factors.

The program is made possible by funding from the Virginia Department of Environment to Improve the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and actions under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s implementation plan for water quality for streams with bacterial levels above recommended levels.

The program consists of two parts. Low- and middle-income families who own their homes and live in Accomack or Northampton Counties on the Chesapeake Bay watershed can apply for the free septic tank drainage service.

The household income limit for this benefit is less than 80% of the median area income, or less than approximately $ 40,000 per year.

The second part of the program applies only to homes in certain areas of Northampton County – homes in the Hungars Creek, Jacobus Creek, Mattawoman Creek, Barlow Creek, Golf, and Kings Creek watersheds.

Primary residences, secondary residences, and rental homes qualify as long as the applicant is the homeowner who can apply for septic tank pumping, inspection, and repair or replacement. Applicants can receive shared-cost support based on income.

An applicant with an annual income greater than 120% of median income or greater than approximately $ 70,000 may receive a 50% expense share without providing an income statement.

Northampton County Supervisor John Coker recommended the program during a recent supervisor meeting attended by Bobbie Jo Wert, Director of Housing at A-NPDC.

“We need people to pump out their septic tanks, and if we can do them for free, why not?” Asked Coker.

The Virginia Department of Health recommends pumping septic tanks out of the house every three to five years.

The A-NPDC program is particularly useful for applicants who qualify for septic tank replacement. A new sewer system can cost up to $ 30,000, according to Wert.

If a homeowner is unsure whether the property is in a qualified location, the homeowner can call Wert or A-NPDC Planning Director Shannon Alexander to look up the residential address before beginning the application process.

The Eastern Shore Septic Pump-Out program has limited funding and is available to qualified applicants subject to availability.

For more information, call 757-787-2800 www.a-npdc.orgor send an email to [email protected]

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