Friday Night Dialogue at Shelter Island Library: Septic grants and how to apply for them

Flowers grow next to a state-of-the-art nitrogen-reducing septic system on a property on Midway Road. (Photo courtesy)

OK, you've read all about the impact of old, inefficient wastewater treatment plants on the environment, especially the bays and streams.

You've done your homework and decided to upgrade. What happens next? What does the project involve? How much are the costs? What subsidies are there? What information is needed to apply and how long can the process take?

All of these questions and more will be answered when the Shelter Island Public Library Friday Night Dialogues on Friday, October 4, at 7 p.m. in the Nature Conservancy Education Building at Mashomack Preserve, led by “Septic Grants and How to Apply for Them.” “Septic Grants and How to Apply for Them” features Shelter Island Deputy Director Meg Larsen.

Ms. Larsen understands why septic tank upgrades are needed, what actually goes into the ground, and, perhaps most daunting of all, shows how to wind your way through the grant application process that, when completed, ultimately ends up being most, if not all, of the grant application process could cover the entire cost of this project.

“This will be largely a question and answer session following a short presentation explaining how innovative/alternative (I/A) waste treatment systems reduce nitrate levels, but also clarifying current perceptions of their effectiveness,” said Ms. Larsen. “I can answer virtually any question the public may have, from grant applications to permitting to installation and reimbursement.”

Local, county and state officials are sounding increasingly frequent and forceful alarms about nitrate pollution, but they have also stepped up efforts to provide necessary resources.

To register, call the Shelter Island Public Library at 631-749-0042 or visit silibrary.org. You can also contact Ms. Larsen directly at [email protected].

Next: “Externship: Career Opportunities Within the Community” with Jimbo Theinert, which will be presented on Friday, October 18th.