MountainTrue and DHHS partner on program to repair failing septic systems

Buncombe and Henderson counties, NC – MountainTrue works with them North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide septic repair grants to eligible property owners in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Residential properties that are not located near cities or communities are likely to have on-site sewage treatment plants. Problems with septic systems usually arise as the systems age or when maintenance is neglected. Eligible property owners can review eligibility requirements and apply for the repair program at https://mountaintrue.org/septic-repair-application/.

“Leaky sewer systems can endanger public health by contaminating local waterways with harmful bacteria,” said Gray Jernigan, associate director and general counsel for MountainTrue. “All too often, homeowners don’t have the resources to fix the problem or have higher-priority household expenses. MountainTrue is excited to support DHHS in distributing these funds to those who need them most to support healthy public waters and communities.”

According to French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson, leaking and failing sewage systems are a significant source of bacterial pollution and other pathogens throughout the French Broad River watershed. Fixing a broken sewage system can be prohibitively expensive, but on-site sewage systems offer many benefits when used properly. Proper use reduces the risk of disease and exposure to harmful pathogens by treating wastewater before it enters surface drinking water sources or recreational waters. Distributed waste systems also reduce infrastructure and energy costs that communities would otherwise spend on collecting and treating wastewater.

Here are nine important practices to keep in mind when maintaining your own septic system:

  1. Don’t overload your system with water. Save water by avoiding overuse and fixing leaky pipes and dripping faucets.

  2. Have solids pumped out of your septic tank every three to five years. Maintenance schedules depend on tank size and number of users.

  3. Keep the soil above the drain field covered with grass or other shallow-rooted plants to prevent erosion. Deep roots can clog systems. Maintain a healthy grass cover to prevent erosion and excessive water or puddle intrusion.

  4. Do not drive onto or otherwise compact the soil above the drainage field.

  5. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Sewage treatment plants are not designed to treat animal waste.

  6. Do not use toilet cleaners that are left hanging in the tank, as these can attack the inside of your toilet.

  7. If possible, avoid your garbage collection. Do not dump coffee grounds, grease, oils, or grease down drains.

  8. Do not use harsh household cleaners or throw other toxic chemicals such as bleach, paint, solvents or pesticides down the drain.

  9. Learn the signs of a malfunctioning or failing system. Backed up water in drains or toilets, unusually green vegetation, damp areas over the drain field, and a foul odor can all indicate a system failure.

About MountainTrue

MountainTrue is committed to resilient forests, clean water and healthy communities. We are committed to ensuring that our mountain region remains a beautiful place to live, work and play. Our members protect our forests, clean up our rivers, plan vibrant and livable communities and work towards a healthy and sustainable future for all. MountainTrue operates in the Broad, French Broad, Green, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee, New and Watauga watersheds and is home to the Broad Riverkeeper, French Broad Riverkeeper, Green Riverkeeper and Watauga Riverkeeper.

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