Partnership Aims To Upgrade Lake George Basin Septic Systems

With millions of dollars being upgraded at the Lake George sewage treatment plant to protect water quality, a new partnership between the local banks and the Lake George FUND aims to modernize old sewage treatment plants in the Lake George Basin.

There is a link between the increase in nutrients loaded into Lake George from septic tanks and an increase in algae in Lake Adirondack, known for its clear waters.

The City of Lake George’s Septic Initiative Program was launched to study on-site wastewater treatment systems throughout the lake. A detailed review was completed through a government grant received by the city and administered by the FUND for Lake George.

Chris Navitsky is the Lake George Waterkeeper.

“Two thirds of the systems have reached or exceeded their expected lifespan, or there is no information about the systems at all. More than 50 percent of the systems have no known records or have never been maintained. Fifty percent of the septic tanks are too small or have no information about their size. However, our research has shown that improvements can be made. “

Jeff Killeen, chairman of Lake George, says he upgraded his 1908 family camp to a four-season home 15 years ago. However, upgrading the sewage system was not easy.

“It was complicated, it was a big job, and frankly I had few resources to advise or help me with this project,” said Killeen.

The FUND’s new partnership with the Adirondack Trust and Glens Falls National aims to make life easier for the owners.

Mark Yrsha is senior vice president of corporate development for Glens Falls National.

“This program is a great way to provide qualified borrowers around the lake with easy access to treatment plant upgrades and improvements.”

Low-interest loans are available, according to Matt Harrison, vice president of home loans at Adirondack Trust.

“We hope to upgrade the lake and we all know that George Lake is so important to our regional economy.”

Those who own camps or homes around Lake George can visit an online resource to learn how they can help protect the lake.

The guide on Safesepticsystems.org has information on everything from understanding how a sewer system works to financing options.

While Lake George has not seen harmful algal blooms, the threat remains for Eric Siy, Lake George’s executive director, according to FUND.

“Poisonous blooms are increasing across the state and beyond. Indeed, it is a global crisis and Lake George is by no means immune to the threat. “

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