Septic Maintenance Program expanded in Watershed

MARGARETVILLE, NY, Dec. 9, 2005 - A program that pays half of the cost of inspecting and pumping out residential septic systems in the Catskill-Delaware Watershed has been expanded.

The program, administered by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), now applies to all new or replacement residential systems installed since Jan. 21, 1997 that are at least three years old. Property owners who are eligible will soon receive a letter from the CWC explaining the program.

Original program rules offered inspections and pumpouts only to homeowners whose systems had been replaced under the CWC’s Septic Rehabilitation and Replacement Program. The rule change extending this routine maintenance of on-site septic systems to all homeowners who were issued septic construction approval from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection since Jan. 21, 1997 was adopted by the CWC Board of Directors November 29.

To participate in the program, property owners may contract with any licensed septage hauler and arrange to have their tank pumped out. An inspection check list must be filled out and signed by the hauler. The homeowner pays the hauler, and returns the checklist to the CWC, along with a reimbursement form, contractor's invoice and proof of payment (contractor's receipt or cancelled check).

The CWC does not pay for enzyme treatments, system additives or sales tax.For more information and the required forms, contact Larry Kelly at the CWC, 845-586-1400, Ext. 15.