A new round of grant funding could help some Walker County homeowners tackle the costly and messy problem of a failing septic system.
The Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council has secured $268,000 to help property owners within the Chattanooga Creek watershed repair failing septic systems over the next three years.
Through the program, eligible homeowners can be reimbursed for 60% of the cost of septic system repairs.
“I’m thrilled that we have, you know, good money available to help people because septic repairs, they’re costly and they’re also one of those things that for quality of life, you want the grandkids playing in a yard that doesn’t go squish, squish, squish,” Limestone Valley Executive Director Stephen Bontekoe said.
The Chattanooga Creek watershed covers portions of Rossville, Flintstone, High Point and Lookout Mountain.
Homeowners interested in the program can begin by using an online map provided by Limestone Valley to determine whether their property is located within the grant area.
“It will tell you if you are in the area where there’s grant money available,” Bontekoe said.
Those who qualify will work with the program’s project manager to obtain a permit from the health department and enter into a contract with Limestone Valley.
A contractor will then provide an estimate and complete the necessary repairs. Once the work is finished and inspected by the health department, Limestone Valley will reimburse the homeowner for 60% of the repair cost.
Officials say the program is designed not only to provide financial relief for homeowners but also to address potential public health and environmental concerns.
Failing septic systems can allow sewage to reach the surface or enter nearby creeks and other waterways. Bontekoe said E. coli associated with septic waste can pose a health risk when people come into contact with contaminated areas.
“If that’s bubbling up to the surface and people are touching it, they’re going to get sick at some point or another,” Bontekoe said.
Contamination from failing systems can also make its way into Chattanooga Creek and contribute to elevated E. coli levels in the water.
The new funding continues an effort Limestone Valley began in 2023. That program helped 22 property owners repair failing septic systems.
The previous grant also funded a rain garden in Rossville aimed at reducing erosion, sediment and debris entering the watershed, as well as an Adopt-A-Stream class.
The latest round of funding will include another environmental project. Limestone Valley plans to install a floating trash trap, sometimes called a trash boom, in a small creek.
The device will capture plastic bags, cups and other litter before the debris can travel farther downstream. Limestone Valley crews will periodically remove the collected trash and clean out the structure.
The grant-funded work will continue over the next three years as Limestone Valley works to improve water quality in the Chattanooga Creek watershed while helping homeowners offset the expense of necessary septic repairs.