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Skyline Soil & Water Conservation District Announces Residential Cost Share Programs Residents living in the Mill Creek watershed of Montgomery Co., as well as in the Dodd Creek watershed of Floyd Co., may qualify for cost share funds, from the Skyline Soil & Water Conservation District, to assist with septic pump-outs, repairs, replacements, installations, and sewer connections. Christiansburg, VA February 25, 2008- Applications for residential cost share programs are being accepted on an ongoing basis. Residents of the Mill Creek watershed located in Montgomery Co. in the Riner area, and the Dodd Creek watershed located in Floyd Co. including the town of Floyd and the area south of Floyd may be eligible. Eligible candidates qualify for 50% cost share (up to $125.00) for septic pump outs, which are recommended every 3-5 years in order to maintain proper functioning of a septic system. For those who are in need of repairs, or who are candidates for sewer connection, the cost share ranges from 50%-75%, based on income, with a maximum cap of $3000.00. For replacements and installations, the cost share range is also 50%- 75% with a cap of $6000.00. In the event that an alternative waste system is needed, the range is 50%-75% with a cap of $15,000.00. This program is part of the Mill and Dodd Creek TMDL Implementation Plan. This plan was developed after water testing on Mill and Dodd Creeks showed that the two streams did not meet State and Federal minimum standards for fecal coliform bacteria, a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of warm blooded animals, including humans. The harmful effects of bacteria in food, and water sources are well known. The Center for Disease Control estimates that at least 73,000 cases of illnesses and 61 deaths per year are caused by E. coli 0157:H7, a form of fecal coliform bacteria (CDC, 2001). Other forms of fecal coliform bacteria are responsible for similar illnesses, and their presence indicates the likelihood of other harmful bacterial and viral pathogens. In the Implementation Plan it was stated that, for these two streams, some of the fecal contamination is contributed by human sources, through failing septic systems and straight pipes. In order to bring these two streams back into good health, it is believed that 100% of failing systems and straight pipes in these watersheds must be identified and corrected. With support from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Skyline Soil & Water Conservation District is working to achieve this goal.
Contacts: Alicia Simmons Cynthia Hancock |