The decision to provide loans and grants for low-income homeowners to replace failing systems is an emerging trend in North Carolina, due to high rates of septic system failures, the resulting degradation of surface and ground waters, and the inability of low-income homeowners to resolve the problem. Unless a septic repair program is in place, local regulators have limited options, such as the eviction of residents, or allowing the public health problem to continue. This report provides a comprehensive catalogue of local government entities funding septic repair programs, and a companion catalogue of known organizational funding resources. A discussion of the administrative structure of local programs and the options made available to the homeowner reveal the challenges that local governments face in resolving this on-going public policy problem. This report by Adrienne Simonson (April 7, 2004) is intended to serve as a resource for local government officials interested in providing a failing septic repair program by cataloging the programs in North Carolina, and analyzing some of the administrative difficulties local programs have encountered in creating such programs. A companion catalogue of known organizational funding resources and several case studies are also available below.

 

Click to see the full text of the report and appendices: A Snapshot of Septic System Repair Funding in NC

Appendix A - NC Failing Septic Straight Pipe Elimination Programs

Appendix B - NC Funding Programs

Case studies of NC of septic repair programs:

Buncombe County

Madison County

Nags Head Township

Toe River Health District

Western Piedmont

 

Other Links:

Linked Deposit Funding of Onsite System Repair - Gwinnett County, GA