NYS Septic Replacment Fund Program

The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) has received funding from NYS for septic system replacements. If you are a local property owner in the Isle La Motte Watershed (Lake Champlain from Cumberland Head to Rouses Point), within 250 ft of Lake Champlain, you may be eligible to receive a grant from the Septic System Replacement Program (the “Program”) to reimburse you for a portion of the cost of replacing, repairing or upgrading a septic system. The Program provides grants to cover up to 50% of the eligible costs of eligible septic system projects, up to $10,000 per project. 

To receive this funding you must submit an application to the CCHD. If your project is chosen, the Program will provide the grant to you on a reimbursement basis. Accordingly, you are initially responsible for the total cost of your septic system project.

The application must contain sufficient information about the condition of your septic system and the scope and cost of the proposed repair or replacement, to enable the CCHD to determine whether your project qualifies for a grant, and assess how much you’re eligible for.

If chosen you will receive an award letter from the CCHD, once awarded you should:

1) Contract with an Engineer to design your septic system and obtain a permit from this office.
2) Construct your septic system project.
3) Seek reimbursement from the CCHD. Once you’ve completed your septic system project, fill out the Reimbursement Request and submit it to the CCHD. Your complete Reimbursement Request must include:

1. the completed Reimbursement Request form;
2. any applicable design approval for the septic system project;
3. contractor’s invoice or invoices for eligible costs and proof of payment to contractor.

The CCHD will review your Reimbursement Request and supporting documentation. Upon confirmation by the CCHD of your eligible project costs, you will receive your grant in the form of a reimbursement payment to you.

You may submit your applications to Ryan Davies at Ryan.Davies@clintoncountygov.com.

Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS)

In most rural areas and in many suburban residential areas, individual sewage treatment systems (ISTSs) are relied upon for the disposal of household wastes. An ISTS will serve a home satisfactorily only if it is properly located, designed, constructed and maintained.

Per the NY State Health Code, please contact the Clinton County Health Department for instructions on obtaining a construction permit to install, replace, or if you are re-engineering a septic system.

Refer to the Info Bar for the Sewage Treatment System Permit Application packet. This packet includes instructions, forms for percolation tests, soil test referral listing, application for construction permit, and more.

Septic System Operation and Maintenance

• The contents of the septic tank should be pumped every two to three years
• Garbage grinders substantially increase the accumulation of solids in the septic tank
• Items such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, plastics, diapers or other trash will affect  or damage your system
• Avoid entering your septic tank. Individuals entering tanks have died from gas asphyxiation
• Never permit heavy equipment to pass over the absorption field