Tuscarora Creek Watershed Cost-Share Program
West Virginia homeowners in the Tuscarora Creek watershed of Berkeley County can contact us at info@canaanvi.org or by visiting the Berkeley County Board of Health website.
What is The Bay Restoration Fund, and How is the Tuscarora Creek Watershed related?
Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution are some of the largest threats to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and a vast majority of that pollution comes from conventional septic systems leaching into the groundwater.
The Bay Restoration Fund was created to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries by providing grant funding to Maryland homeowners for the installation of nitrogen-removing Best Available Technology (BAT) units to replace conventional septic systems.
As part of West Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay drainage, Tuscarora Creek watershed represents an opportunity to reduce sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. Berkeley County has a high nitrogen delivery factor, which means that practices done there will have more of a positive effect on the Bay compared to practices done in the more upstream area of WV’s Bay drainage. Therefore, restoration of Tuscarora Creek is of high priority.
What Is the Tuscarora Septic Cost Share Program?
The 319 Septic Upgrade Cost-Share Program provides technical and financial assistance to address nutrient and bacterial water quality concerns resulting from septic systems that are failing or in a state of disrepair and not functioning properly. Upgrades may include pretreatment if poor soils are dominant. Homeowners are eligible for a 70% cost-share on the cost to upgrade or replace a failing septic system up to $7,000. Homeowners are required to pay 30% of the cost of any upgrade.
The West Virginia Housing Development Fund’s Onsite System Loan Program (OSLP) exists for homeowners who need assistance with the portion of the repair not funded by the DEP program. The Berkeley County Health Department can provide information on the OSLP to help homeowners. Additionally, they can provide technical support to residents with septic system problems and facilitate technical support from outside service providers.
Apply today!
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and Berkeley County Board of Health sponsor a cost-share program for homeowners residing in the Tuscarora Creek watershed for upgrades to or replacement of underperforming septic systems. Canaan Valley Institute partners with the DEP and BOH to administer the program.
Click here for information on the Bay Restoration Fund, or visit the Maryland Department of the Environment’s website at www.mde.state.md.us.
For more information on our program in Berkeley County, West Virginia, please contact us by email at info@canaanvi.org. or visit the Berkeley County Board of Health website.