County Adds $2 Million in State Funds to Septic Upgrade Program

(MINEOLA, N.Y.) The Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously on Monday, Feb. 27 to dedicate an additional $2,030,000 in New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) funding toward helping residents and small business owners upgrade and modernize their septic systems.

Nassau homeowners and small businesses that discharge less than 1,000 gallons a day of wastewater are eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grants toward the installation of nitrogen-reducing septic systems through Nassau County’s S.E.P.T.I.C. (Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness) program. The initiative is funded by NYS EFC resources and matching funds from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allotment; to date, Nassau County has allocated more than $7 million in ARPA funds toward this environmental initiative.

“These state resources will go a long way toward protecting the single-source aquifer and our precious drinking water from nitrogen pollution,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) said. “Thanks to this grant program, it is more affordable than ever for eligible property owners to benefit from having a modern, environmentally friendly septic system – and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity while funds are still available.”

This latest round of state support for the replacement of septic systems in Nassau County was part of approximately $225 million in grants for critical initiatives that protect freshwater quality, public health, and the environment.

“The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District (NCSWCD), which manages Nassau’s S.E.P.T.I.C. program, has worked diligently with County representatives, community members, and industry professionals to streamline the application process and make it easier and faster for Nassau County homeowners, not for profits, and small businesses to access these critical program funds,” NCSWCD District Manager Derek Betts said.

Visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/591/Nassau-Septic or call 516-364-5861 to learn if you are eligible for a S.E.P.T.I.C. program grant. Feel free to also contact Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton at 516-571-6211 or dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov.