Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Installing a septic system in North Carolina

A major water quality concern in many areas of rural America is the discharge of untreated household wastewater directly into nearby streams, also called “straight-piping.” Regional development organizations in many areas are addressing this health risk by collaborating with other local, state and federal organizations.

One such partnership currently underway is in North Carolina’s Appalachian region, where the Region D Council of Governments (COG), is working with the Appalachian District Health Department on a revolving loan fund program to improve the quality of life in the area. Region D COG is an EDA funded district serving seven counties, with a total population of approximately 180,000 people. Eligible households in Ashe and Alleghany Counties with straight pipes apply for low-interest loans or grants for the cost of a new septic system. As with other revolving loan funds, the recipients make payments and the money is then used to help similar families in need. Another component of the program is designed specifically for low-income families who fall below a set income level. A loan can be forgiven if the family continues to live in the house for three to ten years, depending upon the cost of the septic system.

According to the COG, the region’s mountainous geography does not pose a problem, because the contractors are experienced in installing septic systems in the terrain.

The NADO Research Foundation’s 2000 survey of regional development organizations revealed that water infrastructure is one of the top economic development needs, accounting for 123 responses or 42 percent of the regional development organizations surveyed.

The funding for the Region D program consists of $400,000 from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development state Community Development Block Grant program, $400,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission and $400,000 from the state Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF). Rick Herndon, the Director of Planning and Development at Region D COG, noted, “By leveraging dollars, this project is making a positive difference for the people of Ashe and Alleghany Counties.”

To date, 15 systems have been completed, 23 are ready for construction and an additional 19 are planned in the near future. Region D COG estimates that the program will be concluded in 2002, and expects 300 new septic systems to be installed. Since the program is new, the health benefits to the participants in Ashe and Alleghany Counties cannot yet be determined. However, it is reasonable to assume that these people will experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life in the future. In addition, other community residents will reap the benefits of the program since many people fish for trout in these streams.

Region D COG is also involved in a similar revolving loan fund project with the CWMTF to eliminate straight-piping in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties.

By Joseph Dunn, NADO Legislative Representative

For more information, contact Rick Herndon, Director of Planning and Economic Development, of Region D COG at (828) 265-5434.

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