Connecticut Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection
Onsite Wastewater Treatment:
Finding the Funding
May 11, 2012
Dennis J. Greci, P.E.
Supervising Sanitary Engineer
Connecticut Association of Water Pollution Control
Authorities
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Basic Issue
• In parts of Connecticut, existing septic systems
may not be able to treat wastewater effectively,
because of
– Poor soils
– Small lots
– Inadequate designs
– Improper installation
Why is it a problem??
• Each of the preceding deficiencies diminishes the
ability of the septic system to perform its
function; that is, to renovate wastewater to a
quality that can be safely discharged back into the
environment
• When a number of properties with similar
deficiencies exists in a neighborhood, “…a
community pollution problem exists, or… can
reasonably be anticipated in the future…” (CGS
22a-428)
Why can’t we just fix the
problems?
• If the problem is with the installation (small septic
tank, inadequate leaching area) then an onsite
repair may be possible.
• If the problem is with the site (inadequate land,
unsuitable soils, high groundwater) a different
approach is necessary.
Getting to the Funding:
Accessing the Clean Water Fund
• In order to obtain funding under the Clean Water
Fund, the project must be the most cost-effective
solution.
• Onsite upgrades have been funded in the past
(and in the present) where it’s been determined
that such an approach is
– technically feasible,
– environmentally appropriate, and
– economically affordable.
But how do we get there ?
The Engineering Report
• An environmental consultant must prepare an
engineering report (also called a Facilities Plan) that
accomplishes the following:
– Evaluates the severity and extent of the existing or potential
pollution problems
– Evaluates alternatives to determine their suitability and
cost-effectiveness
– Recommends an alternative or combination of alternatives
– Recommends a schedule for implementing solution
Funding the Solution
• The municipality needs to approve the
engineering report:
•
•
•
•
WPCA
Local Health Dept
Planning & Zoning
Finance
• Get approvals from DEEP and DPH
• And finally, get authorization from the citizens
• Referndum
• RTM
What’s eligible?
• The Clean Water Fund will provide a grant of 55% for
facilities planning (balance is local share)
• The Clean Water Fund pays for capital costs through
a grant and loan program
• System design, including site investigation
• Construction
• Inspection
• The Clean Water Fund provides funding solely to
municipalities. Construction must be some form of
municipal project, and is governed by the regulations.
• The Clean Water Fund will NOT pay for operations
and maintenance, or normal costs of local
government.
Advanced Treatment
• At the present time, only DEEP has the authority
to approve the installation of advanced treatment
technologies.
• Delegation of permitting authority to
municipalities is still in development.
• Operation and maintenance of AT systems will still
require a certified operator.
• At some point in the future, regulation of small AT
system may fall under DPH.