Private Sewage System Replacement or Rehabilitation Grant Program Information
Established in 1978, the Private Sewage System Replacement or Rehabilitation Grant Program provides financial incentives to protect public health, safety, and the waters of the state. Richland County joined this program in 1980. Since then Richland County has received 893 grant awards reimbursing $2,236,564.59 to county residents.
Who can apply for a Grant?
- You may be eligible for a grant under this program, if ALL of the following requirements are met:
- You reside in a county or governmental unit that is participating in the program.
- You have received a written enforcement order or determination of failure to correct the violation from an approved county or local governmental unit representative before replacement begins.
- Your private residence or small commercial establishment is not located in an area served by municipal sewer.
- The private sewage system serving your private residence or small commercial establishment was constructed prior to July 1, 1978.
- The income of all owners of the private residence is less than $45,000 or of a small commercial establishment is less than $362,500. Note: Grant awards for private residences are reduced by $.30 for each $1.00 earned over $32,000.
- Your private residence or small commercial establishment is served by a category 1 or 2 failing system.
- The private residence is occupied 51% of the year by the owner.
- The small commercial establishment is operated by the owner and has a daily wastewater flow rate less than 5,000 gallons per day.
When is My Private Sewage System Considered Failing?
When properly operating, a private sewage system safely treats wastewater by storing sludge and solids in the septic tank and by treating and dispersing wastewater in a soil absorption field. However, a failing system can harm the environment by discharging sewage to the surface, to a lake or stream, or to groundwater. Your private sewage system may not show any apparent signs of failure and yet be failing.
The types of failing private sewage systems are divided into three categories:
- Category 1: Systems are those which fail by discharging sewage to surface water, groundwater, drain tiles, bedrock or zones of seasonally saturated soils. These are considered the most serious types of failure, and are given highest priority for grant assistance.
- Category 2: Systems are those which fail by discharging sewage to the surface of the ground. This type of failing system is eligible for a grant but has a lower priority for funding than Category 1 systems.
- Category 3: Systems are those which fail by causing the backup of sewage into the structure served. This type of failing system is not eligible for grant assistance.
How Much Money Can I Receive?
The maximum grant is limited to the amounts listed in tables published in SPS 387, Wis. Adm. Code, or $7,000. (Richland County Zoning Department has copies of these funding tables and can explain how they are used.) Amounts may vary based on the extent of the work needed to bring your system into compliance with the state plumbing code. Experimental systems are not included in the $7,000 maximum.
Application Requirements
Must Have A Failing Septic System That Is:
Category 1: Surface water or groundwater…
- A zone of saturation
- A drain tile or a zone of bedrock
Category 2: The surface of the ground…
- Owner must occupy the residence of the failing system at least 51% of the year and be a legal resident of Wisconsin. Rental properties are not eligible.
- Application fee is $175.00 made payable to Richland County Zoning. This is NON-REFUNDABLE and is not paid back by the state.
- Application must be made PRIOR to installation of the new septic system.
- Your total adjusted gross income on your Federal Income Tax Form must not be more than $45,000.00. Use your income tax form from the year prior to the year you apply.
- Failing private sewage system was constructed prior to July 1, 1978.
- Small commercial establishments/farms call this office for requirements.
Requirements:
- Have a soil evaluation done by a licensed/certified soil tester.
- Choose a Wisconsin licensed plumber to apply for the sanitary permit with this office. (You need NOT submit plumber’s estimates to us.)
- Submit tax records of the year prior to application.
- Request PAID itemized invoices from your plumber, soil tester and back hoe operator and provide them to the County.
If my application is approved, when do I get the money?
Grant funds are allocated on an annual cycle. The county submits an application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services by February 1 of any year for all eligible individuals. The grants are normally received by Richland County sometime in August or September of the same year.
If I’m not qualified for a grant or my application is denied, do I still need to correct my failing system?
Yes. Remember, a failing private sewage system is a violation of your local ordinance and state statutes and can result in water pollution and health hazards. You may be ordered to correct a violation even if you are not participating in the program.
Wisconsin Fund Grant Money is Not Guaranteed.
If approved applications exceed available funding; DSPS is required to prioritize funds based on potential environmental harm associated with different types of private sewage system failures.
Category 1 grants are paid in full before Category 2 grants are eligible for any funding. If there are insufficient funds to provide payments for all Category 1 grants, these grants are prorated, and no funds are provided for Category 2 systems. If funds are adequate to fully fund Category 1 grants, then remaining funds are used for Category 2 grants. If these Category 2 grants cannot be fully funded from remaining funds, these grants are also prorated.
For additional information, visit the State of Wisconsin – Wisconsin Fund website.
Please contact this office if you have any questions about these requirements or do not understand the program, we will be happy to help.
Who to Contact:
Cheryl Dull, Office System Technician
Richland County Zoning
181 W. Seminary St., Room 309
Richland Center, WI 53581
608/647-2447
cheryl.dull@co.richland.wi.us