Working with the Hancock Public Health Department and the Hancock County Commissioners, the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership is helping to implement a $150,000 grant from the Ohio EPA to repair or replace failing home septic treatment systems (HSTS) in Hancock County.

The second and final year of the grant is 2017, according to Phil Martin of the watershed partnership.

He said, "There is only around $40,000 remaining in the grant. Depending on a family’s income, the family may be eligible for up to 100% coverage to repair or replace your system."

Look under the Grants Tab on the partnership's web site for additional information at www.blanchardriver.org.

A family can check eligibility before finding if their system is failing by filling out the Application Form on the web site and mailing it to the address on the form.

"If your HSTS is more than 25 years old or has never been permitted, it is at risk for failure," said Martin. "This may be the last time the county has money to help replace/repair a failing HSTS."

The Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-29-19 (A) states in part that Boards of Health shall develop a process and timeline for phasing in O&M (Operation and Maintenance) management for prior installed systems. 

In 2014, Hancock Public Health began phasing in O&M management on existing systems. This grant may provide the last chance for a homeowner to repair or replace their system and receive funding.

The BRWP represents the six counties of the Blanchard River Watershed and is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving water quality through developing citizen involvement and watershed action plans. Volunteers are welcome to join activities at any time.

Learn more about the Blanchard River on the BRWP website at www.BlanchardRiver.org.