Contact us:  BRSWCD 1297 State Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151   Call us at (540) 483-5341 ext.3 or (276) 632-3164 ext.3

TMDL Residential Septic BMP Program Provides Financial Assistance

The Blue Ridge Soil & Water Conservation District has been recently awarded TMDL-WQIF cost-share funding (made possible by the VA Department of Conservation & Recreation) for property owners within the Pigg River Watershed for residential septic repairs and replacements from May 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013 or while funding is available on a first come first serve basis. New construction is not eligible for cost-share.

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is the maximum amount of pollutants that a body of water can contain without surpassing the state water quality standard. Areas of the Pigg River Watershed are in violation of these standards due to high fecal coliform levels.

For qualifying participants, the TMDL Residential Implementation Program provides financial and technical assistance to property owners as an incentive to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). This will help improve water quality and reduce levels of fecal coliform bacteria so that the Pigg River watershed will meet TMDL standards.

Four residential septic practices are available to local property owners within the Pigg River Watershed on a 50 percent cost-share available on practices up to a payout cap based on the specific practice. These practices include: Connection of a malfunctioning on-site sewage disposal system or straight pipe to public sewer (RB-2), Malfunctioning on-site sewage disposal system or straight pipe replacement (Conventional septic system (RB-4), Failing Septic System Repair (RB-3) and Replacement of failing septic system or straight pipe with a pump back system (conventional septic system with pump –RB-4P). An increased cost-share rate and a high payout cap may also be available in low income situations.

Signs of a failing septic system include:

Sewage surfacing over the drain field

Sewage backs up in the house.

Lush, green growth over the drain field

Slow draining toilets or drains

Sewage odors

Ground wet or mushy underfoot

Tests showing the presence of bacteria in well water

If interested in any of the listed programs or inquiring about what other assistance may be available, please contact Kathy Smith at the Blue Ridge SWCD by calling (540) 483-5341 ext. 117 or stop by our office, located at 1297 State Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

Remember that TMDL program involvement not only helps the property owner, but also improves water quality and overall environmental health. All programs and services of the Blue Ridge SWCD are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.

Michael Tabor
Blackwater TMDL
Conservation Technician

Pigg River Watershed Drainage area Residential Septic Cost-Share Available