Funding to assist homeowners in replacing their sewage system is now available. On July 31st the Stearns County Board of Commissioners authorized the Environmental Services Department to pursue these grants on behalf of homeowners.

Eligibility for the grant requires that the homeowner has low income and that the sewage treatment system is found to be an imminent threat to Public Health and Safety. A sewage treatment system which is discharging sewage or sewage effluent to the ground surface, drainage system, ditch, storm water drain or directly to surface water, or causes a reoccurring sewage backup into a dwelling or other establishment is an imminent threat. 

The purpose of these grants is to protect and restore water quality.Last year, the Stearns County Environmental Services Department helped 33 low income homeowners replace their septic systems.

These funds are available for a limited time only.The deadline for Stearns County to submit the grants is September 7th; however applicants should apply early to allow for adequate time for submittal.  Residents of Stearns County who think they may qualify as low income and have a septic system that an an imminent threat to Public Health should contact Hank Schreifels or Mark Latterell at the Stearns County Environmental Services Department at 320-656-3613 or 1-800-450-0852.