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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE10-37

April 19, 2010

CONTACT:

Farrell Sklerov / Angel Román (718) 595-6600

DEP Expands Kensico Septic Rehabilitation Reimbursement Program

Eligible Homeowners Will Receive Up To $25,000 to Repair Failing Septic Systems

Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway today announced the expansion of a program to assist homeowners with problematic septic systems in the Kensico Watershed. The Kensico Septic System Rehabilitation Reimbursement Program provides a 50% reimbursement of eligible costs, up to a maximum reimbursement of $25,000, for property owners in the Kensico Reservoir Watershed Basin to help defray the cost of rehabilitating a failing septic system. Failing septic systems are potential sources of pathogens that can enter the New York City water supply. Rehabilitation and repair of failing septic systems improves the treatment of wastewater that is discharged in the watershed, resulting in better overall drinking water.

"One of our primary responsibilities is to make sure that our water supply is protected from pathogens and other impurities," said Commissioner Holloway. "Failed and failing septic systems are a direct threat to water quality, and the reimbursement program we are expanding today will accelerate the repair and replacement of septic systems that no longer work. Homeowners have a responsibility to keep these vital septics operating, but replacement of a failing system can be expensive. This program goes a long way to help homeowners get the job done, which is critical to public health."

The program is available to residential owners of failing septic systems located within the New York State portion of the Kensico Watershed, including portions of Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Castle and Harrison. Approximately 700 residents that are now eligible to receive funding were recently notified by mail of their ability to participate in the program. Kensico Reservoir, located in Westchester County, is the last reservoir in the Catskill/Delaware water supply system before entering the City's drinking water distribution system. Under New York State regulations, all homeowners are required to keep their septic systems in proper working order. Discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater into the environment are prohibited.

The program is directly managed by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). For more information, call EFC at 1-800-882-9721 or visit the Kensico Septic Program website at www.nysefc.org/kensico. For more information on other programs, visit www.nyc.gov/dep.

DEP manages the City's water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8 million in New York City, and residents of Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Westchester counties. Approximately 1,000 DEP employees live and work in the watershed communities as scientists, engineers, surveyors, and administrative professionals, and perform other critical responsibilities. DEP has invested over $1.5 billion in watershed protection programs — including partnership organizations such as the Catskill Watershed Corporation and the Watershed Agricultural Council — that support sustainable farming practices, environmentally sensitive economic development, and local economic opportunity. New York City's water is delivered from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds that extend more than 125 miles from the city, and are comprised of 19 reservoirs, and three controlled lakes. 

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