Septic Maintenance Financial Assistance

The Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District is offering financial assistance for septic maintenance and repairs to residents of the following watersheds:

  • Flat, Nibbs, Deep, and West Creek watersheds located in Amelia and Nottoway Counties. Click here to see a map of the watersheds.
  • Spring Creek, Briery Creek, Bush River, Sandy River, Saylers Creek, and Little Sandy Creek watersheds located in Amelia, Nottoway, and Prince Edward Counties. Click here to see a map of the watersheds.

What are the requirements?

  • Residence must be located in an eligible watershed. Contact our office to determine if you live in an eligible watershed.
  • Applicant must be the homeowner. If you are a tenant having septic problems, the homeowner must make the application for financial assistance.
  • Existing residential properties only — no new construction. Funding cannot be used for remodeling, expansion, or addition. Commercial properties, businesses, and houses of worship are not eligible.
  • NO WORK can be done on your septic system until your application is approved by the District. The District will not authorize funds to be used for septic pump-outs or repairs that have begun before Board approval. Wait for an approval letter before proceeding.
  • Repair work, with the exception of pump outs, may require a repair permit and inspection report from the health department (unless otherwise waived by the health department). Contact the local health department before proceeding with any work other than a septic tank pump out to determine if you will need a repair permit.

What work is covered?

  • pump outs
  • repairs
  • replacements
  • installation of alternative systems

How much financial assistance is offered?

The District will pay 50% of actual project cost or estimated cost, whichever is less. Some residents may be eligible to receive up to 90% financial assistance based on income level. Projects have certain cost caps that the District cannot exceed.  If a problem is found during a pump out, you may apply for additional financial assistance. Click here for cost guidelines.

How do I apply?

  • If you qualify for more than 50% financial assistance based on the income eligibility guidelines and  you will need to complete the income eligibility form submit proof of household income with your application. Eligibility is determined by the total household income, including the income of all household members. Income includes all sources, whether or not they are taxable for federal income tax purposes. To calculate your annual household income, add all income sources such as: social security benefits, wages, salaries and tips, retirement benefits, pension and annuity receipts, unemployment compensation, disability payments, interest and dividend receipts, business income, rental income, and capital gains. Submit the previous year’s federal tax return or pay stub with year-to-date figures or a letter from Social Security or your retirement fund stating the amount of income received each month.
  • Applications are presented for approval at monthly Board meetings (4th Tuesday of each month). Please submit applications no later than the Friday before the Board meeting.

Who do I contact?

  • If you have questions about the program and/or eligibility requirements, contact Deanna Fehrer via phone at (434) 392-3782 ext. 108 or via email at dfehrer@piedmontswcd.org.
  • If you need technical assistance or a repair permit, contact your local health department.
    • Amelia County (Jordan Rosales): (804) 561-2711
    • Nottoway County (Jamie Hawley): (434) 645-7595
    • Prince Edward County: (434) 392-8187

Sponsored by the Piedmont Soil & Water Conservation District and the Virginia Department of Health

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the U.S. EPA and the VA Dept. of Environmental Quality under a Section 319 grant agreement to Piedmont SWCD. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA or DEQ, nor does the EPA or DEQ endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.