MAYVILLE – Officials in Chautauqua County are now accepting applications from lakeshore property owners to partially fund the replacement of septic systems around parts of Chautauqua, and Findley Lake.
This new grant program is funded by New York State to reimburse property owners up to 50 percent of the cost of an eligible septic system project, up to a maximum of $7,500.
“This is a great opportunity for lakeshore property owners to upgrade failing or inadequate septic systems impacting the water quality of Chautauqua Lake or Findley Lake,” said Christine Schuyler, County Public Health Director. “Our focus is on those systems that are located within 250 feet of the lakeshore, because those are the ones with the greatest potential impact.”
To be eligible for a septic system grant, the property owner must submit an application to the Health Department who will then evaluate the system to determine if it may be affecting lake water quality. If so, the property owner will be notified they have been approved for a grant and they can proceed with the design and installation of a new system under Health Department guidance.
A major public sewer extension is underway at Chautauqua Lake from Lakewood to Stow and a second phase is being planned from Stow to Prendergast Point, so those areas are not eligible for this program. The eligible Chautauqua Lake area is from Midway State Park to Point Chautauqua, while the entire lakeshore area of Findley Lake is eligible.
The Septic Replacement Program improves water quality by encouraging and incentivizing homeowners’ replacement of failing or inadequate septic systems around a waterbody known to be impaired by septic system discharges. DEC and DOH identified priority geographic areas in which property owners are eligible to participate based on the presence of known water quality impairment linked to failing septic systems.
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