The EFC Septic Repair Program intends to repair or replace deficient septic systems along designated “priority waterbodies.” This program is completely geography and condition-dependent, and a property owner’s income is not a consideration for eligibility. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.
An eligible property owner qualifies for half the cost of their septic replacement with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000. Interested parties will fill out an application form, followed by an inspection to ensure eligibility. An eligible client is expected to hire an engineer for the system design and a contractor for the work. Once the work is completed, the homeowner will pay in full and submit evidence of paid bills to the County. The County will review the documentation and reimburse the homeowner for half of their incurred costs up to $10,000.
Below is a list of priority waterbodies in St. Lawrence County. Funding is available for septic systems located within 250’ of parts or all of the following lakes, rivers, streams, or estuaries:
- Buck Pond
- Cage Lake
- Cranberry Lake
- Eagle Crag Lake
- Grasse River
- Horseshoe Lake
- Little River
- Marian Lake
- Mount Arab Lake
- Oswegatchie River
- Piercefield Flow
- Raquette River
- Star Lake
- St. Lawrence River
- Sylvia Lake
- Tupper Lake
Find your address on the INTERACTIVE MAPPING TOOL to determine if you are eligible for repair funds!
Follow the step-by-step below to determine if you are eligible for repair funds:
- Open the interactive mapping tool, read the provisions, and click the box in the bottom left corner that reads “I understand the provisions listed above” to continue to the tool;
- Click the magnifying glass in the top right corner and type your address. If your address is auto-completed, click on it and the tool will zoom to your property. If it does not auto-complete, simply input the full address and press enter;
- If your property is filled in a gold color, it is within 250’ of a priority waterbody. You may feel free to use the measurement tool (the ruler with two arrows) in the top right to roughly measure the distance from your septic system to the closest priority waterbody. If your property is not highlighted, it is not within the 250’ threshold;
- If you believe you are eligible and would like to apply/ask any questions feel free to call either of the phone numbers below for more information!
Before you proceed, please note the following:
- This program is NOT offered for every resident of St. Lawrence County. A property owner is only eligible for funding if their septic system is within 250’ of a priority water body;
- Above is a list of the priority water bodies in St. Lawrence County. If a waterbody is listed, it does not grant eligibility to any septic system within 250’ of the entire water body; in some cases, only sections of the waterbodies are listed as priority. View the interactive mapping tool to determine your eligibility.
- The interactive mapping tool depicts parcels within 250 feet of a priority water body. This map is not survey quality, and may not accurately depict a parcel within the 250-foot threshold in all cases. If you have questions about your eligibility, call the number below.
If you are interested in applying, fill out the SEPTIC PROGRAM APPLICATION to the best of your ability.
Please allow time for staff to review your application and determine your eligibility.
For additional information call -
The St. Lawrence County Planning Office: (315) 379-2292
The St. Lawrence County Public Health Office: (315) 386-2325
