State Looks To Replace Illegal Cesspools

A new state project will allow indigent households in Socorro County to replace illegal cesspools or improper septic systems with a modern liquid waste system or connect the household to public sewer. Through the project, the Office of the Natural Resource Trustee and the New Mexico Environment Department plans to eliminate illegal cesspools or substandard household septic systems that threaten water quality and public health.
The Environmental Dept. will administer the program by recruiting and screening indigent households, issuing price agreements with licensed construction contractors, and by permitting, overseeing and inspecting the construction work.
“Improper septic systems create public health hazards by polluting water supply wells and by allowing sewage to pond on the ground’s surface,” said Environment Secretary and Natural Resource Trustee Ron Curry in a press release. “This project will make a dent in the number of improper septic systems that threaten the health of our citizens. The project will also provide work to the construction contractors who will be selected through a competitive bidding process.”
The project area also includes Sandoval and Valencia Counties.
Applicants who are within 150 percent of the 2009 Poverty Guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will qualify as indigent and will be eligible for assistance. Eligible applicants will be provided with assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis until depletion of the funds. Application forms for this project can be found on the NMED website at: http://www.nmenv.state. nm.us/fod/LiquidWaste/documents/MRGB.Indigent.Program.pdf.

State Looks To Replace Illegal Cesspools