Botetourt County households who have septic tanks are invited to apply for a free pump-out through the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. The program helps households with important maintenance to prevent septic system back up, which can lead to expensive repairs and health hazard exposure.
Environmentally, failing septic systems can leak untreated sewage and contribute to nutrient and bacteria pollution in streams, lakes, and rivers, as well as groundwater and soil. Septic systems should be inspected every one to three years and pumped every three to five years, depending on use.
The septic pump out program is funded through the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and is partnered with Botetourt County government.
After an application is received, Terra Famuliner, Environment and Resiliency Planner for the Regional Commission, determines eligibility, contacts the applicant and coordinates the pump-out with Tidy Services. The cost of the pump-out is covered up-front by the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
“The septic program has been one of our more popular programs. This program gives us the opportunity to help our neighbors while improving water quality in our rivers and streams,” said Amanda McGee, Community Development Director for the Regional Commission.
All Botetourt County residents who live in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are eligible. The watershed generally covers Fincastle, Buchanan, Eagle Rock, and parts of Troutville. Income has been deprioritized at this phase of the grant, but applicants must be responsible for the home and property.
Residents can apply online at rvarc.org/septic or contact Terra Famuliner directly for assistance at 540-343-4417 or by email at tfamuliner@rvarc.org. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so the Regional Commission can ensure scheduling this season through Autumn.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
