Program previously focused on Lake George, Lake Champlain expands across park
By Zachary Matson
State funding to reimburse residents replacing or improving septic systems will be available to more homeowners across the Adirondack Park this year after state agencies greatly expanded a list of eligible water bodies.
The water quality program expanded from around a dozen eligible Adirondack water bodies last year, in the Lake Champlain and Lake George watershed, to over 100 parkwide this year.
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The septic system replacement fund, with $30 million available statewide this year, provides up to 50% reimbursement of costs to replace or upgrade a septic system or cesspool in proximity to vulnerable lakes and tributaries. The money is allocated to counties, which administer the reimbursement grants.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation eligibility to include drinking water sources and unclassified water bodies within the forest preserve, significantly boost the number of areas in the park that qualify.
“The additional water bodies in the Adirondack region expand opportunities for implementing modern infrastructure to ensure septic systems are working properly and protecting sources of public drinking water,” DEC said in a statement.
While statewide funding for the program remained level, the expansion of eligible lakes and streams increased the Adirondack region’s overall funding. The region averaged about $566,000 per year the past three years. That rose to a combined $1.7 million this year, according to analysis from the Adirondack Council.
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David Miller, the council’s clear water program coordinator, called the expanded eligibility a “game changer” for which the council and other advocates have pressed.
“This is a successful program throughout the state and we want to see it continue to expand its use in the Adirondacks and help residents address the challenge of failing septic systems,” Miller said.
Failing septic systems is considered a key source of pollution for Adirondack lakes, where municipal sewer infrastructure rarely extends to properties closest to lakes and rivers. A new septic inspection program in the Lake George watershed has found around half of the system inspected failed to meet standards.
Beyond the lakes previously qualified, the eligibility list now includes Schroon Lake, Loon Lake, Brant Lake, Garnet Lake, Friends Lake and more in Warren County; Upper Chateaugay Lake, Silver Lake, the Saranac River, Little Ausable River and more in Clinton County; Osgood Pond, Spitfire Lake, Upper Saint Regis Lake, Tupper Lake, Raquette Lake, Lake Flower, Upper Saranac Lake, Oseetah Lake, Kiwassa Lake and more in Franklin County; Big Moose Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake, Piseco Lake, Lake Pleasant, the Fulton Chain and more in Hamilton County.
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It’s nice to see that the wealthy lake property owners are getting the taxpayer help to upgrade their septic systems.
Well said. I’m trying figure out why taxpayer funds are used to begin with!!
My hamlet pulls our drinking water from L. Champlain, so to us, clean water is important – both for drinking and for recreation. Not everyone in these watersheds are wealthy. I know I am not. But it wouldn’t upset me if the “up to 50%” reimbursement were based on income or real-estate value.
According to Land.com, the average price of lakefront properties in New York State is $1.6 million. New York is one of the top five states in the country for lakefront homes and properties for sale.
I posted this earlier and it was in review for what I don’t know. It didn’t make the grade, still wonder why. So here it is again. “According to Land.com, the average price of lakefront properties in New York State is $1.6 million. New York is one of the top five states in the country for lakefront homes and properties for sale.” Let the wealthy upgrade their septic system themselves.
We’re talking lake front properties recieving tax dollars when the average price of lake front property in New York is $1.6 million.
Agreed. I’m trying to figure out why taxpayer dollars are used to begin with??
Rob,
I guess because it is infrastructure that affects all of us. Wastewater treatment is also paid for by taxpayers. Septic systems have long been ignored and it shows. Many homes should not have been built with the minimal septic regulations of previous generations given their relationship to the water table or watershed. We can condemn these deficient properties (losing tax base), or we can help those that need it to bring things up to current standards – helping to ensure water quality for residents and tourism alike into the future.
With all due respect, a privately owned septic system is infrastructure that taxpayers should help maintain?
Wealthyfare-government subsidization of the already wealthy with tax revenue.
I’d rather feed the children.
Can the taxpayers use a lake front property they are paying improvements on? Are these hardship cases? I don’t live on the lake, and I don’t expect anyone but me should be paying for my septic system. Then my property is for my use and not the general public. We all drive on the public roads, pay for police department, fire department, public parks. Supported by taxpayer dollars. I am curious how many of those septics that need upgrading are second homes? Can we be told that information?
You want to know the trouble with politics, state debt, spending, budgets, public sentiment, etc. , look no farther than policies like this.
Tell me, where is the DEI in this idea?
Explain Who it is that Holds the CDOs and BONDS for the Adirondack Park and Your answers will come clearly into focus. The SOCIALISM Capitol of the USSA Inc is New York.