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SCWIP Septic System Maintenance and Repair Project Team
Septic Team Deliverables
- Septic Maintenance Flyer (856Kb PDF)
- Septic Social Information (planning, invitation, sign up sheet, follow-up email) (165Kb PDF)
- Septic Social Presentation (1,590Kb PDF)
For photos of Septic Team events, visit the Protect Kittery Waters photo site at http://protectkitterywaters.shutterfly.com/.
Overview
Bacterial contamination (fecal coliform) is a documented problem in the Spruce Creek Watershed. The primary source of this contamination is likely private septic system failures.
The Septic System Maintenance and Repair Team’s focus will be two-fold: first, to create and implement an educational program for homeowners on septic system maintenance and upkeep, second, the team will be responsible for helping to identify priority septic systems (those with failing and antiquated septic systems) to propose for replacement funded by Maine DEP grants.
The Septic Team will employ a public outreach approach modeled on the successful Washington Sea Grant Septic Social Program. This team will be responsible for adapting this existing program’s materials to the Spruce Creek Watershed, and conducting three septic socials in hot spot neighborhoods (some of which have already been identified). Hot spot neighborhoods are those associated with bacterial contamination in the Creek.
Priority septic systems will be identified by the Team through site inspection, review of Town and DEP records, and analysis utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data layers and aerial photography of the watershed. Working with the homeowners, the appropriate sites will be nominated for replacement through the Maine DEP.
Grant Funding $7,885
Match $5,250
Total Cost $13,135
Grant funding includes approximately 110 hours for a technical advisor from YCSWCD and 40 hours for the grant manager. Funding will also cover travel expenses and $500 in supplies. There is also $1,000 for design and production of informational materials. The match for the grant includes volunteer and Town board participation in the activities, some travel time, and approximately $1,000 for supplies. Additionally $600 is included as an in-kind match from donated printing services.
Responsibilities include:
- Working with SCA and Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) to identify hot spot neighborhoods
- Working with information from current Kittery Shellfish Conservation Commission project to identify optical brighteners and “triangulate” potential priority septic system sites
- Obtaining DEP records on licensed Overboard Discharges (OBDs) wastewater systems
- Working with Kittery Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) and Tax Assessor to review old paper tax records to identify previously licensed OBDs
- Coordinating with Resources Team to identify potential sponsors and incentives for Septic Social attendeees
- Holding three septic socials in three separate neighborhoods that have evidence of failing septic systems in coordination with the Community Outreach Team
- Developing a septic system factsheet (in coordination with the Community Outreach Team) to be distributed at each social (based on recent research by the Town of York, DEP materials already available, and State regulations), that outlines mechanisms for reducing septic system failures including frequent pump outs
- Providing information to residents to help upgrade or replace malfunctioning septic systems
- As appropriate, help homeowners obtain financial assistance from the Maine DEP Small Community Grants Program or the "MaineHousing" Home Improvement Assistance Program
Septic System Team Activity Dates & Commitments
|
Task |
Estimated Date(s) |
| First Steering Team & Project
Launch Meeting |
June 23, 2008 |
| Septic Team Launch Meeting |
July 23, 2008 |
| Review Washington Sea Grant Septic
Social Program and determine how it can be adapted to the town of
|
July 2008 |
| Develop Septic System Fact Sheet
(based on Town of |
July – August 2008 |
| Work with Resources Team to make
arrangement for printing of fact sheets |
August 2008 |
| Work with Resources Team to identify
possible commercial sponsors |
August 2008 |
| Hold 3 septic socials in coordination
with the Public Outreach Team
|
September 2008 – March 2009 |
| Identify Septic Systems in need of
repair
|
July 2008 – February 2009 |
| As appropriate, assist homeowners
in obtaining funding through MDEP Small Community Grants Program or
the Maine Housing Home Improvement Assistance Program |
Spring & Summer 2009 |
| Coordinate with Community Outreach
Team to draft project press releases |
Summer 2009 |
Septic System Team Members, Project Partners, & Advisors
The following are team leaders and members, as well as any technical advisors for this team.
|
Team Members |
Organization/Affiliation |
| Will Brewster |
SCA |
| Richard Chiango |
SCA |
| Dan Clapp |
|
| Ken Lemont |
|
| Emily Maxfield |
|
| John Robinson |
SCA |
| Peter Walsh |
|
| Technical Advisor |
Organization/Affiliation |
| Heather Ross |
Code Enforcement, Town of |
|
|
Code Enforcement Officer, Town of
|
|
|
Septic Technical Advisor |
|
|
Maine Department of Marine Resources |
| Project Partners |
Organization/Affiliation |
|
|
Tax Assessor, Town of |
|
|
Shellfish Conservation Commission,
Town of |
|
|
Conservation Commission, Town of
|
|
|
Conservation Commission, Town of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
YCSWCD |