Transform Your Property’s Environmental Impact: Suffolk County’s Revolutionary I/A OWTS Program Makes Advanced Wastewater Treatment Affordable for Homeowners

Suffolk County homeowners are witnessing a historic transformation in wastewater management, and it’s creating unprecedented opportunities to upgrade aging cesspool systems while protecting Long Island’s precious water resources. Suffolk County, New York is currently undergoing an aggressive campaign to remove polluting cesspools and conventional septic systems. Each system is being replaced with an Innovative and Alternative Wastewater Treatment System (I/A OWTS).

Understanding the Water Quality Crisis

Suffolk County is known as the “cesspool capital of America,” as more homes per capita rely on cesspools or septic tanks than anywhere else in the country. This outdated technology funnels untreated wastewater directly into our groundwater and is the leading cause of nitrogen pollution. Nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as the defining cause for degraded water quality in Suffolk County. This pollution contributes to beach closures, restrictions on shellfishing, toxic algae blooms, and massive deaths of fish.

A conventional onsite septic system was never designed to remove nitrogen. The average residential septic system discharges approximately 40 pounds of nitrogen per year. This nitrogen pollution has created an environmental crisis that demands immediate action to protect both public health and Long Island’s ecosystem.

What Are I/A OWTS Systems?

Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment System(s) (I/A OWTS) – An onsite decentralized wastewater treatment system(s) that, at a minimum, is designed to reduce total nitrogen in treated effluent to 19 mg/l. “Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems” (I/A OWTS) can remove upwards of 90% of nitrogen from wastewater. Upgrading to an I/A OWTS such as Fuji Clean is the single greatest environmental impact a Long Island homeowner can make.

These advanced systems represent a quantum leap over traditional cesspools and septic systems. While cesspools simply collect waste in underground pits, I/A OWTS systems actively treat wastewater using sophisticated technology to dramatically reduce harmful pollutants before they reach groundwater.

Suffolk County’s Septic Improvement Program (SIP)

Suffolk County has launched the Septic Improvement Program (SIP) to regulate the use of Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS) which efficiently reduce nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems. The program addresses the urgent need for water quality improvement while making advanced technology accessible to homeowners.

The adopted Article 19 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code establishes a framework for the Department of Health Services to act as the Responsible Management Entity with the responsibility to evaluate, approve, register, oversee, and facilitate the use of I/A OWTS.

Comprehensive Grant Funding Available

The financial assistance available through Suffolk County’s program is remarkable. Starting January 22, 2019, Suffolk County residents may be eligible for combined State and County grants of up to $30,000 to install an Innovative and Alternative nitrogen removal septic system.

Here’s how the funding breaks down:

• New York State offers grants of $10,000 per household for upgrading from a conventional septic tank or cesspool to an Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A System)
• This State funding is coupled with an additional $10,000 grant funding offered by both Suffolk County and Nassau County to homeowners upgrading to an I/A System.
• There is also up to an additional $10,000 that can be awarded to a grantee that installs a pressurized shallow drain field leaching system ($5,000) and/or toward the unit installation for low to moderate incomes eligible applicants ($5,000).

If additional funding is necessary, homeowners can apply to finance up to $10,000 of the remaining cost via a low interest septic replacement loan through CDCLI. These loans are payable over 15 years at a low 3% fixed interest rate.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Septic Improvement Program, homeowners must meet specific criteria:

• The residence must be equipped with a septic tank system or cesspool and not connected to a sewer system or located within a proposed sewer district.
• New construction on vacant lots is not eligible, and the property must not have any outstanding or open real property tax liens.
• Preferential consideration will be given to properties in environmentally sensitive areas. See Map of Priority Areas on the Septic Improvement Program website.

The Installation Process

The Septic Improvement Program grant is not designed as a reimbursement program. Although the Grant Awardee is the recipient of the grant award certificate, the grant funds are assigned to the Grant Awardee’s selected Vendor, and the grant funds are paid directly to the Vendor after the I/A OWTS installation is complete. Grant Awardees must select a Vendor on the County’s Approved List, established through a SOQ Process.

The average total cost for nitrogen-removing I/A systems is approximately $25,000.00, plus the cost of attendant engineering and design services. However, with available grants, many homeowners can upgrade their systems with minimal out-of-pocket expense.

Long-term Maintenance Requirements

Must a homeowner maintain service in perpetuity of the grant-funded I/A OWTS? Yes, the homeowner is responsible for ensuring that their system is maintained at least once per year. All advanced treatment systems require service. FujiClean systems are designed for easy and efficient servicing so that service personnel do a thorough and complete job on a semi-annual basis.

Current Requirements vs. Future Mandates

It’s important to understand that Suffolk County does not require I/ A OWTS at this time. However, homeowners shouldconsult local Towns and Villages as they may have requirements for I/ A OWTS. Homeowners are not required to replace existing systems, but voluntary replacements must meet 1973 standards for new systems. For the first time, replacement of existing cesspools or septic systems will require filing of registrations with health department.

However, when homeowners do choose to replace their systems, new regulations apply. Effective July 2019, however, all property owners replacing a cesspool are now, at a minimum, required to add a septic tank.

Why Choose Professional Installation

Converting from a cesspool to an advanced treatment unit requires expertise in both the technical aspects of the systems and the complex grant application process. When searching for reliable Cesspool Services Suffolk County, NY, homeowners need contractors who understand both traditional cesspool maintenance and the advanced I/A OWTS technology.

We are a family-owned and operated cesspool company serving Long Island. We’re not just about fixing cesspools; we’re about building relationships with our customers and providing solutions that last. Local Knowledge: We understand the unique challenges of Long Island’s soil and water table. Companies like Antorino & Sons, Being in business since 1980, we treat every customer like family., bring decades of experience to help homeowners navigate this transition.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Replacing an old block cesspool with an advanced treatment system reduces the uncertainty of if and when the block cesspool will collapse. Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, I/A OWTS systems offer long-term property value protection and contribute to the restoration of Long Island’s water quality.

Officials hope that the new law, along with the financial assistance being offered, will lead to more residents and businesses understanding the importance of restoring water quality in the county, and taking action to address the need for change. Water quality has been on the decline for decades, and reversing the trend now will lead to cleaner water for generations to come.

Taking Action

Suffolk County’s I/A OWTS program represents an unprecedented opportunity for homeowners to upgrade their wastewater systems while protecting Long Island’s environment. Since then, hundreds of systems have been installed as homeowners utilize grant funding to upgrade their septic systems with no out-of-pocket expense.

With substantial grant funding available and the expertise of experienced contractors, converting from a cesspool to an advanced treatment unit has never been more accessible. The program not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also positions properties for future regulatory compliance while contributing to the long-term health of Suffolk County’s water resources.