Some Help From the State
Putnam Valley homeowners are finally about to get some help from the state to combat environmental problems many have been contending with. New York's Department of Health has begun offering free testing of private wells for PFAS in six counties, plus rebates for up to $5,000 if a homeowner needs to make fixes. In even better news, they moved Putnam and Dutchess Counties to the front of the line. But with funds for this program limited, the sooner PV residents apply, the better. Details about eligibility and how to apply are available here.
It also looks like Lake Peekskill and Barger Pond are finally going to be added to the state's list of water bodies where homeowners can apply for funding to help replace their septic systems. Until now, only Lake Oscawana in Putnam Valley was on this list. The list of water bodies and the dollar amounts allocated for each is decided by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation in consultation with each county. The dollar amounts allocated to Barger and Lake Peekskill have not yet been finalized and that will determine how many homeowners there can take advantage of this program. Although county and state officials say this year's list of eligible water bodies has not yet been made public, Town Board member Christian Russo says he was informed by the county's public health director that both water bodies are being added.
For the first time, the state is also tipping the scale in favor of enhanced septic systems like those of FujiClean, which has been approved for use in Putnam County. The state will reimburse property owners 50% of eligible costs up to $10,000 for installing a traditional system and 75% of eligible costs up to $25,000 for those who install an enhanced septic system. Details about this latest round of the state's septic replacement fund are not yet available, but once they are, they will be published here.
If you're not already a subscriber but would like to receive future stories, please click on the subscribe button at watchingputnamvalley.com and provide your email address. If you have ideas for future stories or want to provide feedback, please send an email to watchingputnamvalley@gmail.com.