Residents of High Island Creek Watershed have an opportunity to upgrade their nonconforming septic system through a low-interest loan.

To be Eligible:
* It must serve a residential, non-commercial property located in High Island Creek Watershed.
* The applicant must be a property owner of a nonconforming septic system.

This includes:
* Discharge to the surface,
* Tied to a drainage or road ditch,
* Discharge to cesspool, seepage pit, or dry well,
* Less than 2-foot separation to seasonally saturated soil,
* Lack of a system,
* Does not meet setback to existing well,

There is no income restriction.

The Following are not eligible:
* Refinancing a previously installed system,
* Septic for a new home,
* Non-residential property,
* Project started before design and loan approval,
* Under court order to repair system.

Additional Information:
* Amount of loan is limited to total cost of installing a conforming system.
* Applicant may borrow less than the total cost of construction but may not request more than actual cost of construction.
* The septic system must meet minimum standards set forth in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Rule 7080 and the respected county zoning ordinance.
* Installers must be licensed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
* Alternative systems that are accepted by MPCA may be included.
* The annual interest rate is 3%. Interest will accrue beginning the date the respected county pays the contractor bills.
* Loans will be repaid within 10 years or less and in level principal amounts.
* Liens filed after January 31st of any given year will be assessed on the following year's tax statement.
* At any time, you may pay the entire amount of any remaining balance with interest accrued to December 31 of the year such payment is made. Such payment must be made before November 14 of any or interest will be charged through December 31 of the succeeding year.

For information on the County Septic System Programs:
* McLeod County Environmental Services: 320-864-5176
* Renville County Water Protection Management: 320-523-3768
* Sibley County Environmental Services: 507-237-4091