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Community Septic Management ProgramsCommunity Septic Management Programs
Program Information for Communities
The Community Septic Management Program (CSMP) was developed through the collaboration of DEP, the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the Office of the State Treasurer, and the Department of Revenue. Through the CSMP, DEP funds loans to communities through the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust. Using the State Revolving Fund loans from the Trust, communities can provide betterment loans to assist homeowners who must address septic system failures. Implementing the Community Septic Management Program The purpose of this program is to provide funding of up to $200,000 in the form of low cost loans to allow communities to devise a Community Inspection Plan or a Local Septic Management Plan. CSMP Project Manual and Other Guidance The CSMP Manual sets out the parameters of a betterments program. Other guidance documents provide a framework for decentralized wastewater treatment. State Revolving Funds The SRF Program provides low-interest loans to cities, towns, and other local governmental units for drinking water and wastewater-related infrastructure projects. Massachusetts Department of Revenue Information about a Massachusetts personal income tax credit for repair or replacement of a failed septic system US EPA Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems Guide that helps communities establish comprehensive management programs to ensure that all septic systems function properly. US EPA Draft Handbook for Management of Onsite and Clustered (decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems A "how-to guide" for implementing EPA's Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. Back to Community Septic Management Programs index Community Septic Management Programs
Financial Assistance for System Owners
The Commonwealth has developed three programs to assist on-site septic system owners with wastewater management problems. Community Septic Management Program This MassDEP program offers 0% loans to communities, which in turn provide low-interest betterment loans to eligible homeowners with failed septic systems through their local Boards of Health. Homeowner Septic Loan Program This is a bank loan program for homeowners whose systems have failed Title 5 inspection. Participating banks offer low interest rates to eligible homeowners through this MassHousing Program. For more information contact Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), 617-723-0500 or go to their Website: Tax Credit The Commonwealth provides a tax credit of up to $6,000 over 4 years to defray the cost of septic repairs to a primary residence. Forms are available from the Department of Revenue (DOR) to enable homeowners to claim up to $6,000 in tax credits for septic upgrades. The credit cannot exceed $1,500 in any year and may be spread out over 4 years. The tax credit is limited to work done on a primary residence only. Tax Form Schedule SC is the correct form for the tax credits. In addition, these federal programs are available to aid septic system owners with wastewater management problems: Federal Farmers Home Administration (FHA) FHA offers low-cost financing to those who qualify. For more information contact FHA: USDA Rural Development Program This program offers government loans to assist very low income rural homeowners who are in need of repair and improvements to their homes for health or safety reasons, including septic system repairs or upgrades. |
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