DONALDSONVILLE - South Central Planning and Development Commission, in cooperation with the Environmental Planning Agency, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, is offering homeowners from select areas of Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes an opportunity to upgrade their Home Sewerage Treatment Systems.

Eligible systems include Cesspools, Septic Tanks and Mechanical Treatment Plants.

"We want to make sure that there are fish in the waters out there when people go fishing. That's a good goal. And also when people swim in the water, cause people use pretty much all of Louisiana's water bodies for swimming as well. When you're in the water, you're going to ingest that water. And that water hasn't been treated, of course, if you're swimming in it. So we want to make sure that water is safe for swimming," Andrew Baron, Senior Research Scientist at BTNEP, said.

Through detailed research, BTNEP has identified sources of contamination impacting water quality in the Bayou Lafourche and Folse Watershed. The area in which this program is being offered spans from Donaldsonville to the Neighborhood Walmart in Thibodaux. 

"If they see standing water or a foul smell near their tank, that means there are some issues. The water is not backing up and the water is not being treated before it goes into the ditch, so just make sure that it's functioning and call the mechanic who can come and check and repair it," Siva Nunca, water quality coordinator at BTNEP, said.

The program will cover:

Repair of existing Septic and Mechanical Plants (Aerators)
Replacement of Cesspools, Septic Tanks, and Mechanical Plants
Pump Outs of sewerage systems

The Home Sewerage Treatment System Program will offer an opportunity for property owners in the designated area to potentially receive up to $2,000 or $4,000 to repair their systems. The service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until there is no more available funding

Homeowners experiencing septic or sewer system issues are encouraged to complete the Interest Form to be considered for assistance. Upon review, staff will reach out to provide information about the program and determine eligibility.