The Dickinson County Conservation District has cost-share funds available for failed septic systems and abandoned well-plugging projects in Dickinson County. Landowners and organizations are eligible for up to $1,500 in cost-share funding to assist in the implementation of septic systems and lagoons or $300 to plug abandoned wells.
Kansas Conservation Districts work in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation to administer funds made available through the Kansas Water Plan. Each Conservation District Board of Supervisors establishes local policies to utilize those funds to meet critical conservation needs identified within the district. Program funds are available to each conservation district beginning July 1, the beginning of the state fiscal year. No administrative expenses are paid for with this funding. All funds go direct to landowners in Dickinson County.
For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, the Dickinson County Conservation District was allocated a total of $14,497 for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program practices, of which $8,747 is still available.
Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) refers to the transport of natural and man-made pollutants by rain or snow over and through the land surface and entering lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, or groundwater. Practices that address NPS resource concerns include well decommissioning and onsite waste system replacement, among others.
Well decommissioning involves the sealing and permanent closure of a water well no longer in use. Kansas law requires that all abandoned wells and test holes be properly plugged. Abandoned well plugging restores a protective barrier to minimize ground water contamination, remove openings that provide a potential hazard to animals and curious children, restores stability to land surface, reduces or eliminates liability exposure, and improves property value.
Abandoned well plugging can be completed by a landowner or a licensed contractor. In either case, specific guidelines must be followed and Form WWC5 must be completed and returned to the State of Kansas and the Conservation District.
Onsite waste systems are composed of a septic tank/treatment field, a wastewater lagoon, or an alternative treatment system to treat wastewater from a single-family residence, church, school, business or organization. The purpose of a domestic wastewater system installation is to remain in conformance with county sanitary environmental codes and state regulations to prevent groundwater and surface contamination by disease-causing organisms, organic matter, and chemicals.
Landowners with failing septic systems should consult with the Dickinson County Environmental Services to confirm need for replacement. Upon inspection, Environmental Services provides a “failed system letter” to the Conservation District if the system is found to be in significant need or repair or replacement. Landowners can then apply for state cost-share funds. Forms are available on the Dickinson County Conservation District website: dkcoconservation.com or by stopping by the USDA Service Center in Abilene.
If interested in receiving cost-share funds, landowners and organizations must complete the application process and sign a contract prior to start of work. Projects started before signing a cost-share contract are ineligible for cost-share funds.
For more information, please contact Cindy Montgomery at the USDA Service Center in Abilene by calling 785.263.1351 extension 332 or by email at cindy.montgomery@ks.nacdnet.net.