Six Participating Cape Homeowners to Install On-Site Septic System Phosphorus-Removal Technology in Efficacy Test
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2019
Media Contact: Emily Michele Olmsted
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment | Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center
Email: emilymichele.olmsted@capecod.gov
Phone: 508-375-6901
Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment has received a grant from the EPA/MEP to test efficacy of on-site septic systems for phosphorous removal
BARNSTABLE, MA – The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment and the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center received a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency/Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to test the efficacy of onsite septic system phosphorus-removal technologies in the watersheds of ponds.
Phosphorus inputs to our region’s freshwater lakes and ponds are often responsible for harmful algae blooms, anoxic events that cause fish kills, and other problems. Human activity, including the placement of septic systems, fertilizer use, and poor land management, is largely responsible for the increase in phosphorus and the resulting water quality problems.
Through this grant, six participating homeowners will install a phosphorus-removal technology to be monitored for at least one year. The results of this study will be made available to indicate the effectiveness of these technologies in dealing with the issue of wastewater phosphorus entering freshwater bodies. The grant will provide a $5,000 subsidy for participants towards the cost of design and/or installation, and much of the equipment will be donated. For more information, please contact Emily Michele Olmsted at 508-375-6901 or at emilymichele.olmsted@capecod.gov.
The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment provides public health services to the towns of Cape Cod. To learn more about all the services offered, visit www.barnstablecountyhealth.org.
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