Polk County Environmental Services announces new septic system program

The Polk County Environmental Services announced a cost-share grant program for property owners in Polk County with existing noncompliant septic systems. With funding from the Minnesota Clean Water Legacy Act, property owners can fix septic systems that are currently failing codes or functionality.

Limited amounts of funding are available and some determining factors for preference will be household income status, condition of existing system, and proximity to priority surface waters. The goal for the Polk County Environmental Services office is to fix “imminent public health threats.” Polk County uses HUD/Federal poverty low-income guidelines to group funding grant contributions.

Households must not exceed the income guidelines, must be the landowners homestead not a second dwelling or rental, and applicants will be required to pay any match requirement upfront, if approved. No holding tank septic tanks systems can be installed and SSTS for new construction of a dwelling does not qualify for the program. The county will provide a cost share grant contributing 60% and up to 80% of installation cost up to a maximum of $12,000 grant dollars.

To learn more about this program, please call the Polk County Planning and Zoning at (218) 281-5700. Program applications can also be found here under the Environmental Services and Planning and Zoning Department page. The deadline to apply for the Septic System Fix-Up Grant Program is June 1, 2023. After that date, the remaining funding will be available on a first come, first serve basis.