The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have continued a financial assistance program for the repair or replacement of failing household sewage treatment systems.  This program will provide $13.3 million in funding to qualifying Ohio homeowners of which the Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) applied and was awarded $150,000 by the Ohio EPA through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF). The Environmental Health Division at the LCGHD will head this program and coordinate the repairs.

The grants will provide 100% of the total system improvement costs for eligible systems where the homeowner is at the federal poverty level.  The grant will provide 85% of the cost when the homeowner is at 200% of the poverty level with a 15% homeowner match and 50% of the cost when the homeowner is at 300% of the poverty level with a 50% homeowner match.  See the poverty guidelines for a breakdown of each income level and how much coverage you may get based on your income.

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services poverty guidelines for households:

• For 1–4 persons in a family/household: 100% poverty guideline (100% PF) $26,500; 100%-200% poverty guideline (85% PF) $53,000; 200%-300% poverty guideline (50% PF) $79,500 
• For 5 persons in a family/household: 100% poverty guideline (100% PF) $31,040; 100%-200% poverty guideline (85% PF) $62,080; 200%-300% poverty guideline (50% PF) $93,120
• For 6 persons in a family/household: 100% poverty guideline (100% PF) $35,580; 100%-200% poverty guideline (85% PF) $71,160; 200%-300% poverty guideline (50% PF) $106,740
• For 7 persons in a family/household: 100% poverty guideline (100% PF) $40,120; 100%-200% poverty guideline (85% PF) $80,240; 200%-300% poverty guideline (50% PF) $120,360
• For 8 persons in a family/household: 100% poverty guideline (100% PF) $44,660; 100%-200% poverty guideline (85% PF) $89,320; 200%-300% poverty guideline (50% PF) $133,980

* For families with more than 8 persons, add $4,540 for each person.
* Based on total family income of all occupants who are 18 or older.
* Homeowners with aggregate income exceeding $133,980 are not eligible for WPCLF assistance

LCGHD expects that between 10–15 systems can be repaired or replaced depending on the number of qualified households and the cost of each project.  Funding will be awarded on a first come/first served basis, so homeowners who believe they meet the income limits and other qualifications are encouraged to contact Chris Loxterman at the Lake County General Health District  at 440-350-2543 to begin the prequalification process.

What else does the Environmental Health Division at LCGHD do?
The Environmental Health Division manages and implements many programs and services for the residents and businesses in Lake County: mosquito control, food safety and inspections, storm water sampling, solid waste disposal management, tattoo and body art safety, private water system testing, and other services that all can be viewed at www.lcghd.org.  

Do I have to be a Lake County resident to use other services at the Health District?
Not all services at the Lake County General Health District are for Lake County residents.  Services like birth and death certificates and the Wickliffe Family Resource Center (WFRC) are among some of what is available without county restrictions. For more info on what other services are available to you, visit www.lcghd.org or call 440-350-2543.