Contact: Ward Ling, 979-845-6980, wling@tamu.edu
BELLVILLE—The Mill Creek Watershed Partnership will offer a Homeowner Maintenance of Septic Systems class from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3.
The free class will be presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and will be held at the Bellville Volunteer Fire Department, 511 W. Main St., Bellville. It is open to county residents and will certify homeowners in Austin County to maintain their own aerobic septic systems without requiring a maintenance provider contract.
“The program will provide an in-depth understanding of the operational and maintenance activities of aerobic septic systems,” said Ward Ling, AgriLife Extension program specialist and Mill Creek watershed coordinator, College Station.
Ling said topics will include treatment processes, health and safety considerations, how to inspect and maintain the system, and instruction on how activities in the home can impact the system.
“The course provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, including when to pump out a tank, and what can and cannot go down the drain,” he said.
“The six-hour course covers the types of aerobic systems and their operation and maintenance,” he said. “In addition, attendees will receive certification to maintain their own systems.”
In Austin County, homeowners with aerobic systems are required to have a maintenance contract with a licensed service provider for the first two years after installation, Ling explained. After that time, the homeowner must continue to have their system under a maintenance contract or they may obtain certification and maintain their own system.
Seating is limited and registration is required to reserve a seat. To register, contact Ling at 979-845-6980 or wling@tamu.edu.
For more information, go to https://millcreek.tamu.edu/meetingsevents.
Funding for this effort is provided through a federal Clean Water Act 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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