Septic System Improvement Program

The SCCD Septic System Improvements program is a local improvements program that provides voluntary, locally-directed, financial and technical assistance for repair or replacement of existing septic systems that likely impact water quality. In 2003, SCCD was awarded Federal grant monies to initiate a local program geared towards the repair or replacement of faulty septic systems which may potentially be contaminating local streams. Funding for the program is provided by a combination of Federal and State grants administered by the SCCD, and landowner contributions. Federal grants come from US EPA through section 319 of the Clean Water Act and are administered through the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. State grants come from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Approximately 50% cost-share is available on contracts at this time.

Septic Self-Assessment

Determine the potential risks factors of your septic system

Cost-Share Application

A completed application is required to get the ball rolling!

Cost-Share Process

How the cost-share process works for eligible applicants

Cost-Share Checklist

Use this list to make sure you don't miss any crucial steps

Septic System Improvement Projects

The SCCD began it's septic system cost-share program in 2004. Since then, SCCD has provided cost-share assistance to over 50 septic system replacements in Sheridan County. Below are a few project examples.

Septic Improvement Project #1

This project was within 50’ of an unnamed perennial drainage that enters Sackett Creek about 800 feet downstream. The drainage enters Sackett Creek approximately 500 feet upstream of the confluence with Little Goose Creek. The State of Wyoming has listed Sackett Creek and segments of Little Goose Creek as impaired for E. coli bacteria related to recreational use.

The previous system included a bottomless concrete septic tank of unknown size. The system was believed to have two short leach lines extending from the tank. There was sewage effluent at the surface of the tank; and the tank was being covered with an old stock tank to prevent access by children and/or animals. There were additional signs of system failure present, including odors and vegetation growth. The landowners had to have the tank pumped frequently to minimize the amount of sewage effluent at the surface and to prevent the system from backing up in the residence. The groundwater test pit indicated that a mounded system was necessary; groundwater was present within 4’ of the ground surface. A new septic tank, dosing tank, and mounded leachfield were installed.

The SCCD provided 50% of the project cost through a grant provided by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality under section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The project was constructed according to the specifications and requirements of their Sheridan County permit.

Septic Improvement Project #2

The property on Beckton Road sits between Claussen Ditch and Wolf Creek. The single-family house was built in 1901 and finished in 1902.The previous system only contained a septic tank that was covered by a wooden structure with no leachfield. The septic tank was located 47 feet from Claussen Ditch, and the landowner suspected the septic tank overflow drained into this ditch. Claussen Ditch converges with Wolf Creek approximately 950 feet downstream. Wolf Creek is listed as impaired by the State of Wyoming for E. coli bacteria related to recreational use.

The new system now runs in between the house and the large barn, approximately 100 feet away from Claussen Ditch. The new system includes a new 1,000-gallon concrete septic tank and a 1200 square foot gravel bed. Six lateral pipes were used for the pipe bed.

The SCCD provided 50% of the project cost through a grant provided by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality under section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The project was constructed according to the specifications and requirements of their permit through Sheridan County.