More Help for Eastern Shore Families With Oil Tanks, Septic Systems

Homeowners along the Eastern Shore will have more help replacing oil tanks and addressing septic system issues as the province expands the Environmental Home Assessment Program.

MLA for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour Jim Boudreau made the announcement on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau today, Aug. 22, in Ecum Secum.

"Many families in this area rely on wells, septic systems and oil tanks, and this is welcome news," said Mr. Boudreau. "Nova Scotians should never have to choose between replacing their oil tank or septic system and putting food on the table."

Families who need to replace oil tanks will receive up to $1,000 to purchase a tank, based on income. Homeowners with septic problems will receive up to $3,000 to repair or replace the system. The funding, totaling $1.5 million will be available next spring.

Nova Scotia has about 200,000 domestic oil tanks and 45 per cent of homes in the province use septic systems. Tanks in poor condition are the leading cause of oil spills. Improperly working septic systems can contaminate a family's well.

Clean Nova Scotia conducts free home inspections on the Eastern Shore, and they welcomed the news of more help for families.

"Since 2006, Clean Nova Scotia has been proud to deliver the EHAP program to the Central and Northern regions of the province," said Chris Morrissey, executive director of Clean Nova Scotia. "Educating Nova Scotians on the benefits of regular septic pumping, septic repair, and water quality protection has significant value and long-term benefits to families we assist as well as our water supply."

Any homeowner can request a free home visit to discuss well water, septic systems and oil tanks through the Environmental Home Assessment Program. For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/hap/ .

FOR BROADCAST:

Homeowners along the Eastern Shore will have more help

replacing oil tanks and addressing septic system issues as the

province expands the Environmental Home Assessment Program.

M-L-A for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour, Jim Boudreau, made the

announcement on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau

today (August 22nd) in Ecum Secum.

Families who need to replace their oil tanks will receive up

to one-thousand dollars to purchase a tank, based on income.

Homeowners with septic problems will receive up to three-thousand

dollars to repair or replace the system. The funding, totaling 1-

point-5 million dollars, will be available next spring.

Any homeowner can request a free home assessment for well

water, septic systems and oil tanks. For more information, visit

the department of Environment's website.