BARNSTABLE — The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment and the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center have received a grant to test septic system phosphorus-removal technologies in the watersheds of ponds.
The grant comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Environmental Protection.
Phosphorus in freshwater lakes and ponds is often responsible for algae blooms, oxygen depletion that causes fish kills and other problems, according to a statement from the county health department. Septic systems, fertilizer use and poor land management are largely responsible for the increase in phosphorus and resulting water quality problems, the statement says.
Through this grant, six homeowners will install a phosphorus-removal technology to be monitored for at least one year. The grant will provide a $5,000 subsidy for participants toward the cost of design or installation, and much of the equipment will be donated.
More information is available from Emily Michele Olmsted at 508-375-6901 or email@example.com.