Limestone Valley Promotes New Septic Repair and Agriculture Improvement Grant
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Limestone Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council has received a third federal/state grant (called the Lookout Creek Clean Water Act Grant) for projects in the Lookout Creek watershed. Stephen Bontekoe (Limestone Valley executive director) explained that the nonprofit’s watershed management plan prioritizes the Lookout Creek watershed with specific strategies to improve the waterways.
Two parts of this grant may be of interest to Dade County residents: a cost share program for septic repairs and funding for agriculture projects that improve water quality. Funds are available until they run out or until the summer of 2025.
To apply for septic repair cost sharing, call Matt Heath at 706-514-6366. Bontekoe noted, “All repairs are required to be permitted through the Dade Health Department. Reach out to Kristen Bradford at the health department to get a repair permit.”
Meanwhile, questions about funding for agriculture projects can be directed to Bontekoe. He said, “Based on the budget and previous experiences, we plan to address 25 septic projects and three farms, based on how much we think we can get done in two years. The funds have a limited timeframe in which you need to expend them, so it’s better to set achievable goals and then ask for additional funding.”
He noted that Limestone Valley completed phase one of the watershed project several years ago, but all needs weren’t addressed, so they did phase two and are now on phase three.
Of the agriculture projects, Bontekoe explained, “It could be a variety of things. It could be planting trees and bushes along the creek. It could be installing cross fencing so animals have the ability to rotate which reduces their impact in one field or another. It could be putting water bars where a road has been cut in to keep water from building up too much speed and causing erosion. It could be adding watering troughs to be able to distribute animals across the landscape more evenly.”
Bontekoe noted that part of this grant will also help with stream bank restoration along Town Creek by Town Creek Trail. “The bank is actively eroding. We’ll be restoring the buffer with some vegetation to create a long-term, stable bank.” As a tributary to Lookout Creek, Town Creek falls under the watershed plans.
During these projects, Limestone Valley will be monitoring water quality by taking scientific readings from designated sites throughout the watershed. This will help ascertain if the projects are making an impact.
Limestone Valley also continues to partner with 4-H and other community volunteer groups for creek cleanups, such as the Rivers Alive clean-up off of Sells Lane that took place on November 18th.
