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Septic Systems
North Castle Town Code Chapter 254 Sewer Systems: Private or On-Site Wastewater Treatment
Septic Systems: New Law!
How the new law requiring pumping affects you and why it is important to properly maintain your septic system.
A new North Castle Town law affecting all properties in the Kensico and Croton watersheds requires residents to have their septic tanks inspected at least once every five years. The law became effective in 2011 but requires all covered tanks to be pumped by May 2016. The law was needed to comply with Municipal Storm Sewer (MS4) requirements. A service provider should be licensed by Westchester County and will file a Septic System Data Form with the county, giving you a copy that you need to save for six years. The Town will review the county's information to determine compliance with the law. Failure to pump may result in fines.
Pumping your septic tank is both good for your health and good for the environment. Maintaining your septic system is crucial to the quality of your drinking water because anything you put down the drain goes into your septic system and can ultimately wind up in the water we use for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Residents can refer to the Conservation Board's brochure, Septic Systems: How They Work and How to Care for Them (PDF) to find out more information about septic tank maintenance and why it is important.
Determine Whether Your Property Is in the Kensico or Croton Watersheds
Kensico Septic System Rehabilitation Reimbursement Program
Owners of failing septic systems serving single-family or two-family residences with a design sewage flow of less than 1,000 gallons per day per family and located within the New York State portion of the Kensico Watershed (see watershed map below) are eligible for Program funding subject to Program rules and restrictions. In general, the program provides 50% reimbursement for septic repairs/connections up to $25,000 (and up to 75% in the case of demonstrated financial hardship).
Interested residents should email New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation or call 518-486-9267 to determine eligibility or for more information.
North Castle's Watersheds: Bronx River, Byram River, Croton River, Kensico, Mianus
Locations shown on North Castle Watershed Map (PDF)
Conservation Board Brochure on Septic Systems (PDF)
How a Septic System Works Video (3 minutes, Cornell Cooperative Extension 2010)
North Castle Prescription Drug Take-Back Program
Previously, consumers had been told to flush unwanted drugs. However, since low levels of some drugs are being found in our surface water this has no longer been recommended. Residents can safely dispose of unused prescriptions, OTC medications, vitamins, and medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the new North Castle Drug Collection Unit.
Managing and Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (NYSDEC) (PDF)
Every year in New York State, more than 100,000 tons of these household hazardous wastes are emptied into trash cans. They end up in landfills or incinerators. They may also enter the environment from lawns, sewers, and septic systems. To protect and preserve the quality of our groundwater, streams, and lakes follow these guidelines.