Aid Available for Flood-Damaged N.H. Wells and Septic Tanks
Release Date: June 2, 2006
Release Number: 1643-005
» More Information on New Hampshire Severe Storms and Flooding
NEWINGTON, N.H. -- New Hampshire residents whose wells or septic systems were damaged as a result of the severe storms and floods that began May 12 may be eligible for financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete necessary repairs.
Homeowners in Belknap, Carroll, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties may be eligible for grant funding to pump septic tanks, perform required repairs or replace the system as needed. Damaged private wells that are the sole source of water for the home also may be repaired or decontaminated.
"We don't want anyone living in a house with contaminated water or exposed to raw sewage," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Clark. "Applicants for state and federal disaster assistance should advise the FEMA inspector that they have a private well and septic system."
"Residents who feel that their well may have been compromised by the recent floods may obtain well testing kits at their town hall or by calling the Department of Environmental Services (DES) at 603-271-3445," said Mike Poirier, state coordinating officer for the New Hampshire Bureau of Emergency Management. "People calling DES should request the test for bacteria and nitrates, and stress that the contamination was the result of the recent storms."
Home-repair grants are designed to restore the home to a livable and sanitary condition. To qualify for this disaster assistance, applicants must own their home and the home must be their primary residence. Grants are not intended to restore a home to pre-disaster condition and cannot be used for cosmetic repairs or repairs covered by insurance.
Any New Hampshire resident in a declared county who suffered damage or losses from the recent severe storms and flooding can register for disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The number for those with hearing or speech impairment is (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open from 8A.M. to 6 P.M., seven days a week until further notice. Individuals may also register for disaster assistance at the FEMA website www.fema.gov.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 11:40:07