Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF)
Hamilton County Public Health (HCPH) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) have financial assistance to help qualifying homeowners in the repair/replacement of their failing household sewage treatment system (HSTS). This limited funding amount has been awarded to Hamilton County through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) by the OEPA in the amount of $150,000.
If you wish to apply for funding, please call 513-946-7966 or email waterquality@hamilton-co.org to ask for an application.
Applying for Funds
Funding Eligibility
Applicants may qualify for funding in one of the following categories based on income eligibility:
- 100% of the installation cost covered by HCPH, with no cost to the property owner.
- 85% of the installation cost covered by HCPH, with 15% paid by the property owner.
- 50% of the installation cost covered by HCPH, with 50% paid by the property owner.
*Please note: Approval of an application does not guarantee funding. All approved applicants must submit a project to be considered for funding.
Project Types Eligible for WPCLF Funding
WPCLF funding may be awarded for two types of projects:
- Sewer Connection Project
- Requires an order for sewer connection to an available sewer.
- Must include at least three bids from registered sewer contractors.
- Sewage Treatment System (STS) Replacement
- Requires an approved STS design.
- Must include at least three bids from registered STS installers.
*Please Note: HCPH does not provide funding for STS repairs due to limited funding.
Project Submission Requirements
To participate, you must submit a project that aligns with the criteria outlined above. Bids should include all necessary items such as:
- STS design specifications.
- Plumbing connections to the building sewer.
- Disconnection and rerouting of any clear water.
- Electrical service upgrades, if required for the new STS components.
- Any other eligible and justified items.
- Finished grading, seeding, and straw application.
- Proper abandonment of existing STS components.
Scoring and Award Process
Projects will be reviewed and awarded based on a scoring process. The highest-scoring projects will receive funding, using the lowest and best bids until funds are exhausted. All applicants will be notified of the outcome. Awarded applicants will enter into a contract with HCPH to manage the project and work with the selected contractor.
*Please Note: Contractors and applicants must adhere to all terms specified in the contract. Any attempt to modify or add separate contracts or agreements without HCPH approval may disqualify the bidder.
Contractor Selection and Project Execution
Once a contractor is selected, they will be contacted directly by HCPH and required to sign a site-specific contract. A Notice to Proceed will be issued, allowing the contractor to begin the installation. All installations must be completed, including the final inspection, by the specified date.
Changes During Work: Any unexpected changes or alterations require a Contract Change Order. Payment for additional services will not be made without prior approval.
Payment Process
To receive WPCLF funding, the following steps must be completed:
- Final Approval: HCPH must approve the final STS installation or the appropriate permits (plumbing or sewer tap) must be approved by the issuing department (HCPH for plumbing, MSD for sewer).
- Invoice Submission: The contractor must submit an invoice to HCPH by the specified date, along with an approval certificate issued by HCPH.
- Reimbursement Request: Upon verifying the invoice and certificate, HCPH will request reimbursement from Ohio EPA.
- Payment to Contractor: After Ohio EPA confirms the reimbursement, the Ohio Water Development Authority will release the funds to HCPH, who will then pay the contractor. Any remaining balance not covered by WPCLF funding must be paid directly by the property owner to the contractor.
Contract Requirements
The contract includes insurance and bid bonding/financial guarantee requirements that must be followed by all parties involved.
(Approximate) Timeline and Deadlines
- August: HCPH applies for new WPCLF grant money.
- February/March: HCPH finds out if funding is available.
- HCPH will contact eligible applicants providing the final deadline to submit a project.
- April/May: HCPH will schedule the Project Review Committee Meeting.
- This meeting date is the deadline to submit a project.
- Applicants and installers will be notified of project selections.
- HCPH will send out contracts.
- Awarded installers will obtain site specific bonds and schedule the install upon receiving the Notice to Proceed letter.
- May-December: Installation of the projects to be completed and paid.
*Applications may be received at any time.
**Prior to project selections, applicants will be asked to update their income if submitted more than 6 months in advance of the meeting.
***Applicants that do not have an eligible project or their project is not selected will need to seek other resources.
Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Projects Open For Bidding
Sewage Treatment Systems Replacements Open For Bidding
Please check the list below periodically for updates.
- Campbell – Mt. Hope Rd. Approved Design: 100% grant funding
Sanitary Sewer Connection Jobs Open For Bidding
Quotes for these services should include the services listed above and the following:
- Contractor needs to be a licensed sewer tapper with the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) of Greater Cincinnati.
- Sanitary sewer connection will require obtaining a Tap Permit with MSD, meeting all necessary permit requirements, and any applicable Tap-in fees.
- Septic system abandonment will require obtaining a septic system abandonment permit from Hamilton County Public Health and associated fees.
- Plumbing rerouting or corrections will require obtaining necessary plumbing permit(s) with Hamilton County Public Health and associated fees.
- Any other necessary permitting and fees. (road right-of-way permitting, electrical permitting through the Inspection Bureau, Inc., etc.)
- A site plan showing the proposed building sewer, tap location, and connection to the home.
Requirements for Submitting Quotes
When submitting each quote, please include with them a completed, signed and dated copy of:
- Hamilton County Bid Proposal Form
- Contractor Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Certification Form
- Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Form
- American Iron and Steel (AIS) Form
If you have any questions concerning this program, please contact Water Quality directly at 513-946-7966.
