Septic system clinic set for Feb. 16 in Kingsville
Residents of San Fernando, Petronila creeks watersheds invited to free educational workshop
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host an educational workshop on septic system maintenance for residents in the watersheds of San Fernando and Petronila creeks on Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kingsville
The free workshop will be held at Cousins Hall on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 925 W. Santa Gertrudis St. Parking is available in Lot M, and lunch will be provided. Registration is required by calling the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office for Kleberg-Kenedy counties at 361-595-8566.
About the workshop
Landowners and residents in Jim Wells, Duval, Nueces and Kleberg counties who depend on septic systems are encouraged to attend. The workshop will focus on best practices for operating and maintaining home septic systems.
Home septic systems, also known as on-site sewage facilities or OSSFs, treat wastewater before it is dispersed on-site. Malfunctioning OSSFs can pose a human health risk and may contribute excess bacteria and other pollutants to local streams, bays and groundwater. Proper septic maintenance can help extend the life of systems and reduce the need for costly repairs.
AgriLife Extension wastewater specialists will be available to answer questions about septic systems. These workshops do not certify homeowners to conduct quarterly inspections required for aerobic systems.
Participants will also learn about a grant program that provides a limited number of free septic system pump-outs for homeowners in the Petronila and San Fernando creeks watersheds. To apply for the septic system pump-out program, call 361-825-2129.
San Fernando and Petronila Creeks Watershed Protection Plan
Failing septic systems were identified during the San Fernando and Petronila creeks watershed protection planning process as a potential source of bacterial contamination in nearby streams and waterways. This clinic is offered as an educational component of the San Fernando and Petronila Creeks Watershed Protection Plan.
Petronila Creek and San Fernando Creek are two of the three major tributaries to Baffin Bay. To learn more about efforts to protect the Baffin Bay watershed, visit bringingbaffinback.org.
Funding for the workshop is provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as part of a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
