MDA loan program helps rural landowners fix ailing septic systems

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has issued more than 5,000 loans for septic system improvements through the Agricultural Best Management Practices (AgBMP) Loan Program. The program provides low interest loans to qualifying farmers and landowners to help finance projects that prevent or reduce water pollution.

Minnesota Agriculture commissioner Dave Frederickson said the number of loans issued is impressive, especially when taking into account how many people using the septic systems needed repair.

“These 5,000 loans covered the necessary upgrades to septic systems used by approximately 15,000 people,” said Frederickson. “These were septic systems on farms and rural lands where the owners bear the cost of making the upgrades. The availability of low interest loans was a great incentive for them to fix the problems and help protect our water resources.”

Non-compliant and failing septic systems can contribute to groundwater contamination and pollution of nearby lakes and streams. Incomplete treatment of waste from septic systems can result in increased algae, reduced water clarity, closed beaches, decreased fish populations and increased health risks for human diseases.

The AgBMP Loan Program works with Soil and Water Conservation Districts and local governments to help farmers and rural landowners improve their systems by offering loans at 3 percent interest through participating local lenders.

Individuals interested in securing a loan should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or County Environmental Office.

For more information, visit www.mda.state.mn.

us/agbmploans or call Dwight Wilcox at (651) 201-6618.

Tags: country, mda, loans, septic