The Mathews Community Foundation has awarded the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission $9,000 to assist low-income homeowners on Gwynn’s Island with repair or replacement of their failing septic systems.

According to a letter from the MPPDC to Mathews County, the MPPDC’s On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Funding Program will consider any repair approved by the Virginia Department of Health and not prohibited by any local ordinance to be suited for funding under this program. Funds will be awarded based on current median family income as published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Septic systems are vital to a family’s and community’s health and wellness, said the letter. Failing septic systems can lead to sewage ponding in yards, which presents a public health and water quality concern.

As sea level continues to rise and flood, events become more commonplace, said the letter, and the risk of ponding and untreated sewage leaking into tributaries surrounding Mathews County and affecting neighboring lots becomes significantly higher. Gwynn’s Island in Mathews County has been identified as an area in great need of septic repair assistance and funding.

For information about whether a homeowner qualifies, call 804-785-8100 or email dmantell@mppdc.com for an application. The deadline to submit applications is April 16.