Advanced septic systems

In response to a request from Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, the IRS issued a ruling that homeowners who have received grant funding to install advanced septic systems must pay federal income tax on the grant money.

County officials will speak about County Executive Steve Bellone's proposed grant/low-interest loan program to help homeowners with the cost of installing advanced septic systems.

The grant-loan program aims to provide incentives for homeowners to upgrade from septic systems that pollute groundwater.

Like the legislation sought by County Executive Steve Bellone last year, State Assemblyman Fred Thiele's proposal would create a fund with a $1-per-thousand water surcharge for public water customers. The fund would help homeowners install costly advanced septic systems.

What happens after you flush the toilet? County officials want you to think about that — because what happens after you flush directly affects both the quality of your drinking water and the health of the waterways surrounding our island.

County Legislator Al Krupski brings to the table a lifetime of experience in farming, shoreline regulation and land use.