On February 23, 2017, the Campbell County Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Environmental Management hosted a class on septic system management because 40% of Kentucky homes have septic systems that provide on-site wastewater management.  Most homeowner do not know of their septic systems or proper management.  This is an issue because septic systems need regular maintenance to function correctly. Failing septic systems release partially treated and untreated human waste into the environment which is a health risk.   It is estimated that 63,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into Kentucky’s environment per year.   Twenty-three people attended that class.   Afterwards, the Campbell County Planning and Zoning Director recommended that the class be repeated due to a persistent need for that information in the community.  The Campbell County Attorney’s Office requested information about the second class so it could be published to their website, and submitted for publication in Fort Thomas Matters and the Campbell County Recorder.

The second, “Care and Feeding Your Septic System”, class on septic system management was provided to the community on December 4, 2018 by Dr. Brad Lee, University of Kentucky Soil and Water Extension Specialist.   Twenty people participated. Over half of the participants completed a follow-up survey that was distributed six months afterwards.  The surveys indicated that 40% of participants had their septic system located, inspected and pumped because they learned to do so at the class.  When asked about the usefulness of the information, participants indicated, “Absolutely. Handouts were great to obtain for reference.” “It was a particularly well delivered presentation. Very clear, concise, and informative.” “I have a better understanding of how a septic system works.” “Learned how to maintain septic system.” “Since the presentation, I’ve had the tank pumped again, and inspected.  Additionally, I’ve since made a point of killing and removing Amur honeysuckle that lighted on the leach field.”