NWLEPG logo Northwest Local Environmental Protection Group Colby, Kansas · Serving twelve northwest Kansas counties

Protecting groundwater across twelve northwest Kansas counties

NWLEPG administers county environmental sanitary codes for onsite wastewater systems and private water wells, and provides water testing, permitting, inspections and technical help to residents, contractors and county officials.

Office350 S. Range, Suite #4
Colby, KS 67701

Phone(785) 462-8636
Fax: (785) 460-8637

E-mailnwlepg@st-tel.net

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2026 Wastewater Replacement Grant

Notice to all NWLEPG member counties

In June 2025 this office received notice from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that the Northwest Local Environmental Protection Group has been awarded a 2026 PIP Grant for Replacement of Failing Onsite Wastewater Systems in the amount of $50,000.

These funds have been made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and have been awarded by KDHE for the repair and replacement of domestic wastewater systems that no longer meet Kansas Bulletin 4-2 regulations.

This program is conditional on the basis of income, covering up to 100% of repair and replacement cost of failed domestic wastewater systems for applicants at or below 134% of the 2025 federal poverty level, up to 75% of cost for applicants from 134% up to 200% of the 2025 federal poverty level, and up to 50% of cost for applicants between 201% and 300% of the 2025 federal poverty level.

Actions required will consist of an application process by homeowners, inspection by NWLEPG to determine that grant criteria are met, a bid process for NWLEPG licensed installers to compete for these installations, and final inspection and certification that these installations meet NWLEPG county codes and Kansas Bulletin 4-2 regulations. These funds are limited, so they will be awarded in the order in which applications are received until depletion.

This program is a tremendous opportunity for low-income homeowners in NWLEPG counties to repair or replace failed systems that may be a danger to public health.

To apply for this grant opportunity, please complete the included forms along with two itemized quotes from NWLEPG licensed contractors and return them to this office prior to April 30, 2026. Please note that the Letter of Intent fee is not due unless you are approved for funding.

Sincerely,
Brice Cronn
NWLEPG Director

Download the application forms (PDF) Detailed guidelines (PDF)

About NWLEPG

The Local Environmental Protection Program, established in 1990, provided funding to enable local authorities to develop water protection plans that complemented other water quality efforts being waged by state and federal agencies. At the core of each plan was the adoption and enforcement of county environmental codes with an emphasis on onsite wastewater systems (OWWS) and private water wells (PWW). These plans were also designed to cover broader responsibilities including the management of county-wide water and wastewater, subdivision water and wastewater, NPS pollution, sanitary landfill planning, and public water supply protection. Between 1990 and 2012, 103 counties adopted environmental codes that meet the standards outlined in KDHE Bulletin 4-2, Minimum Standards for Design and Construction of Onsite Wastewater Systems.

In 2012, funding was discontinued for this program. KDHE Watershed Management Section continues to support the LEPP by providing technical assistance to counties. The LEPPs are the primary point of contact for a wide range of services governed by county sanitary codes, state regulations, and federal regulations, including:

  • OWWS permitting and preliminary and final inspections to verify minimum county sanitary codes and state standards are met.
  • Providing the technical oversight to assist County Conservation District (CCD) offices with the cost-share program for failing OWWS.
  • Licensing of OWWS installers and septage pumpers.
  • Ensuring PWW are properly sited prior to installation.
  • Conducting inspections of OWWS and PWW that serve foster care homes and daycare facilities as required by current KDHE regulations.
  • Responding to environmental complaints and conducting follow-up investigations for failing OWWS, PWW, and illegal dumpsites that may include collaboration with KDHE.
  • Providing education and technical assistance to elected officials and county residents.
  • Maintaining databases of OWWS permits and inspections for present and future reference.
  • Conducting inspections of OWWS and PWW when required for a real estate transaction.

Participating counties

  • Cheyenne
  • Gove
  • Greeley
  • Lane
  • Logan
  • Rawlins
  • Scott
  • Sheridan
  • Sherman
  • Thomas
  • Trego
  • Wallace

Group activities

  • Develop and enforce Environmental Sanitary Codes for each county that address private wastewater systems and non-public water supplies.
  • Provide educational programs that inform the general public about pollution sources that have the potential to contaminate groundwater.
  • Coordinate activities with other agencies and programs working to protect water quality.
  • Promote the collection and recycling of used oil, solid waste, and household hazardous waste in each county.
  • Assist in the Public Water Supply (PWS), Wellhead Protection (WHP), and WRAPS Programs.

Groundwater pollution sources

  • Abandoned water wells*
  • Ag chemical storage & usage
  • Chemigation
  • Grain storage & treatment
  • Lawn & garden products
  • Urban runoff
  • Cross connections
  • Back siphoning
  • Landfills
  • Road deicing
  • On-site wastewater systems
  • Sewage lagoons
  • Feedlots
  • Injection wells
  • Underground fuel storage tanks
  • Oil & gas production
  • Improper trash dumping
  • Industrial sites
  • Soil erosion

* Abandoned wells are a direct route allowing surface contaminants to reach the groundwater, as well as a safety hazard to people, especially children. For information on how to properly plug abandoned wells, contact the NWLEPG office.

Services

  • Water well evaluation
  • Water testing (bacterial & nitrate)
  • Interpretation of water test analysis
  • Identify water contamination problems
  • Private wastewater system design
  • Private wastewater system evaluations
  • Household hazardous waste assistance
  • Solid waste management assistance
  • Identification of abandoned wells & proper plugging procedures
  • Non-point source pollution control

Note: Some services may require fees. Please check with the NWLEPG office at 785-462-8636.

Forms

Fillable (PDF)

Printable

Contractors & tank cleaners

Current lists of installers and pumpers licensed through NWLEPG:

Contractor’s handbook for onsite wastewater systems

Associated health departments

KALHD – Kansas health department directory

Helpful information

State and federal

Publications