:: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Thanks for learning more about the Red Cliff / WISCAP septic assessment project.

Dear Reservation Septic System Owner,

On behalf of the Red Cliff Tribal Council, the Red Cliff Planning and Environmental Departments are asking that you please complete the attached survey regarding the condition of your private septic system.   The survey is confidential, entirely voluntary, and very important to protect public health.

You may either return the survey using the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope OR for those surveys not returned by mail within 10 days, a Tribal program staffperson will begin calling to assist you and collect the survey information by phone.

Why are septic surveys being done?

The Red Cliff Tribe is seeking to assess threats to human health and the environment resulting from malfunctioning septic systems.   Recent studies at the Bad River Reservation as well as other rural northern Wisconsin communities indicate that home septic systems have average failure or major repair rates of 70%, with an additional 10 – 15% requiring less serious repairs. In addition, over the last several years a number of tribal residents have sought help or advice from the Water and Sewer Department regarding problems with their septic systems.

Who is involved in this effort to assess septic systems?

The Tribe will be assisted by the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) – Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP). WISCAP is a non-profit organization serving low-income people. RCAP is a federally-funded statewide program to provide training and technical assistance to low- and moderate-income rural communities with problems related to water and wastewater systems.   The Red Cliff septic assessment project is funded by a grant from the U.S. EPA.

What will happen once I send in the septic survey form?

The enclosed survey will be held in strict confidence. It will not be shared with County or State officials. A generalized summary of survey results will be made available.   The Tribe will keep participants informed throughout the process by use of letters, media, and public forums.

The survey will help us select individual properties to receive on-site septic system evaluation.   The Tribe, in cooperation with RCAP, will retain the services of an engineering firm specializing in wastewater systems. Upon completion of the on-site evaluations, each property owner will receive a copy of their confidential evaluation results.

If I am selected for a system evaluation, what would it cost?

There are no costs to you for any part of this septic assessment project. Tribal costs for the assessment project are almost entirely grant-funded.

If problems with my septic system are found will I be forced to fix it? Will the Tribe fix it?

No. The purpose of this project ONLY is to determine the extent and seriousness of septic problems for Tribal members, at which point the Tribal government will evaluate what opportunities it may have to seek aid.   Individual system repairs will NOT be compulsory, and no Tribal funds for repairs are available at this time.

PLEASE, we need your help in this effort to learn of risks posed to your family’s health, the health of our neighborhoods, and the health of our environment. Please complete the enclosed Septic Survey and return it to the Red Cliff Environmental Department in the enclosed stamped envelope within 10 days of receipt or please retain the survey as a reference for an upcoming phone interview.   The survey will be evaluated and residents informed of results.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Red Cliff Environmental Department 715-779-3650 and ask for Summer Klinger.

Thank you for your assistance.

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