Environmental Home Assessment Program Launched

---

Nova Scotians who rely on wells and septic systems will benefit from a free environmental home assessment.

Nova Scotia's Environmental Home Assessment Program was launched today, Oct. 25, at an event in Halifax by Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour.

"We want to ensure Nova Scotians have all the information they need to properly maintain their septic systems and test their well water," said Mr. Parent. "This program will help homeowners protect their families' health, save money, and protect the environment from the harmful effects of faulty oil tanks, wells and septic systems."

Under the Environmental Home Assessment Program, homeowners will be provided with a septic system assessment, a water quality sampling kit and water-saving device. Samples of environmentally friendly septic cleaners will be distributed as well as information on how to properly maintain home oil tanks.                                
Once the assessment is complete, participants who wish to have their home septic system pumped will receive a rebate of $50 to be used by the end of fiscal year.                                     
Depending on financial need and the state of the septic system, lower-income households may be eligible for a grant of up to $3,000 that will help cover the cost of necessary repairs.

The program will give Nova Scotians the information they need to make environmentally friendly decisions. "Nova Scotians want to do what they can to protect our environment and this program gives them the tools to do so," said Mr. Parent.

Judy McMullen, executive director of Clean Nova Scotia, encourages homeowners to participate in the program.

"These free assessments are an ideal opportunity for Nova Scotians to express their care for the environment," said Mrs. McMullen. "Knowing the importance of regular water testing and how to properly maintain your home oil tank and septic system can protect our soil and water, and save you thousands of dollars in repair costs."

Three environmental community groups are delivering the free assessment program:

-- Clean Annapolis River Project (Western Region) 902-532-7533-- Clean Nova Scotia,(Central and Northern regions) 1-800-665-5377
-- Atlantic Coastal Action Program,(Eastern Region) 902-567-1628.

To participate in the Environmental Home Assessment Program, homeowners should contact their regional community group to make an appointment.

To apply for the septic repair grant, homeowners must first complete the free environmental home assessment.        

For more information on the Nova Scotia Environmental Home Assessment Program, see the Department of Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla .

---

FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Nova Scotians who rely on wells and septic systems will

benefit from a free environmental home assessment.

     Nova Scotia's Environmental Home Assessment Program was

launched today (October 25th) by Environment and Labour Minister

Mark Parent.

     Mr. Parent says the program will help homeowners protect

their families' health, save money, and protect the environment.

     Three environmental community groups in Nova Scotia will

be delivering the free assessment program.

For more information on the Nova Scotia Environmental Home

Assessment Program, visit the Department of Environment and

Labour website (www.gov.ns.ca/enla).

-30-

Media Contact: Janet Lynn McNeil
              Environment and Labour
              902-424-7420
              E-mail: mcneiljl@gov.ns.ca