For many years Bayou Chico has been one of the most polluted bodies of water in Escambia County, but the County is closer to securing a large grant to help with efforts to clean up the bayou. County Commissioner Doug Underhill said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will provide a $660,000 grant to help improve water quality at Bayou Chico. Underhill said while industrial work in the area has long been a cause of pollution, septic tanks are also a contributing factor and much of the grant money would go towards moving homeowners on septic to sewer service to reduce pollution. Commissioner Underhill said the grant money is pending a final approval from the EPA and a response is expected by September.