N.M. Admin. Code § 20.7.6.16

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 17, September 10, 2024

Section 20.7.6.16 - PROJECT PLANNING GUIDELINES

A. Facilities planning consists of those necessary plans and studies that directly relate to treatment works or other eligible projects needed to comply with enforceable requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act and New Mexico Water Quality Act. Facilities planning will substantiate the need for the proposed facilities. It is a systematic evaluation of alternatives in regard to unique demographic, topographic, hydrologic, and institutional characteristics of the area that demonstrates that the selected alternative is cost effective in meeting the applicable effluent, groundwater, and surface water quality and public health requirements over the design life of the facility or other eligible project (while recognizing environmental and other nonmonetary considerations).

B. The most important outcome of the planning process is the selection of the best water pollution control alternative. The facilities plan (feasibility report or engineer's report) should include:

(1) A description of the proposed project and the complete system of which it is a part.

(2) A description of the best practicable water pollution control technology (BPWPCT).

(3) A cost-effective analysis of the project in meeting enforceable requirements over the design life of the project which includes a 30-year reserve capacity, if appropriate. Costs to be considered must include the present worth or equivalent annual value of all capital costs as well as operation and maintenance costs. Population forecasts should be consistent with the state needs survey.

(4) An evaluation of improved water quality attainable by upgrading the operation and maintenance ("O & M") and efficiency of existing facilities as an alternative to new construction.

(5) Cost information on total capital costs and annual O & M as well as estimated annual or monthly costs to residential and commercial users.

(6) A demonstration of the nonexistence or possible existence of excessive infiltration/inflow in an existing system.

(7) An adequate evaluation of the environmental impacts of alternatives.

(8) An evaluation of the water supply implications of the project.

(9) For the selected alternative, a concise description of relevant design parameters.

(10) A description of the proposed pretreatment program if applicable.

(11) A demonstration that the selected alternative is consistent with the applicable water quality management (WQM) plan.

(12) Demonstration that the borrower has the legal, institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure adequate construction and operation and maintenance of the treatment works throughout the service area. Financial capability to service this loan must also be demonstrated.

(13) Summary of public participation in the development of the facilities plan.

C. If any of the above information has been developed separately, it may be incorporated by reference rather than duplication.

N.M. Admin. Code § 20.7.6.16

10-22-88; 20.7.6.16 NMAC - Rn, 20 NMAC 7.6.302 & A, 7/16/2000, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVI, Issue 22, November 30, 2015, eff. 12/30/2015