Transcript No Slide Title

Rapid Assessment Process
Project Strategic Plan
City of La Joya
Wastewater Treatment Plant
and Collection System Improvements
Hidalgo County, Texas
Presented to:
Project Sponsor and BECC Staff
Transition Meeting
January 9, 2003
Agenda
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General Aspects
Environmental and Human Health Indicators
Technical Approach, Objectives and Funding Plan
Public Participation
Sustainable Development
Immediate Action Items
Project Development Schedule
General Aspects
Project Location
 City of La Joya is located in Hidalgo County, Texas west
of McAllen. The community is 5 miles north of the
U.S./Mexican Border.
General Aspects
State of Existing WWTP and Collection System
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Originally constructed in 1982, the WWTP is a no-discharge pond facility.
The system includes a WWTP with a capacity of 0.175 MGD and consists of two
lagoons, two stabilization ponds, one holding pond, one submersible pump and wet
well for irrigation and re-circulation purposes and one 5.24-acre irrigation field.
The WWTP includes five storage ponds with total capacity of 27.8 acre-feet for
storage of treated effluent prior to evaporation and irrigation.
It should be noted that the renewal permit requires 28.9 acre grassland drainage area.
Currently in poor condition, the WWTP operates well-above its designated capacity.
The City’s wastewater collection system consists of 8-inch gravity sewer pipe, 4-inch
to 6-inch force main, and 9 lift stations, with most of the gravity sewer mains flowing
at full capacity and not able to accept additional flow.
Concerns: Currently violating renewal permit requirements with only 5.2 acres
of grassland available for disposal. Additional expansion is required to address
capacity demands.
General Aspects
Proposed Wastewater Treatment System Improvement Project
 Continued use of the existing WWTP requires acquisition or lease of additional
disposal land under the current TCEQ no-discharge permit is still needed.
 Expansion/Replacement of existing WWTP in order to comply with TCEQ’s
permit, which requires the City to commence construction of additional
treatment facilities after reaching 90 percent of capacity.
 The WWTP will be constructed to accommodate additional flow from the
expanding school district and from the planned extension of wastewater services
to outlying colonias of Tierra Blanca, Havana and Penitas.
 The City agrees with the existing technical studies’ recommendation to construct
a new conventional WWTP rather than expanding the existing WWTP because
of land requirements of that technology. The proposed alternative for the ww
treatment will implement an activated sludge process consisting of oxidation
ditches, clarifiers, chlorine disinfections, and sludge processing facilities,
requiring approximately 9-acres and treat 1.57 MGD.
 Improvements to the existing wastewater collection system, including the
rehabilitation of some existing lift stations, collection lines, manholes, laterals,
extension of new service to the outlying colonias and household connections.
General Aspects
Total Estimated Cost: $8.7 Million
(Based on STEP I Application)
General Aspects
Project Sponsor Profile:
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Population: 3,303 (5,027 with
colonias)
Colonias Population
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Penitas: 958
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Tierra Blanca: 380
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Havana: 386
Growth rate (90-00): 26.8%
MHI: $22,820.00
Unemployment rate: 19.6%
Legal utility provider
985 water accounts
1,073 sewer accounts
10 employees (4 certified
operators)
Billing efficiency: 96 %
Prior Agency Support and
Existing Studies:
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USDA – City applied for funding for
construction of lift stations in 2001
(currently awaiting completion of review
by USDA).
CDBG – grant funding provided in 2001 to
prepare plans, specs and estimates to recertify pond-lining and repair areas of
erosion of the WWTP stabilization and
holding ponds.
TWDB – the City has applied for funding
for the proposed project.
No prior BECC or NADB assistance.
2001 – Environmental Information
Document.
Drafted Category A, B and C planning
documents per TWDB.
Environmental and
Human Health Indicators
Human Health Indicators
 The limitations of the WWTP pose a direct threat to the health and
safety of the residents of La Joya, given the potential health risks that
can be derived from groundwater contamination due to higher
application rates.
 The residents of Tierra Blanca, Havana and Penitas currently utilize
septic tanks and drain fields. Failure of these systems represents a
public risk.
 Most of these on-site systems do not meet TCEQ On-Site Sewage
Facilities design requirements, with most residential lot sizes with
less than 0.5 acres or multiple homes on a single lot.
Environmental and
Human Health Indicators
Human Health Indicators
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The expansion of the City’s WWTP and the rehabilitation of the existing
collection system will address several human health and environmental
concerns of the residents of City of La Joya and outlying colonias of Tierra
Blanca, Havana and Penitas, which currently utilize septic tanks and drain
fields.
Although existing statistics are not specific to the City of La Joya, the Texas
DOH has indicated that cases of Cryptosporidiosis and Amebiasis have been
reported in Hidalgo County. The number of cases per 100,000 people are as
follow:
Year
Disease Case
Region 11: Hidalgo County
Texas (All Other Regions)
1997
Cryptosporidiosis
0.1
0 – 0.8
Amebiasis
1.7
0 – 1.2
Cryptosporidiosis
0.6
0 – 43.2
Amebiasis
1.4
0 – 1.0
Cryptosporidiosis
0.5
0 – 1.1
Amebiasis
0
0 – 1.3
1998
1999
Environmental and
Human Health Indicators
Environmental Indicators
 The poor conditions and under sizing of the existing WWTP may
have a significant environmental impact on the groundwater and air
quality of the area.
 Overflow conditions and exposed wastewater accumulated at the
surface of land disposal areas due to higher application rates can
create a pest and odor nuisance for the community of La Joya.
 Groundwater contamination may occur due to improper lining of the
stabilization ponds and higher land application rates on designated
disposal areas.
 The proposed project will bring positive improvements to the general
environment of the City of La Joya are by eliminating the
environmental impacts that can be caused by the current wastewater
disposal practices and systems deficiencies.
Environmental and
Human Health Indicators
Compliance with Environmental Norms &
Regulations Including Violations
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The City received a notice of violation on January 5, 2000, by
TCEQ, regarding the City’s failure to commence additional
construction planning of the WWTP after reaching 90 percent of
capacity for three consecutive months.
Previous TCEQ violations included the need to repair stabilization
and holding pond embankments, failure to provide an audio-visual
alarm system for all lift stations and failure to submit a permit
application within the appropriate time before the expiration date of
the effective permit.
The City needs to improve the existing wastewater distribution
system to resolve the overflow conditions in pipelines due to the
increase in flow by rainfall events, causing significant increase to
influent at the WWTP.
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Project Objectives
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Improvements to the wastewater treatment, rehabilitation of existing
wastewater collection system and expansion of new collection services to
meet the demands of the existing population of the City, and to comply with
TCEQ’s permit requirements.
The expansion will allow the City to provide wastewater services to the
outlying colonias of Tierra Blanca, Havana and Penitas.
Technical Approach
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Technical Assistance needed to develop the following documents:
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Facility Plan and EID for WWTP improvements (In progress and funded by
CDBG).
Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental per USDA
Financial Analysis.
Rate Study.
Public Participation Program.
Engineering Design for the proposed wastewater systems improvements.
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Identified Potential Funding Sources
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Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
 Funds may be available through TWDB Dfund II, EDAP and
CWTAP
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
 Funds tailored for rural areas with populations of less than 10,000
North American Development Bank (NADB)
 BEIF and IDP
Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC)
 PDAP program
US Army Corps of Engineers
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Project Sponsor Financial Potential
Revenues and Expenditures Summary (millions)
1999 2000 2001
Revenues
$1.1
$0.5
$0.5
Expenses
$1.4
$0.03 $0.2
Net Available
from Operations
($0.3) $0.5
$0.3
Existing Debt: $0
Annual Debt Service: $0
Water
WW
Average Monthly Bill:
$23.50
$22.50
(City approved rate increase in July 2002.)
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
PDAP Eligibility Criteria
1) Financial strategy for the entire project
2) Project sponsor awareness of technical aspects of project
3) Project sponsor has provided demonstration of documentation
support for the project
4) BEIF financing eligible
5) C.N.A. and/or state/local gov. support, for projects in Mexico
6) Funds allocated on a per task basis
7) Project coordination with all government agencies involved
8) Value engineering as required under BEIF program
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
NA
Yes
Yes
Yes
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
BEIF Eligibility Criteria
1) Project located within 100 km of the border
2) Project addresses a human health and/or ecological issue
3) Project provides U.S. side benefits
4) Project scope entails community infrastructure in W/WW
5) Project sponsor to pursue Certification of Project
6) Drinking water projects – quality of water only, not raw water supply
7) Projects have a funding strategy with funding sources identified
8) Projects that discharge into U.S. side waters to target US norms
9) Payment and benefit to public entity only not private sector
10) For final design must meet eligibility requirements
11) Colonias projects, after 06-01-01, eligibility based on established
enforceable ordinances preventing exacerbation or new ‘colonias’
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
NA
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Agency Perspectives - NADB
 An initial analysis of the proposed project in regards
to BEIF eligibility criteria provides a sense that the
project will be eligible for this program.
 An affordability analysis will be completed to
determine any participation with BEIF grants
including construction, hook-up and transition
support.
 Loan assistance can be available for construction and
potential support may be provided by the IDP for
completion of a rate study and other institutional
capacity building needs.
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Agency Perspectives - TWDB
 Because the project will address nearby colonias, this project
will be eligible for EDAP funding through TWDB, a process
already initiated by the community.
 Project will meet criteria for application to SRF and Dfund II.
Application to be included on priority list (IUP) needs to be
submitted in Feb. 2003.
 The community will include a line-item request for project
management assistance.
 Upsizing collection lines of the existing system will not be
eligible for EDAP.
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Technical Assistance Tasks
Task
Facility Plan and EID
Revisions to Planning Docs to meet USDA
Financial Analysis
Public Participation Program
Project Certification Document
Final Design
Source
CDBG
BECC
BECC
BECC
BECC
BECC/Other
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Institutional Capacity Building
 The project sponsor identified such needs as a capital
improvement plan, rate study, project management
assistance and the development of public
participation programs.
 The Frank M. Tejeda Center has conducted an
Institutional Capacity Needs Assessment with the
City of La Joya.
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Institutional Capacity Building
 In specific, observations were made pertaining to:
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Current Operating Violations – WWTP capacity, berm wall leaks.
Planning – Under development per TWDB guidelines, may need
modification to meet USDA requirements.
Project Development and Funds Management – City requires assistance.
Outsourcing – City provides all operation services.
Operational Capacity – Additional certified operators will be needed,
specifically with “B” and “C” certifications.
Operator training
recommended.
Management Capabilities – working with the Tejeda Center for continued
assistance.
Governance – Recommend elected official training and development of
manuals.
Technical Approach,
Objectives and Funding Plan
Potential Obstacles
 Inter-local agreement are complete with the City of Penitas to allow the
City to provide wastewater treatment within the Penitas wastewater CCN
(No. 20794), further obstacles for this community are not anticipated to
meet the proposed project objectives.
 La Joya WSC has agreed to decertify a portion of CCN to provide an
opportunity for the City to certify this area. Further obstacles are not
anticipated on this issue.
 USDA has not participated in RAP and is a potential funding source for the
project. Efforts must continue to be made to bring this agency to the table.
Modifications to planning documents be required.
 Potential obstacles may exist because of the public perception problems
encountered during the recently certified project with La Joya WSC.
 The final WWTP site selection process should take into account significant
public outreach. A site is recommended in the existing planning
documents, public outreach must be extensive to comfort the response of
the community.
Public Participation
Identification of Main Stakeholders
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City of La Joya and its residents
Texas Water Development Board
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
North American Development Bank
Frank M. Tejeda Center
Border Environment Cooperation Commission
United States Department of Agriculture
Secretary of State
US Army Corps of Engineers
Local Politics
 The City’s government structure is composed of a City Mayor and two
commissioners. Current counsel members have a two-year term. The
Mayor has a long history of public service with this community.
Sustainable Development
Minimum Criteria Requirements
 The City of La Joya made a commitment to comply
to all applicable minimum requirements for the
project in compliance with the BECC’s sustainable
development criteria. Based on the status of existing
planning and capacity assessment conducted by the
Tejeda Center, a strategy to meet the applicable
requirements has been included in Attachment H of
the Strategic Plan.
Sustainable Development
Service Indicators
 Water service indicators: all available water service indicators were
recorded.
 Sewer service indicators: all available sewer service indicators were
recorded. The indicators describe 99% coverage of the existing service
area with 1073 connections. Other flagged indicators such as O&M
problems, infiltration/inflow problems will be addressed with the proposed
project
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 Wastewater service indicators: all available wastewater service indicators
were recorded. Indicators were not provided to describe actual flow into
the existing WWTP or sludge quality. O&M problems and noncompliance notifications will be addressed with the proposed project.
Immediate Action Items
City of La Joya
 Provide procurement documentation for consultant selection.
 Determine financial needs to complete the development of
technical documents to meet TWDB requirements. Is the
existing CDBG funding adequate?
 Provide letter accepting Strategic Plan.
 Formation of Steering Committee.
 Provide additional information to complete Baseline
Conditions report and TBD indicators.
BECC
 Develop SOW.
SOW to include a determination of
modifications required to meet USDA requirements.
Project Development
Schedule
Task Name
Duration
Start
Finish
Application Process
10 days
08/02/02
08/15/02
Rapid Assessment Process
94 days
08/19/02
01/09/03
Technical Assistance Process
38 days
01/10/03
03/04/03
Project Development Process
494 days
12/16/02
11/18/04
Project Design Process
322 days
06/26/03
09/17/04
TWDB Funding
66 days
07/03/03
10/02/03
NADB Rate Study
67 days
02/03/04
05/05/04
BECC Certification Process
39 days
07/26/04
09/16/04
(TA, Public Participation, NEPA)