Chaparral Waste Treatment Solutions Proposed to Otero County Commission

A request to authorize formal participation by Otero County in discussions of wastewater management conditions, needs, and possible options in the unincorporated area of Chaparral New Mexico was a major agenda item for the Otero County Commission meeting on Thursday.

State Representative Willie Madrid along with representatives of the EPA spent 2 hours in a detailed presentation to discuss using a portion of the Trillion dollar federal infrastructure improvement moneys to invest in a Pilot project for sewage treatment and water quality improvements for Chaparral New Mexico.

This community is the fastest growing area of Otero County and is without adequate infrastructure. The county commissioners have been lacking in investment, hesitant to allow the area to potentially incorporate into a city and have allowed unchecked growth without significant oversight and regulatory controls resulting in a community with high crime, poor water quality and with most houses on septic tanks due to not having proper sewage infrastructure.

A proposal by the EPA and the US Department of Agriculture would create a first of its kind in Néw Mexico pilot program to invest and assist with the sewage treatment issues for Chaparral.
State Representative Willie Madrid is championing a solution but facing resistance from the Otero County Commission. 

Hear an interview with Representative Willie Madrid and his concerns to solve the waste water issues in an interview with Alamogordo Town News hosted by Anthony Lucero on Krazy KALHRadio.org 95.1 FM by following this podcast link… 

https://spotify.link/khjWkdgoZyb

Otero County Commission Meeting April 13, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/live/isIw2kDq50s?feature=share

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA) have grant and loan programs to help pay for wastewater infrastructure. Recent increases in federal funding presents an important opportunity for communities to invest in septic upgrades, nearby community systems, or sewer connections. A team of EPA, USDA, and technical assistance providers are working with 11 communities in 7 southern and southwestern states to help find affordable solutions to areas where there are failing systems. Through providing technical assistance, the goal of this initiative is to help position the communities to find affordable solutions for their residents and to create a roadmap for other communities in the future. Dona Ana County is on board but for program success Otero County Commissioners also need to authorize participation for the Otero County side of Chaparral which crosses into the two counties due to growth.

Chaparral has been identified as an impoverished community and one that is included in the staggering fact that 2.2 million people in the U.S. lack either running water or indoor plumbing, or both with many homes in Chaparral falling into that category.

Approximately 20 percent of U.S. residents depend on septic systems for wastewater treatment. While septic systems can be effective when properly designed and maintained, many of those systems may be failing, leading to environmental and public health concerns which is the case in Chaparral as one of the causes contributing to unsafe public drinking water in this fast growing community.

Households generate sewage, or wastewater, through toilet flushing, dishwashing, bathing, and other daily activities, and that wastewater needs to be treated. Untreated wastewater presents a health risk to families, affects water resources, and slows economic growth in a community that is growing with people but not jobs due to sanitation and water concerns.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?
There are many ways to treat wastewater, with different solutions for different community goals and site conditions. Septic system upgrades are one option that work well in certain soils. Shared community systems are another option. Additionally, if an existing sewer plant is available nearby, connecting to a sewer system may be the right answer. Conduct a Community Wastewater Review. A team will conduct an assessment on the existing wastewater infrastructure in your community and identify areas of need. They will meet with key local community members and look at creating options to best set your community up for success.

Develop a Community Wastewater Solutions Plan.The solutions plan offers early recommendations for wastewater treatment. A solutions plan may compare septic and offsite or cluster options and their costs, provide a path to apply for funding, and identify long-term needs. State and local officials and community members will play a key role in plan development.

The following communities have been identified for the program in NEW MEXICO; Chaparral which spreads into Doña Ana and Otero Counties and the Santo Domingo Pueblo.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE INITIATIVE?
This pilot will help Chaparral get the information and resources needed to identify the right type of wastewater system(s) for its needs and to position it to apply for federal funding. This is the first step toward getting safe, effective, and affordable sanitation in the communities participating in this initiative.

Help Chaparral Identify and Seek Funding Opportunities. The solutions plan is to help participating communities find federal funding sources and gather the information needed to apply. This includes looking for innovative ways to pay for construction and long-term costs.
To Develop a Plan to Pay for Ongoing Costs. The solutions plan will include real ways to help pay for construction and ongoing costs that can lead to a successful, long-term solution.

The Initiative will equip the participating communities like Chaparral with the information they need to apply for Federal funding by Fall 2023.

Participation in this program is a no brainer to bring in experience and expertise to solve the sanitation and Water solutions for Chaparral and to open the door to funding solutions given the economic malaise Otero County Government finds itself in.

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