Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
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.
