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Earth Day 2003: Winterhaven MDWC & SWA, New Mexico

Grant:  $600,000
Total:    $600,000

Outline of Need:

The Association is currently operating without an approved discharge plan issued by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). The existing package system was purchased by the developer, installed in 1975 by a contractor with no engineering supervision or monitoring by the state or local health agencies, and the quality of the treated effluent has been in question since the NMED commenced annual site visits in 1982. The land application area is of great concern, since it is adjacent to most of the mobile homes, and the offensive odors have been a detriment to the quality of life within the subdivison. Given the limitations of the current wastewater treatment and disposal system, it is unlikely that effluent limits could be met. The system was installed prior to the authority of Water Quality Control Commission Regulations. Based on the age of the system, a discharge plan was not required at that time.

How Rural Development Helped:

Rural Development funds will be used to upgrade the existing wastewater system, which is over 25 years old. The system currently serves 47 residential customers. As a result of the proposed project, an additional 8 customers will be connected, for a total of 55 customers. The proposed project includes connection to the City of Las Cruces for wastewater treatment service, rehabilitaion of the existing wastewater manholes, demolition of the aged wastewater treatment plant, and all related appurtenances.

The Results:

With the replacement of the existing facilities, the Association will address the NMED concerns and provide reliable, safe wastewater treatment to the residents.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the Winterhaven wastewater project. Group cutting the ground with their shovels and dirt flying up in the air

Pictured, above:  This year's Earth Day celebration had a special meaning to the residents of the small community of Winterhaven, New Mexico located near Las Cruces in southern New Mexico. The celebration included a groundbreaking for the construction of a new wastewater system.

Participating in the ground breaking was Rural Housing Administrator Art Garcia. Speaking to the residents of Winterhaven Garcia said, "The construction of this new wastewater system will replace an old and badly designed sewer system." Garcia added, "This project is significant because it will insure the ground water is no longer contaminated, which makes this groundbreaking very special on a day like Earth Day."

Earth Day 2003 Home Page


 

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