rapid assessment process project strategic plan city of alamo municipal water and wastewater project...

Rapid Assessment ProcessProject Strategic Plan

City of AlamoMunicipal Water and Wastewater Project

Hidalgo County, Texas

Presented to:Project Sponsor and BECC Staff

Transition Meeting

December 19, 2002

General Aspects Environmental and Human Health

Indicators Technical Approach, Objectives and

Funding Plan Public Participation Sustainable Development Record of Project Coordination

Agenda

General AspectsProject Location

City of Alamo is located in Hidalgo County, Texas between McAllen and Harlingen. The community is 10 miles north of the U.S./Mexican Border.

State of Existing WTP and Distribution System Originally constructed in the 1920s and last upgraded in 2002. Systems include a 5.0 MGD WTP, storage reservoir, clarifiers and filters. The water storage capacity includes two elevated storage tanks (150,000 and 300,000

gallons respectively) and two ground storage tanks (1 million gallons each). The water distribution system includes approximately 370,000 linear feet of

distribution water lines and 3,750 retail water connections. Concerns: No back-up generator for emergencies. Deteriorating elevated water

storage tanks. Exceedance of contaminant levels for total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in the public water system. Additional water rights. Water breaks due to current pressure from new WTP.

Proposed Water Treatment System Improvement Project Upgrade and refurbish an elevated water storage tank. Improvements to the WTP systems to address TTHM levels and pressure

problems. Addition of back-up power supply to the WTP. Improvements to eliminate water loss at HCID#2 diversion point. Additional Water Rights

General Aspects

State of Existing WWTP and Collection System The system includes a WWTP with a capacity of 2.0 MGD and consists of 8 lagoons

located on 45 acres. Sludge left in the first lagoon and deteriorating lagoon embankments and perimeter

fence. The wastewater collection system contains 19 lift stations and over 286,000 linear feet

of sewer lines. Most of these sewer lines are located near the center of town. Approximately 40 % of the original clay pipe lines have been replaced with PVC lines.

Approximately 100 original brick lined manholes with infiltration and inflow problems during rain events need replacement.

Concerns: Expansion of WWTP based on TCEQ’s inspection findings on capacity. Overall maintenance of WWTP site. Deteriorating lift stations, brick lined manholes and clay pipes. Facility inventory.

Proposed Wastewater Treatment System Improvement Project Improvements to lift stations, brick lined manholes, clay pipes and the addition of

an SCADA system. Sludge removal in the first lagoon, lagoon embankment repair work and

replacement of perimeter fence.

General Aspects

Total Estimated Cost: TBD(Based on STEP I Application)

General Aspects

General Aspects

Population: 14,760 Growth rate (90-00): 79.8% MHI: $23,928.00 Unemployment rate: 8.7% Legal utility provider 3,750 water accounts 3,560 sewer accounts 17 employees (7 certified

operators) Billing efficiency: 99 %

USDA – infrastructure funding for construction of new 5.0 MGD WTP and rehabilitation of City streets. The City issued a Certificate of Obligation for $2.9 million for the same project.

CDBG – funding provided for reconstruction of streets, waterlines and stormwater drainage in colonias.

EDA – funding for expansion of WWTP in 1992.

No prior BECC or NADB assistance. 1994 – WTP study for WTP

expansion.

Project Sponsor Profile: Prior Agency Support andExisting Studies:

Human Health Indicators

Water distribution deficiencies show existing WTP capacity is not adequate to meet peak demands or fire protection demands.

TTHM levels have created deficiencies in water quality and threat to the health and safety of the City’s residents.

Although existing statistics are not specific to the City of Alamo, 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:

Environmental and Human Health Indicators

Year Disease Case Region 11: Hidalgo County Texas (All Other Regions)

1997 Cryptosporidiosis 0.1 0 – 0.8

Amebiasis 1.7 0 – 1.2


Amebiasis 1.4 0 – 1.0


Amebiasis 0 0 – 1.3

Environmental Indicators

The improvements to the WTP and WWTP systems will enhance and protect the general health of the population and environment.

Improvements will eliminate deteriorating lift stations, infiltration problems in clay pipes and brick lined manholes, which increase risk for potential groundwater contamination.

Wastewater service to colonias and subdivisions around the City will help reduce and eliminate the current discharge of wastewater into septic and outdoor systems.


Compliance with Environmental Norms & Regulations Including Violations

To comply with TCEQ’s requirements, the City must initiate planning for the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant when the influent flow reaches 75 % of the permitted average daily flow for three consecutive months.

Additional compliance with the regulations requires the City to take proper measures to reduce the exceeding maximum contaminant levels for total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in the public water system – Community has taken action on this item.


Project Objectives Rehabilitation and expansion of the water distribution and wastewater

collection system. Expansion of the wastewater treatment plant. Refurbishing of an elevated storage water tank and improvements to

the water treatment plant.

Technical Approach Technical Assistance needed to develop the following documents:

Facility Plan and EID for water and wastewater systems. Financial Analysis. Public Participation Program. Final Design. Rate Study.

Technical Approach,Objectives and Funding Plan

Identified Potential Funding Sources

Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Funds may be available through TWDB Dfund II, EDAP and

CWTAP

North American Development Bank (NADB) BEIF and IDP

Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) PDAP program

US Army Corps of Engineers


Project Sponsor Financial Potential Revenues and Expenditures Summary (millions)

1999 2000 2001Revenues $1.4 $1.5 $1.4Expenses $1.1 $1.2 $1.1Net Available

from Operations $0.3 $0.3 $0.4

Existing Debt: $2.9 million Annual Debt Service: $TBA

(Bond due in installments of $7,000 to $155,000 thru August 2040 at interest of 4.5 percent.)

Water WWAverage Monthly Bill: $13.50 $7.00


PDAP Eligibility Criteria

1) Financial strategy for the entire project Yes2) Project sponsor awareness of technical aspects of project Yes3) Project sponsor has provided demonstration of documentation Yes support for the project4) BEIF financing eligible Yes5) C.N.A. and/or state/local gov. support, for projects in Mexico NA6) Funds allocated on a per task basis Yes7) Project coordination with all government agencies involved Yes8) Value engineering as required under BEIF program Yes


BEIF Eligibility Criteria

1) Project located within 100 km of the border Yes2) Project addresses a human health and/or ecological issue Yes3) Project provides U.S. side benefits Yes4) Project scope entails community infrastructure in W/WW Yes5) Project sponsor to pursue Certification of Project Yes6) Drinking water projects – quality of water only, not raw water supply

Yes7) Projects have a funding strategy with funding sources identified Yes8) Projects that discharge into U.S. side waters to target US norms Yes9) Payment and benefit to public entity only not private sector Yes10) For final design must meet eligibility requirements

NA11) Colonias projects, after 06-01-01, eligibility based on established Yes enforceable ordinances preventing exacerbation or new ‘colonias’



Task Name Duration Start Finish

Application Process 11 days 07/25/02 08/08/02

Rapid Assessment Process 89 days 08/19/02 12/19/02

Technical Assistance Process 29 days 12/03/02 01/24/03

Project Development Process(TA, Public Participation, NEPA)

522 days 12/16/02 12/28/04

Project Design Process 325 days 10/01/03 12/28/04

TWDB Funding 66 days 10/01/03 12/31/03

NADB Rate Study 67 days 05/13/04 08/13/04

BECC Certification Process 39 days 10/18/04 12/09/04

Agency PerspectivesNADB: 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 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.


Agency PerspectivesTWDB: Because the project will address recently annexed colonias,

this project may be eligible for EDAP funding through TWDB.

Water Rights purchases may be an eligible activity supported by EDAP if the need for the additional supply is related to the new service provided to the colonias.

Project will meet criteria for application to SRF and Dfund II.


Technical Assistance Tasks

Task AmountWater and Wastewater Facility Plan $160,000Environmental Information Document $ 40,000Financial Analysis $ 20,000Public Participation Program $ 10,000Project Certification Document $ 20,000Final Design TBD

TOTAL $250,000


Institutional Capacity Building

The project sponsor identified such needs as a capital improvement plan, rate study and the development of public participation programs.

The Frank M. Tejeda Center has conducted an Institutional Capacity Needs Assessment with the City of Alamo.


Institutional Capacity Building

In specific, observations were made pertaining to: Current Operating Violations Other Infrastructure Projects Ongoing or Planned Planning Project Development and Funds Management Outsourcing Operational Capacity Management Capabilities Governance Other Issues


Potential Obstacles

The City of Alamo informed the BECC that some potential obstacles for the implementation of this project may include water rights acquisition, public perception of water quality issues given existing litigation related to levels of total trihalomethanes (TTHM) and wastewater treatment plant technology, or site changes.

Although the City has a water CCN inter-local agreement with the City of San Juan, no obstacles are anticipated to meet the proposed project objectives.

Improvements and planning should take into consideration that the City’s population does not reflect additional winter Texans (between 6,000 and 7,000) that come to the area for approximately 5-months every year.


Identification of Main Stakeholders

City of Alamo 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

Public Participation

Local Politics

The Mayor has been in office for the past 10-14 years.

Mayor and four commissioners, with a four-year election term, and one municipal judge with a two-year, are all elected at large.

The relatively new commission recently approved the bond issuance to support the WTP improvements and also passed rate increases for the utility, displaying their commitment to sustainable operations.

Public Participation

Minimum Criteria Requirements

The City of Alamo made a commitment to comply to all applicable minimum requirements for the project in compliance with the BECC’s sustainable development criteria during the meeting held on August 22, 2002 at the local City Hall, with BECC, SOS and the Frank M. Tejeda Center.

Sustainable Development

Service Indicators

Water service indicators: all available water service indicators were recorded, identifying all relevant factors for the proposed infrastructure project in the City of Alamo.

Sewer service indicators: all available sewer service indicators were recorded in relevance to the proposed project.

Wastewater service indicators: all available wastewater service indicators were recorded in relevance to all factors of the proposed project.

Sustainable Development

Financial Potential – separate accounts, identify reserves and policy.

Formation of Steering Committee. Not Available Water, Sewer and Wastewater Service

Indicators. Population of Future Colonias that will Become Part

of the City’s System. Consultant Proposal.

Immediate Action Items

rapid assessment process project strategic plan city of alamo municipal water and wastewater project...

Documents

water distribution system

public water system

water accounts

water storage capacity

water loss

elevated water storage

retail water connections

scada system