| Abstract |
The City of Las Cruces operates wastewater treatment facilities which serve the City, the Town of Mesilla, New Mexico State University, and parts of Dona Ana County. Major problems include: (1) inadequate collection and treatment capacity to accommodate the substantial growth projected to occur within the planning area; and (b) an existing treatment facility that is inefficient and cannot meet state and federal standards regarding effluent quality. Alternatives regarding service area, collection system improvements, wastewater treatment, and sludge management were analyzed to accommodate expected sewage flows to the year 2005. As its preferred alternative, Las Cruces proposes to expand its service area slightly to conform to projected growth patterns, and to construct interceptor and collection sewers necessary to provide service throughout the urban area. EPA's preferred decision is to approve and support funding for the proposed alternative, because this is the most cost-effective way of achieving federal and state water-quality goals, improving the quality of the Rio Grande, and protecting prime agricultural lands. |
