Background

The community of Carnuel currently obtains their water from private wells and conducts disposal methods through septic systems.  They are in urgent need of a central public water system.  Carnuel community’s private wells are shallow and often co-exist in the same areas with poorly functioning, aging septic systems which have led to nitrate contamination in many of the wells.  Moreover, the Carnuel community has seen a serious decline in the quality of water coming from private wells.  In some areas it does not meet the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

This project consists of extending and constructing water infrastructure from existing water reservoirs owned and operated by the Water Authority to the Carnuel community.  The extension of the water system to Carnuel will address water quality and fire protection issues by providing a reliable public water system to serve existing developed properties. 

In October 2008, the Water Authority and the Carnuel Mutual Domestic Water and Waste Water Consumer Association (Carnuel MDW&WWCA) entered into an agreement to extend water infrastructure improvements and provide water service to the Carnuel community.  This agreement also identified that the Water Authority would serve as the fiscal agent for the Carnuel MDW&WWCA on all state and federal grant and/or loan agreements.  In addition, the Water Authority would plan, design, and construction the water system improvements.  The Water Authority will own, operate and maintain the water system. 

Project Phasing

The project phasing was established to provide service to the areas identified as Priority Areas 1 and 2 in the Tijeras / Carnuel Plan.  The Priority Area 1 consists primarily of Carnuel where a concern with ground water quality from the individual water supply wells is the greatest.  There are eight phases in order to extend water to Priority Areas 1 and 2.  With the current funding, Phases 1 and 2 can be completed by spring 2010.

Phase 1 connects Carnuel to the existing ABCWUA system and will provide distribution to customers within Zone 8E of Carnuel along NM 333.  The phase includes the following items: (1) Connection to existing 14-inch Zone 8E piping in Camino La Sierra, north of I-40; (2) Jack and bore across I-40 to south side of I-40 frontage road; and (3) 12-inch piping along I-40 frontage road and NM 333 to about Riddle Road

Phase 2 continues to complete the water system infrastructure improvements for Zone 8E and provides redundancy in the system with the construction of a Zone 8E tank.  This phase also provides service to Zone 8E residences within Echo Canyon and increases fire protection capabilities.  This phase includes the following: (1) Construct Zone 8E Tank; and (2) Construct 12-inch piping to fill tank

Funding

The Carnuel MDW&WWCA has secured a combination of grant and loan funding for the planning, design, and construction of water system facilities.  Funding sources include grant funding from state appropriations ($325,000) and the Environmental Protection Agency ($97,000).  Funding which includes a portion as grant and the remainder as loan funding was obtained from Water Trust Board ($1,000,000) and USDA Rural Development ($1,383,938).  More recently, the Water Authority and the Carnuel MDW&WWCA secured an additional $2 million in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.  An additional $11.5 million will be needed for Phases 3 through 8.

Environmental Report

This Environmental Report evaluates potential impacts associated with the proposed project.  In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), project planning includes the preparation of an environmental report.  Important components of the NEPA process include the analysis of potential environmental impacts, the development and consideration of alternatives, and the solicitation of public involvement.  This Environmental Report seeks to obtain clearance for the portions of the project for which funding is currently available. 

Environmental Report [pdf 692 KB]

Appendix A – Maps and Figures [pdf 1.5 MB]

Appendix B – Agency Correspondence [pdf 1.6 MB]

Appendix C – Potential Environmental Justice Index [pdf 415 KB]

Appendix D – Public Meeting Information from April 18, 2009 [pdf 351 KB]

Appendix E – Public Hearing Information [pdf 2.2 MB]

Appendix F – Easement Information [pdf 666 KB]

Appendix G – Biological Survey Report [pdf 1 MB]

Appendix H – Cultural Resource Survey Information [pdf 517 KB]