Current Projects

Southeast Collection System Project – Final Phase

The Southeast Collection System Project is an essential infrastructure improvement designed to expand and upgrade the wastewater collection system serving the area.

Project Overview

• Bid Opening: The bid for this project was opened on July 7, 2023, with bids received from Spiess Construction and Morrow Enterprises, Inc.. Morrow Enterprises, Inc. was selected as the low bidder, and the Board of Directors approved the award on July 20, 2023.

• Construction Start: Morrow Enterprises, Inc. began construction in November 2023.

Funding

This project has secured significant funding to support its development:

• $18,302,520 from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Rural Utilities Services

• $6,000,000 from the New Mexico Finance Authority (NMFA) Colonias Infrastructure Board

Construction Details

The construction will involve the installation of approximately 55,000 linear feet of 4-inch, 6-inch, and 10-inch vacuum sewer pipe. Key components include:

• Division valves

• Vacuum valve pits

• Septic tank decommissioning

• Connection from homes to the sewer system

In addition to the main infrastructure, the project will install over 500 new sewer connections, complete with:

• Service piping

• Wyes

• Cleanouts

• Air terminals

• Septic tank abandonment

Once the funding for the project has been exhausted, homeowners will be responsible for paying connection and impact fees. They will also need to hire a certified plumber to complete the connection from their home to the new system.

Dona Ana Village Liftstation and Forcemain Phase 2

The Dona Ana Village Liftstation and Forcemain Project is currently in its second phase of construction, with funding provided through the New Mexico Finance Authority Colonias Infrastructure Board.

Project Overview

The first phase of the project focused on the rehabilitation of the existing lift station, force main, and related infrastructure, which are critical components of our wastewater system. Originally constructed in 1997 by Dona Ana County, the system was transferred to Dona Ana MDWCA in July 2017. Wastewater from the Village of Dona Ana is collected through gravity sewer lines and pumped to the lift station, where it is then moved through the force main alignment for about 3.3 miles southeast.

The second phase is continuing to address significant issues with the existing system, which suffers from extensive corrosion and deterioration. These challenges are affecting both the forcemains structural integrity and overall functionality.

Key Issues with the System

• Corrosion and deterioration of the lift station’s components, including the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) liner and concrete wet well walls.

• The concrete ceiling of the wet well lacks protection, exposing it to a corrosive environment.

• Electrical conduits show signs of extensive corrosion, and the existing electrical junction box is unsafe.

• Pump #1 is functional but improperly positioned, resting tilted at the bottom of the wet well.

• The 8-inch ductile iron force main has failed in several locations, requiring replacement of damaged sections.

Additionally, the force main suffers from issues like the high point at Cristo Rey Street, where air and vacuum release valves were installed. The system’s slow drainage has likely caused sulfuric acid formation, further deteriorating the pipe.

Project Team

• Engineer: Bohannan Huston, Inc.

• Contractor: Morrow Enterprise, Inc.

• Funding Agency: New Mexico Finance Authority Colonias Infrastructure Board

• Funding Amount: $1,356,755 (Phase 2)

Project Importance

This project is vital for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the wastewater infrastructure for the Village of Dona Ana and surrounding areas. The rehabilitation efforts in this phase will ensure a safer, more efficient system capable of serving the community for years to come.

Picacho Hills Arroyo Project

The Picacho Hills Arroyo Project is focused on protecting critical wastewater infrastructure located within several arroyos in the Picacho Hills area. These arroyos contain multiple wastewater mains and manholes, some of which have experienced deterioration over the past several years due to erosion and environmental factors.

Project Scope

The project involves:

• Completing a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) (This has been completed)

• Designing and constructing improvements to secure the infrastructure are currently underway.

The PER, prepared by Bohannan Huston, Inc., has identified the most effective option for protecting the wastewater system in these vulnerable areas. This plan will now move forward into the design and construction phase to implement the recommended improvements.

Project Information

• Engineer: Bohannan Huston, Inc.

• Funding Agency: New Mexico Capital Outlay

• Funding Amount: $100,000

This project reflects Dona Ana MDWCA’s commitment to maintaining a reliable wastewater system and ensuring long-term service to the Picacho Hills community.

Should you have any questions or concerns with regards to any of these project please contact Jennifer Horton at (575) 526-3491.