DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
DOCUMENT
CITY OF RIO RANCHO
EFFLUENT WATER REUSE SYSTEM
Submitted to
City of Rio Rancho
Sandoval County, New Mexico
Submitted by
Parametrix
and
Wilson & Company, Inc.
December 2008
Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED .................................................................................................... 1
1.1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED .............................................................................................. 1
2.0
ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................................................ 2
2.1
ALTERNATIVE 1 – GOLF COURSE ALIGNMENT ..................................................................... 5
2.2
ALTERNATIVE 2 – COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE ALIGNMENT ....................................................... 5
2.3
ALTERNATIVE 3 – NICKLAUS ROAD ALIGNMENT .................................................................. 5
2.4
ALTERNATIVE 4 - HIGH RESORT BOULEVARD ALTERNATIVE ............................................ 6
2.5
ALTERNATIVE 5 - NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ........................................................................ 6
2.6
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ..................................................................................................... 6
3.0
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT/ ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ............................................ 7
3.1
SETTING ..................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1.1 GENERAL LOCATION ..................................................................................................... 7
3.1.2 HISTORY .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3 POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................ 8
3.1.4 ECONOMY ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.5 CLIMATE .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.2
LAND USE ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2.1 GENERAL LAND USE ...................................................................................................... 9
3.2.2 IMPORTANT FARMLAND ................................................................................................ 9
3.2.3 GEOLOGY AND SOILS .................................................................................................... 9
3.2.4 FORMALLY CLASSIFIED LANDS.................................................................................. 13
3.3
FLOODPLAINS.......................................................................................................................... 13
3.4
WETLANDS............................................................................................................................... 14
3.5
WATER RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 14
3.5.1 SURFACE WATER......................................................................................................... 14
3.5.2 SURFACE WATER EFFLUENT AFFECTS TO WILDLIFE ..............................................16
3.5.3 GROUND WATER .......................................................................................................... 16
3.5.4 DRINKING WATER ........................................................................................................ 18
3.5.5 COASTAL RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 18
3.6
AIR QUALITY ............................................................................................................................ 18
3.7
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ..................................................................................................... 19
3.7.1 VEGETATION ................................................................................................................. 19
3.7.2 WILDLIFE ....................................................................................................................... 20
3.7.3 THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ............................................................ 21
3.8
ARCHEOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, AND HISTORIC RESOURCES ........................................... 22
3.9
SOCIOECONOMIC/ ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE .................................................................. 22
3.9.1 SOCIOECONOMIC ISSUES .......................................................................................... 22
3.9.2 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ......................................................................................... 24
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3.10
OTHER RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 25
3.10.1 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY .................................................................................... 25
3.10.2 ENERGY ......................................................................................................................... 26
3.10.3 TRANSPORTATION....................................................................................................... 27
3.10.4 VISUAL IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 27
3.10.5 NOISE ............................................................................................................................. 28
3.11
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS........................................................................................................... 29
4.0
SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES...................................................................................... 29
5.0
CONSULTATION, COORDINATION, AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ............................................ 33
5.1
AGENCIES CONSULTED ......................................................................................................... 33
5.2
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ........................................................................................................... 40
5.3
RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 40
6.0
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................. 41
List of Tables
Table 1.
Table 2.
Table 3.
Table 4.
Table 5:
Table 6.
Table 7.
Table 8.
Table 9.
Soil Characteristics ...................................................................................................................... 11
Soil Erodibility Factor Kfact ........................................................................................................ 12
Target Species .............................................................................................................................. 21
Demographic Characteristics ....................................................................................................... 23
Demographic Characteristics by Tract ......................................................................................... 23
EPA Environmental Justice Value and Population Vulnerability for the Proposed Project Area 25
Estimated Annual Operating Costs for Existing and Projected Conditions at the Wastewater
Treatment Facility ........................................................................................................................ 26
Wastewater Quality Requirements and Monitoring Frequency for Class 1A Wastewater. .......... 30
Agencies Contacted for Coordination and/or Comments ............................................................. 34
Figure
Figure 1:
Project Area Map ....................................................................................................................... 4
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: LOCATION MAPS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
A.1
EPA Air Quality Nonattainment Areas
A.2
NMED Air Quality Nonattainment Areas
A.3
NMOSE Surface to Groundwater Depths
A.4
NRCS Project Area Soil Units
A.5
NWI Project Area Surface Water Features
A.6
USGS Project Area Surface Water Features
A.7
FEMA Project Area Floodplain Maps
A.8
NMED Ground Water Quality Bureau Guidance: Above ground use of reclaimed domestic
wastewater
APPENDIX B: BIOLOGICAL & CULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
B.1
Biological Reconnaissance Memorandum
B.2
Cultural Resource Report Cover Page and Abstract
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APPENDIX C: AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE
C.1
Letter to SHPO from the City of Rio Rancho
SHPO Concurrence Letter
C.2
Mailing List and Example Scoping Letter
C.3
Native American Consultation Letters
C.4
Responses from Agencies and Native American Governments
C.5
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination
C.6
Guidelines and Recommendations for Burrowing Owl Surveys and Mitigation
C.7.
New Mexico Game and Fish Trenching Guidelines
C.8.
Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Justice Maps
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ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION DOCUMENT
FOR
CITY OF RIO RANCHO EFFLUENT WATER REUSE SYSTEM
City of Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, New Mexico
December 2008
The City of Rio Rancho is proposing to construct an effluent water reuse system. The estimated cost of
the project is $ 20,400,000.00.
1.0
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED
1.1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Rio Rancho (City) is proposing to construct an effluent water reuse system. The proposed
system will carry Class 1A reuse water from Wastewater Treatment Plant Number 6
(WWTP #6) to various clients in Rio Rancho. Class 1A is the highest quality reclaimed wastewater and
can be most broadly utilized, except for human consumption (NMED 2007). The intent of the project is
to conserve potable water by providing treated wastewater effluent for irrigation use and to reduce or
eliminate the discharge of effluent to the Rio Grande.
The City has elected to phase the proposed project outlined in the Preliminary Engineering Report
(PER) and focus on an effluent water reuse system. The reuse water from the WWTP #6 will be
distributed via new storage and delivery systems to a variety of users for irrigation. These facilities
would include: Chamisa Hills Country Club (CHCC), Rio Rancho Public Schools facilities and the City
of Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation sites. The City will not require these potential users to connect to
the effluent reuse line; however, it is more cost effective than using potable water. The City has not
determined the associated connection costs nor have they identified potential financial sources. The
project will allow for future system expansion and for potential direct injection into the aquifer. The
City has prepared a PER evaluating alternatives for the effluent water reuse system (Wilson &
Company for the City of Rio Rancho, October 2008). The PER evaluates alternatives for water reuse in
Rio Rancho while analyzing the various required WWTP facility improvements associated with this
project.
This Environmental Information Document (EID) has been prepared by Parametrix, on behalf of the
City of Rio Rancho, to address environmental conditions within the project area. Location maps and
supporting documentation are included in Appendix A, documentation of the biological and cultural
resource investigations are located in Appendix B, and agency correspondence is included in
Appendix C.
1.2
PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED
The City of Rio Rancho is one of the fastest growing cities in New Mexico. In 2005, the U.S. Census
Bureau estimated the Rio Rancho population at 67,000 people. Recent estimates reflect an increase in
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population for 2006/2007 to approximately 77,000 people. According to the “2005-2010 Land Use
Assumptions for the City of Rio Rancho Impact Fee Study,” the population projections indicate that Rio
Rancho may reach a population of 125,000 by 2010. With the anticipated population growth, water
demands are expected to rise considerably. The continued growth within the region, limited water
supplies, and rising costs for acquiring water rights has influenced the City to pursue an effective water
reuse strategy. The City’s intent is to develop a comprehensive water reuse planning strategy that takes
advantage of current best management practices to stretch the City’s limited water resources. This
project will allow for the treatment of raw wastewater from WWTP #6 to distribute reclaimed water via
storage and delivery systems to a variety of users for landscape irrigation. The project will also allow
for the possibility of future use by smaller private users and indirect injection into the aquifer (Wilson
& Company October 2008).
The City has completed several planning studies investigating the viability of reuse systems in Rio
Rancho. On the basis of these studies, several reuse facilities have been constructed and are currently
in operation. A 10-inch reuse line extends from WWTP #2 to Chamisa Hills Golf Course via New
Mexico (NM) 528 and High Resort Boulevard through The Islands Subdivision. WWTP #2 provides
reuse water classified as Class 1B by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) standards. Class
1B standards are the second highest quality reclaimed wastewater and is suitable for uses in which
public exposure is likely (NMED 2007). A second 10-inch reuse line extends from WWTP #1 to
Chamisa Hills Golf Course via NM 528 and Eastlake Drive through The Islands Subdivision. This
reuse project addresses use of effluent from WWTP #6; however, to adequately address the economic
and environmental best interests of the City, consideration must be given to treatment plants 1 and 2,
which could potentially impact future operation of this and other reuse designs.
2.0
ALTERNATIVES
This section presents alternatives for effluent reuse in the City of Rio Rancho. The alternatives
considered include Golf Course Alignment, Country Club Drive Alignment, Nicklaus Drive Alignment,
High Resort Boulevard Alignment, and No Action.
In addition to satisfying reuse water supply and demand, there were several factors that influenced the
selection of the preferred delivery alternative. While the City is safely managing its water resources,
projected growth and continued reliance upon the existing WWTP has presented a need for further
investigation of alternatives to put reclaimed water to beneficial use. The treatment technologies
required to enable the City to efficiently use reclaimed water were reviewed and several alternatives
were considered. A number of treatment technologies are available for water reuse. Five alternatives,
including the No Action Alternative for the effluent reuse project have been identified as viable for this
project. Alternatives 1 through 4 consist of an 18-inch water reuse pipeline originating at the WWTP
#1, extending to the irrigation ponds at Chamisa Hills Country Club, and terminating at WWTP #2.
The pipeline is designed to carry water at a velocity of 7 to 8 feet per second (maximum). The pipe
would be constructed out of PVC, DI, or HDPE material and will be buried to depth that will allow 4
feet of soil coverage.
These four alternatives also include the expansion of WWTP #6 utilizing Membrane Bioreactor
(MBR) technology as already anticipated at the facility. Work would also include the construction of a
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new reuse pump station and storage tank near WWTP #6.
A more detailed discussion of the pump station and storage tank design can be found in the Effluent
Reuse System Summary PER (Wilson & Company October 2008). The viable alternatives for the
proposed project are summarized below and are also shown on Figure 1.
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Figure 1:
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Project Area Map
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2.1
ALTERNATIVE 1 – GOLF COURSE ALIGNMENT
Alternative 1 includes the construction of a new 18-inch diameter reuse pipe from north of WWTP #6
to WWTP #2 and new 12-inch diameter reuse pipe from the new 18- inch pipe to the CHCC’s East and
West Lakes. The new line would connect to an existing line, which terminates at the intersection of
Chianti Road and 27th Street.
The proposed alignment would proceed as follows: The new line would be constructed along 27th Street
north to Southern Boulevard. At this point, the line would be drilled underneath Southern Boulevard to
the CHCC-to-Black Arroyo drainage easement. The line would continue along the top of the bank
north to CHCC. At CHCC, 12-inch lines would branch off to the East and West Lakes. At the
northeast corner of the CHCC property, the line will proceed north to the Rio Rancho Sportsplex. At
the Sportsplex, the line will enter Montoyas Arroyo and continue east in the bottom of the channel to
WWTP #2.
For this alternative, the majority of the infrastructure would be located within public right-of-way
(ROW) or on City owned property. It is not anticipated that the acquisition of easements on CHCC
property would be a project cost. No additional land would be needed to complete this alignment.
This alternative would require horizontal directional drilling at Southern Boulevard, 27th Street and
Black Arroyo, High Resort Boulevard and the Sportsplex, and NM 578 and Montoyas Arroyo. It would
also require trenching in Montoyas Arroyo.
2.2
ALTERNATIVE 2 – COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE ALIGNMENT
Similar to Alternative 1, this alternative begins at the existing line and runs along 27th Street north to
Southern Boulevard. At this intersection, the line would continue in Southern Boulevard east to
Country Club Drive. From this point the pipe would continue north to Broadmoor Drive and then north
and west to High Resort Boulevard. It is anticipated that 12-inch diameter lines would branch off to the
East and West Lakes. For the West Lakes, this line would branch off from Broadmoor Drive and
would be located in Lakeview Circle and the East Lakes branch would originate from High Resort
Boulevard and proceed south in Whitehorse Drive, and continue southeast in New Castle Drive and
Augusta Drive. The main 18-inch line would continue through the Sportsplex parking lot, along the
bottom of Montoyas Arroyo east to WWTP #2.
Similar to Alternative 1, this alternative would not require land acquisition.
This alternative would require horizontal directional drilling at Southern Boulevard, 27th Street and
Black Arroyo, High Resort Boulevard and the Sportsplex, and NM 528 and Montoyas Arroyo. It would
also require trenching in Montoyas Arroyo and Southern Boulevard, an arterial roadway.
2.3
ALTERNATIVE 3 – NICKLAUS ROAD ALIGNMENT
Alternative 3 also originates at the existing 18-inch transmission line and proceeds north on 27th Street
to Southern Boulevard. At this intersection, the line would be drilled underneath Southern Boulevard
to Nicklaus Drive. From this point the line would continue north and east to Broadmoor Drive and
continue north to High Resort Boulevard. Similar to Alternative 2, it is anticipated that 12-inch
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diameter lines would branch off to the East and West Lakes. For the West Lakes, this line would
branch off from Broadmoor Drive and be located in Lakeview Circle and the East Lakes branch would
originate from High Resort Boulevard and proceed south in Whitehorse Drive, and continue southeast
in New Castle Drive and Augusta Drive. The main 18-inch line would continue through the Sportsplex
parking lot, along the bottom of Montoyas Arroyo east to WWTP #2.
No additional land would need to be purchased to complete this alternative.
This alternative would require horizontal directional drilling at Southern Boulevard, 27th Street and
Black Arroyo, High Resort Boulevard and the Sportsplex, and NM 528 and Montoyas Arroyo. This
alternative would also require trenching in Montoyas Arroyo.
2.4
ALTERNATIVE 4 - HIGH RESORT BOULEVARD ALTERNATIVE
The new 18-inch diameter pipe would connect to the existing line and would follow 27th Street north to
Southern Boulevard north to CHCC. A 12-inch pipe would branch off to the East and West Lakes and
an 8-inch line would extend to the Sportsplex. The 18-inch line will continue east along the north edge
of the golf course to White Horse Drive, then southwest to Newcastle Drive. The alignment would
proceed east and then south to Double Diamond Drive, and continue northwest to High Resort
Boulevard. The line will continue south to Ridgeway Drive, northeast to Ridgecrest Drive, north to
Arrowhead Ridge Drive, and then north and east to NM 528. The pipeline would continue north and
cross NM 578 to Industrial Park Loop and terminate at WWTP #2. This alignment was designed to
avoid impacts to Montoyas Arroyo; however it is the longest alternative and follows major and minor
arterial roadways as well as residential streets.
No additional land would be needed to complete this alignment.
This alternative would require horizontal directional drilling at Southern Boulevard, 27th Street, and
Black Arroyo, High Resort Boulevard and Double Diamond Drive, and NM 528 and Industrial Park
Place.
2.5
ALTERNATIVE 5 - NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
The No Action Alternative describes the existing condition, whereby reuse water is delivered from
WWTP #1 and WWTP #2 to Chamisa Hills Country Club in separate 10-inch reuse pipelines.
Under the No Action Alternative, the City would continue providing Class 1-B water to CHCC and
Vista Verde Cemetery with no modifications. This water would be supplemented by potable water and
service to the golf course may be terminated due to problems with the water quality of the lakes.
2.6
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
A comparison of the five different alternatives was conducted to evaluate both monetary and nonmonetary factors (Wilson and Company 2008). Monetary values varied due to differences in pipe
length, the quantities and types of pavement removal and replacement, easement acquisition costs,
traffic control and barricading costs. The non-monetary factors that distinguish each alternative include:
impacts to the motoring public, the golf course, and residences adjacent to construction, as well as the
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amount of easement acquisition.
Alternative 1 was selected as the preferred alternative for monetary and non-monetary factors.
Alternative 1 will have the least impacts on the motoring public. The first three alternatives have
similar characteristics and layouts with the exception of the routing of the pipes through the center of
the project area. Alternative 4 differs greatly from the other alternatives in how it reaches
WWTP #2. This alignment would lead to more disruptions to local traffic, intersects with several other
utilities, and would require NMDOT permitting for use of the right-of-way. The alignment for the
preferred alternative lies within the golf course which when compared to the other alternatives has the
greatest direct impact to the golf course, also requiring a greater number of easements. Construction inand-out of boundary areas and roughs may cause temporary inconveniences to golfers during the
construction phase. Easement acquisition and coordination would be an expense to the City, however;
this alternative would save money as traffic control and pavement costs are minimized, since the
majority of construction would be conducted on the golf course. In addition, Alternative 1 affects fewer
homes since the construction will take place behind residences rather than on residential streets,
minimizing the impacts on parking and driveway access. Difficulties with postal services and trash
pickups will also be avoided.
Alternative 2 is routed in Southern Boulevard, Country Club Drive, Broadmoor Drive, and High Resort
Boulevard. The loss of one or two lanes on Southern Boulevard would be a temporary inconvenience to
the motoring public but may not be well received by the public. Southern Boulevard has many
underground utility lines posing potential utility conflicts, which may cause project delays and change
orders, would be high. Although not as heavily traveled as Southern Boulevard, Country Club Drive,
Broadmoor Drive, and High Resort Boulevard also carry an enormous amount of traffic in the
southeastern part of the City. Impacts to residents are arguably less than Alternative 3 due to the fact
that most of the work would take place in more heavily traveled roadways with fewer driveways.
Alternative 3 is routed in Nicklaus Drive, Broadmoor Drive, and High Resort Boulevard. This route is
less disruptive to the motoring public than Alternative 2 but more disruptive than Alternative 1.
However, it is more disruptive to residences because there will be more problems with driveway,
mailbox and trashcan access. Similar to Alternative 2, Broadmoor and High Resort traffic control
disruptions would not be well-received by motorists.
3.0
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT/ ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
3.1
SETTING
3.1.1
General Location
Rio Rancho is located in central New Mexico and is the largest city and economic hub of
Sandoval County. It is bordered by the City of Albuquerque, the Santa Ana Indian Reservation
and the Town of Bernalillo. The northeast corner of the City is bound by the Rio Grande.
The effluent reuse project is located within the incorporated limits of the City of Rio Rancho.
The area served, encompasses Sections 23-28 and 33-36 of Township 12 North Range 2 East
and Sections 19, 30, and 31 of Township 12 North, Range 3 East. WWTP #6 is located in Unit
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16 and currently receives raw wastewater from the Cabezon development. Ultimately WWTP
#6 will receive raw wastewater from Unit 10 and portions of Unit 11 (Figure 2-2 in the 2008
PER). Reclaimed water will be stored in a 1.5 MG reservoir at WWTP #6 and pumped in a
waterline extending north along the East Branch of Black’s Arroyo to Chamisa Hills Golf
Course in Unit 11 (Figure 2-2 in the 2008 PER).
3.1.2
History
In the early 1960s, the AMREP Corporation purchased 55,000 acres of land on the outskirts of
Albuquerque, originally called Rio Rancho Estates. AMREP marketed the area to residents in
the midwest and eastern states. When home building began in 1962, many of the first residents
were middle-income retirees. In 1966, the 100th family moved to Rio Rancho and by 1977 the
population had grown to 5,000. In 1971, AMREP purchased and platted an additional 35,000
acres. Rio Rancho Estates encompassed 92,000 acres and was geographically larger than the
City of Albuquerque. In 1980, residents approved the 8,194 acre Intel Corporation development
which provided many diverse jobs for the residents of Rio Rancho. By the early 1980’s, Rio
Rancho was incorporated and its population had reached 10,000. A new financing program
offering low interest home loans changed Rio Rancho from a retirement community to a
community attracting young families. Today, Rio Rancho offers cultural diversity within its
population (Rio Rancho 2007).
3.1.3
Population Characteristics
The 2000 U.S. Census data estimated the population of Rio Rancho to be 51,765. It is the thirdlargest and fastest-growing city in New Mexico. The population has risen to 71,607 as of the
2006 Census estimate and is expected to reach 125,000 by 2010. The data also shows that the
majority of the population is White (78.4%) and that the median age of residents is 35.1 years.
Census tables are located in Appendix A of this document.
3.1.4
Economy
In 2000, about 26,000 citizens of Rio Rancho were employed. This accounts for 67.9 percent of
the population 16 years and over. Intel anchors the business community employing
approximately 5,313 residents. Intel is currently the largest employer in Rio Rancho. Services,
retail, and government sector positions are also major components of the local economy. The
median household income is $47,169.
3.1.5
Climate
There are four distinct seasons in the City of Rio Rancho, all characterized by sunny days, and
low relative humidity (43%). The winters are mild and although Rio Rancho receives snow
several times each winter, the annual average snowfall is 11 inches. The average annual rainfall
is 8.8 inches, and the average maximum and minimum temperatures range from 97 degrees
Fahrenheit in July and 4 degrees Fahrenheit in January, respectively (Bennett 1986).
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3.2
LAND USE
3.2.1
General Land Use
The proposed project area is within Rio Rancho City limits. Land use is characterized by a mix
of residential and commercial development, transportation right-of-way including State
Highways administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), and
utility corridors. The predominate land use includes residential homes, surface streets, and
disturbed lots. Land use in project area is predominantly residential, with some commercial
uses, such as the golf course located along portions of the project corridor.
3.2.2
Important Farmland
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey data was consulted to identify
prime farmland in and around the project area (Appendix A.4). Prime farmland is defined as
those lands whose value is derived from their general advantage as cropland due to soil and
water conditions. None of the lands in the project area are considered prime farmlands.
3.2.3
Geology and Soils
Geology
A geologic feature known as the Rio Grande Rift is located in Rio Rancho. The community sits
upon several hundred feet of sediment that fills the rift trough. The rift represents a large
fracture in the earth’s surface that bisects the State of New Mexico from the Colorado border to
Las Cruces. The earth’s crust arched, weakened, and spread apart to create what is known as the
Rio Grande rift, a valley bounded on two sides by mountains. The east-west boundary of the rift
is defined by the Rio Puerco Valley and the Sandia Mountains. The rift edges are called faults
and are comprised of a large number of fractures. The volcanoes south of Rio Rancho were
formed along one of these fractures in the rift approximately 190,000 years ago. Fractures in the
earth’s surface have allowed rising heat from the earth’s core to heat groundwater and result in
hot springs and geological formations such as Soda Dam in the Jemez Mountains. (Rio Rancho
2007)
During its early history, the Rio Grande Rift consisted of non-drained basins, many of them
occupied by lakes. The basins gradually became populated with sediments washed in from
adjoining ranges, in addition to lava flows and volcanic ash. These deposits are currently known
as the Santa Fe Group. As the basins filled, the Rio Grande established itself as a throughflowing stream.
The Rio Grande’s inner valley has small volcanoes, a string of small cones lined up along the
north-south fissure. Several small volcanoes are neatly sliced open by the Rio Grande. The
former central conduits of the volcanoes jut above the surface as volcanic necks.
Southwest of the Ortiz and San Pedro mountains, beyond a low saddle, is the great dome of the
Sandia Mountains. This range is an east-tilted fault block cored with Precambrian granite and
metamorphic rock. This granite and metamorphic rock lifted approximately 11,000 feet above
sea level and 26,000 feet above corresponding granite beneath the Rio Grande Rift. The Sandia
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range is surfaced with Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks, mostly limestone layers of Madera
formation, resulting in a relatively smooth, gentle eastern slope (Chronic 1986).
Soils
The soil units described in this section are based on information obtained from the NRCS Web
Soil Survey (NRCS 2008). For the purposes of this report, terminology consistent with that
used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s NRCS is used to identify specific soil types or
units for the proposed project area.
Ten soil units were identified as occurring within the project area (Table 1). Soil units are
usually defined by a variety of soil properties, and more commonly include the following
characteristics: flooding frequency, ponding frequency, representative slope, and drainage class.
The value definitions for these characteristics are defined below:

Flooding Frequency - The flooding frequency describes the possibility of flooding or
overflow of water within the project limits in relation to the type of soil that is present.
The classes of flooding include:





None-there is no reasonable possibility of flooding.
Very Rare-flooding is very unlikely but is possible under extremely unusual
weather conditions.
Rare-flooding is unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions.
Occasional-flooding is expected infrequently under usual weather conditions.
Frequent-flooding is likely to occur often under usual weather conditions; there
is more than a fifty-percent chance of flooding in any year. A high likelihood of
flooding may render a site unsuitable for a water facility.

Ponding Frequency - The ponding frequency describes the presence or absence of ponded
water. Ponded water is standing water in a closed depression. If present, it can cause
significant impacts to the project area.

Representative Slope - Slope gradient is the difference in elevation between two points,
expressed as a percentage of the distance between those points. The slope gradient is
actually recorded as three separate values in the database. A low value and a high value
indicate the range of this attribute for the soil component. A "representative" value indicates
the expected value of this attribute for the component. For this soil property, only the
representative value is used.

Drainage Class - "Drainage class (natural)" refers to the frequency and duration of wet
periods under conditions similar to those under which the soil formed. Alterations of the
water regime by human activities, either through drainage or irrigation, are not a
consideration unless they have significantly changed the morphology of the soil. Seven
classes of natural soil drainage are recognized-excessively drained, somewhat excessively
drained, well drained, moderately well drained, somewhat poorly drained, poorly drained,
and very poorly drained. These classes are defined in the NRCS "Soil Survey Manual."
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
Erodibility - The soil erodibility factor (K-factor) is a quantitative description of the
inherent erodibility of a particular soil; it is a measure of the susceptibility of soil particles
to detachment and transport by rainfall and runoff. The soil erodibility factor ranges in value
from 0.02 to 0.69 (Stewart et al. 1975). Soils high in clay have low K values, about 0.05 to
0.15, because they are resistant to detachment. Coarse textured soils, such as sandy soils,
have low K values, about 0.05 to 0.2, because of low runoff even though these soils are
easily detached. Medium textured soils, such as the silt loam soils, have moderate K values,
about 0.25 to 0.4, because they are moderately susceptible to detachment and they produce
moderate runoff. Soils having high silt content are the most susceptible to erosion among all
soil types. They are easily detached, tend to crust and produce high rates of runoff. The K
value for these soils tend to be greater than 0.4.
Table 1 presents the soil units found in the proposed project area with associated values for the four
characteristics, followed by descriptions of the results for each category.
Table 1. Soil Characteristics
Map
unit
symbol
Map unit
name
25
Gilco loam
Rare
None
0 to 1
Moderately Well
Drained
27
Aga loam
Rare
None
0 to 1
Moderately Well
drained
29
Trail loamy
sand
Rare
None
0 to 1
Moderately Well
drained
51
Sparham
clay loam
Occasional
None
0 to 1
Somewhat poorly
drained
142
Grieta fine
sandy
loam
None
None
1 to 4
Well drained
145
GriettaSheppard
loamy fine
sands
None
None
2 to 9
Well drained
183
Sheppard
loamy fine
sand
None
None
8 to 15
Somewhat
excessively
drained
191
Sheppard
loamy fine
sand
None
None
3 to 8
Somewhat
excessively
drained
418
Jocity clay
loam
Rare
None
0 to 2
Moderately Well
drained
850
Water
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Flooding
Frequency
Ponding
Frequency
Slope
Rating
(percent)
Drainage Class
Rating
*Stewart et al. 1975
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Stewart et al. (1975), as reported by Mills et al. (1985), Mitchell and Bubenzer (1980), and Novotny
and Chesters (1981), also developed a table indicating the general magnitude of the K-factor as a
function of organic matter content and soil textural class (Table 2).
Table 2. Soil Erodibility Factor Kfact
Soil Type
Pom(%)
Textural Class
<0.5
2
4
Sand
0.05
0.03
0.02
Fine sand
0.16
0.14
0.10
Very fine sand
0.42
0.36
0.28
Loamy sand
0.12
0.10
0.08
Loamy fine sand
0.24
0.20
0.16
Loamy very fine sand
0.44
0.38
0.30
Sandy loam
0.27
0.24
0.19
Fine sandy loam
0.35
0.30
0.24
Very fine sandy loam
0.47
0.41
0.33
Loam
0.38
0.34
0.29
Silt loam
0.48
0.42
0.33
Silt
0.60
0.52
0.42
Sandy clay loam
0.27
0.25
0.21
Clay loam
0.28
0.25
0.21
Silty clay loam
0.37
0.32
0.26
Sandy clay
0.14
0.13
0.12
Silty clay
0.25
0.23
0.19
Clay
0.13-0.2
(a) The values shown are estimated averages of broad ranges of specific soil values. When a texture is near
the border line of two texture classes, use the average of the two Kfact values. In addition, the values shown
are commensurate with the English units used in the cited reference (and as used in the source-term module
input files). To obtain analogous values in the metric units used in this report, the above values should be
multiplied by 1.292.

Flooding Frequency - The soil units on the table fall under rare or no flooding frequency
with the exception of Sparham clay loam which contributes to less than one percent of the
project area. Adverse impacts to this soil unit from the proposed project are very unlikely.

Ponding Frequency - The soil units within the project corridor do not exhibit ponded water
or a ponding frequency as defined by the NRCS.

Representative Slopes - The “representative” value of the slopes for the soil properties
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within the project limits are summarized in the tables. All are low in value, and would
indicate a low probability of erosion susceptibility from project construction activities.

Drainage Class - Most of the soil units on the table are well drained or moderately well
drained, with Sheppard sand exhibiting somewhat excessively drained characteristics.
Sparham clay loam exhibits somewhat poorly drained properties, which is of no significant
impact since it contributes to less than one percent of the project area. All of the remaining
soils in the proposed project area are equal to or greater than a ‘well drained’ status.

Erodibility - The proposed alignment of the water reuse line lies in the bank of the
Montoyas Arroyo. Due to the placement of the reuse line, erodibility was carefully
considered. The soil types within the Montoyas Arroyo are Sheppard loamy fine sand, 8 to
15 percent slopes and Sheppard loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes. The erodibility
factors (K) for these soils are 0.20. This suggests that these soils are moderately susceptible
to detachment and they produce moderate runoff.
Because the proposed project is anticipated to temporarily disturb greater than 1 acre of soil
within the project corridor, temporary and permanent soil erosion control measures will be
implemented in accordance with the NPDES storm-water permit process, and a Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be developed.
The NRCS State Conservationist was consulted on the potential impacts of the proposed project
and determined that there would be no significant negative environmental impacts.
3.2.4
Formally Classified Lands
There are no national parks, historic landmarks or sites, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, wild
and scenic rivers, state parks, or Native American lands within the project area. The National
Park Service (NPS) was consulted and confirmed the determination that no parks would be
effected by the proposed project.
3.3
FLOODPLAINS
Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, requires that any potential impacts to floodplain areas
be studied, assessed, and identified to reduce the risk of flood loss and to minimize the impacts to the
beneficial values served by floodplains. Project planning requires that proposed construction be
compatible with floodplain areas and that impacts and mitigation measures be identified as needed.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the City
of Rio Rancho and the City Floodplain Manager were consulted to identify floodplains within the
project area (FIRMette Map located in Appendix A.7 and Appendix C.4). The proposed project
alignment comes close to or occurs within a flood plain. The Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood
Control Authority (SSCAFCA) should be contacted for final determination of impacts to the flood
plains. The proposed project is located in areas that were designated by FEMA as being Flood Area
Zone A, Flood Area Zone AE, and Flood Area Zone X. Flood Areas that are designated as Zone A and
AE are special flood hazard areas inundated by the 100-year flood cycle. Zone A has no base flood
elevations determined, and Zone AE has base flood elevations determined. Zone X are other flood areas
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of the 500-year flood cycle, areas of the 100-year flood cycle with average depths of less than one foot,
or with drainage areas less than one square mile, and areas protected by levees from the 100-year flood
cycle.
The City of Rio Rancho is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program. The project is
expected to comply with Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management. The Floodplain manager
stated there would be no significant impacts to the floodplain since the waterline will be buried, the
base flood elevation will not be altered, and appropriate erosion control measures will be used during
construction.
3.4
WETLANDS
Jurisdictional wetlands, those protected under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Executive Order
11990, have three essential characteristics: dominance by hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and
wetland hydrology. Hydrophytic vegetation requires inundated or saturated soils. Hydric soils are
ponded or flooded for a sufficient time during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions.
Wetland hydrology is the availability of surface water or groundwater to create the wetland
environment (Brown 1994).
A biological survey of the project area was conducted on December 12th and 17th, 2007 and one wetland
was observed and recorded adjacent to High Resort Boulevard. A copy of the Biological Report is
included in Appendix B.1.
The wetland is located directly across from the entrance to the Rio Rancho Sports Complex, on the
south side of High Resort Boulevard. (UTM coordinates: E 348784, N 3902639, NAD83). It appears
to have initially been designed as a detention pond (to slow the flow of urban run-off water), but has
developed into what could be considered a relatively high quality wetland. This determination was
made because it contains a variety of wetland species including cottonwoods, willows, and obligate
wetland plants such as, cattails and bulrushes. It is recommended that line installation avoid this site,
otherwise a wetland delineation and possible permit and coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers would be necessary. The wetland could be considered jurisdictional through relative
adjacency to the Montoyas Arroyo (drainage water flows towards Montoyas Arroyo). The wetland
could be avoided by keeping the waterline close to High Resort Boulevard.
3.5
WATER RESOURCES
The project is located within the Rio Grande watershed. Water resources that could occur in the
proposed project area include surface water bodies such as streams, ponds, lakes, or rivers; ground
water aquifers or basins that occur beneath the region affected, and coastal resources that may occur in
the vicinity of proposed project activities.
3.5.1
Surface Water
Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming,
and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act (CWA), the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating
point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the U. S. (EPA 2007). Any storm-water
discharges associated with construction activities that results in the disturbance (or re563-4888-002
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disturbance) of one or more acres of land shall be conducted under NPDES Construction
General Permit (CGP) guidance.
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Surface Water Quality Bureau was
consulted during the production of this report to give them an opportunity to comment on
potential impacts to surface water features in the region.
The NPDES permit includes provisions for completing a SWPPP managed through NMED and
prepared by the contractor for this project. Standard Best Management Practices (BMP) to
prevent on- and off-site erosion and concurrent storm water pollution from construction would
be incorporated into contract specifications and the SWPPP.
The USGS National Map (http://nationalmap.gov/) was used to assess presence of surface water
resources that could occur or be impacted by proposed construction activities for the project. In
addition, the USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) map was used to determine whether
any perennial or intermittent surface water features fall within the proposed project area. Both
maps are provided in Appendix A.6 and A.5, respectively.
The City of Rio Rancho, including the project area, is located in an arid environment that
inherently has few perennial or persistent surface water features. There are several artificial,
perennial ponds located on the surrounding golf course and one persistent wetland identified
during the CWA 404 analysis for the project on the south side of High Resort Boulevard. The
ponds and wetland are outside of the project corridor and would not be impacted by proposed
project installation activities. The remainder of the surface water features known to exist within
or adjacent to the proposed project area are ephemeral.
Along with the golf course ponds described previously, the National Map also shows two
ephemeral drainages adjacent to and/or within the proposed project alignment. Black Arroyo is
located on the east side of the project alignment. The project corridor crosses this waterway
near Southern Boulevard; however, the pipe will be drilled underneath the channel and no work
will be conducted within the ordinary high water mark. The second drainage, Montoyas Arroyo,
is located adjacent to and north of the project corridor from the Rio Rancho Sports Complex on
the west end, crossing NM 528 to the north side of the drainage, and ending near Wastewater
Treatment Plant #2 on the east end (See Figure 1). The preferred alignment would impact this
ephemeral drainage from the Sportsplex to WWTP #2 (USGS 2005).
The NWI map shows the same two ephemeral surface water features, Black and Montoyas
Arroyos, as occurring within or immediately adjacent to the proposed project area. These are the
same mapped features as the ones described previously by the USGS.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was consulted on the jurisdictional status of
Montoyas Arroyo and Black Arroyo and determined that both arroyos are Jurisdictional Waters
of the U.S. (Appendix C.4). Consequently, any work conducted within these two arroyos is
regulated under provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The jurisdictional
boundaries are defined by the ordinary high water mark identifiers including but not limited to,
changes in the character of the soils, presence of litter and debris, shelving, matted vegetation
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and scour. If the pipeline is to be placed in the bottom of Montoyas Arroyo, a permit would be
required (NWP 12 anticipated). Due to the length of the proposed installation, an individual
permit would be necessary. Points at which arroyo measurements were taken are summarized in
the Biological Report in Appendix B.1 including photographs of the arroyos and adjacent
habitat. Line installation into the upper banks of either arroyo, above the ordinary high water
mark (i.e. at an elevation of more than six inches from the arroyo bottom), would not require a
permit. Most of Black Arroyo within the project limits has been artificially lined (i.e. has an
artificial bed and bank) and lacks natural bed and banks. The only remaining natural segment
of Black Arroyo (within the project limits) is the segment where jurisdiction begins to where
artificial lining begins (see Biological Report in Appendix B.1). The entire length of the
Montoyas Arroyo within the project limits exists in a relatively natural bed and bank state.
Indirect sediment deposition (pollution) would be avoided as long as sound erosion control
practices are in place during and after project installation. In addition, mitigation measures to
prevent impacts to surface water quality from the proposed project are provided in Chapter 4.
3.5.2 Surface Water Effluent Affects to Wildlife
The reuse water from WWTP #6 is treated by membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. This
water meets NMED Class 1A quality standards. NMED Class 1A Reclaimed Wastewater is
defined by the New Mexico Environment Department as the highest quality reclaimed
wastewater, which can be most broadly utilized except for direct consumption. This water can
be used for landscape irrigation of parks, school yards, and golf courses, as well as for irrigation
of food crops and recreational or ornamental impoundments (NMED, 2007). It is not
acceptable for potable use by humans but is safe for animals.
3.5.3
Ground Water
The groundwater aquifer system at the proposed project site occurs in unconsolidated sediments
and is known as the Rio Grande aquifer system of southern Colorado and central New Mexico.
The Rio Grande Rift is the principal geologic feature of the area. The rift affected the
configuration of the bounding highlands, which in turn has affected precipitation, runoff,
groundwater recharge, source material of the basin fill, aquifer characteristics, and water
quality.
Surficial aquifers, such as the Rio Grande, occur primarily at shallow depth in unconsolidated
sediments along parts of major river valleys. Individual stream-valley aquifers are mostly small
and separate from aquifers in other valleys or from distant aquifers in the same valley.
The Rio Grande aquifer system generally consists of unconsolidated gravel, sand, silt, and clay,
or partly consolidated sedimentary or volcanic materials. These materials have filled deep faultblock valleys formed by large vertical displacement across faults. Mountain ranges that
generally consist of impermeable rocks separate adjacent valleys. When mountains encircle a
valley, the aquifer in the valley is isolated and groundwater is contained within the valley.
However, most valleys are interconnected, and groundwater moves from valley to valley
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through the interconnected network of aquifers. The Rio Grande aquifer system extends
southward beyond New Mexico into Texas and Mexico.
Recharge to the Rio Grande aquifer system primarily originates as precipitation in the
mountainous areas that surround the basins. Runoff from snowmelt or rainfall enters the basins
and generally flows for short distances across permeable alluvial fans before the water
percolates downward through streambeds or evaporates. If the volume of runoff is large or
becomes part of a perennial stream, groundwater recharge can be distributed through a much
longer reach of stream channel. Some of the precipitation in the mountains supplies water to
bedrock aquifers that were formed by fractures or permeable layers in the bedrock. The bedrock
aquifers can discharge water directly to the basin-fill aquifer in the subsurface at the mountain
front or discharge water to base flow in mountain streams that subsequently recharge the basinfill aquifers near the mountain front. Such recharge from precipitation in mountainous areas is
termed "mountain-front recharge" and is distributed along the mountainous boundaries of most
basins. Larger quantities of recharge generally occur along the higher mountains in the northern
parts of the aquifer system (USGS 2007).
The depth to groundwater at the proposed project location is 200 feet or less (NMED Ground
Water Bureau), although depths to groundwater levels are general in nature. One would expect
that the depth to groundwater would increase as the proposed project corridor travels west away
from the Rio Grande and goes up in elevation (NMED GWB 2003). According to the New
Mexico Office of the State Engineer (NMOSE), a search of known water wells within a twomile radius of the proposed project center point indicated approximately 198 wells with
minimum depth to water from the surface ranging from 10 to 704 feet deep. The average depth
to water from the 198 surface wells provided by NMOSE is 305 feet. Some of these water wells
occur near the project corridor. Well data from the OSE supports the concept that depth to
groundwater from the surface becomes greater with increasing elevation at the west end of the
proposed project location (NMOSE 2007).
As part of the agency consultation process for this EID, the NMOSE and the NMED were
contacted to provide information and identify concerns about the proposed project. The
NMOSE expressed concern about the effect of the project on the return flow to the Rio Grande.
In the short-term, there would be no change to the amount of water discharged into the Rio
Grande. The long-term goal is to eliminate discharge of effluent to the river.
The NMED- Ground Water Quality Bureau (GWQB) provided the following comment:
The use of reclaimed wastewater effluent for landscape irrigation
represents a discharge that is subject to the requirements of Water Quality
Control Commission (WQCC) Regulations, 20.6.2 NMAC. Such
discharges must be made pursuant to the requirements of Discharge
permits issued under these regulations. The use of reclaimed wastewater
effluent at Rio Rancho municipal facilities may be incorporated into
existing Discharge Permits. The non-municipal facilities must submit
applications for Discharge Permits to the GWQB for the discharge of
reclaimed wastewater effluent at their facilities. The GWQB advises all
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parties involved in the project to be aware of notification requirements for
accidental discharge.
PER assumptions place the pipeline to allow 4 feet of soil coverage. Since excavation activities
for the project would be less than 10 feet deep (the distance to groundwater for the shallowest
nearby well), and no new water extraction from the aquifer is planned, it is anticipated that the
proposed project would have no effect to groundwater resources in the region.
3.5.4
Drinking Water
The project consists of a non-potable reuse system. The effect to drinking water is not
applicable for this project scope.
3.5.5
Coastal Resources
There are no coastal resources in New Mexico.
3.6
AIR QUALITY
Air quality refers to the composition of air with respect to quantities of pollutants and is routinely
compared with ‘standards’ of maximum acceptable pollutant concentrations. Air quality in a given
location can be described by the concentration of individual pollutants in the atmosphere. Data used to
determine the level of significance for impacts to air quality are based on pollutant concentrations per
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
The Clean Air Act, which was last amended in 1990, requires EPA to set NAAQS (40 CFR part 50) for
pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The EPA Office of Air Quality
Planning and Standards has set NAAQS for six principal pollutants, which are called "criteria"
pollutants. Units of measure for the standards are parts per million by volume, milligrams per cubic
meter of air, and micrograms per cubic meter of air. Principal criteria pollutants for which standards are
set include Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Nitrogen Dioxide, Particulate Matter, Ozone, and Sulfur Oxides
(EPA 2007b).
The mission of the NMED's Air Quality Bureau (AQB) is to protect the inhabitants and natural beauty
of New Mexico by preventing the deterioration of air quality. These actions include: strategic planning
to ensure that all air quality standards are met and maintained, issuing air quality Construction and
Operating Permits, and enforcing air quality regulations and permit conditions. This authority applies to
all New Mexico counties except Bernalillo County and facilities on Tribal Land (NMED AQB 2007).
The NMED AQB was consulted during the production of this report and provided with a description of
the proposed project to give the agency an opportunity to respond with any concerns or issues they may
have in regards to potential impacts to air quality in the region.
The EPA’s Green Book lists all of the nonattainment (exceeds NAAQS) areas in the U.S. by criteria
pollutant, state, population, and number of counties affected. All of Sandoval County, including the
proposed project area is in attainment for NAAQS (EPA 2007c).
The NMED AQB currently classifies the air quality in the affected region in the City and in Sandoval
County for the proposed project as in attainment (does not exceed state or federal EPA air quality
standards) for all criteria pollutants (NMED AQB 2005). The EPA’s Natural Events Policy describes
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alternative steps that States may take to avoid nonattainment status in cases where weather and wind
contaminate the air. The policy calls for States to develop a NEAP to protect public health by educating
the public about the problem, what is being done to respond to it, and taking reasonable measures to
control sources of windblown dust that are the result of human activities and contribute significantly to
the problem. Full implementation of the NEAP is an ongoing process, with best available control
measures for Particulate Matter and occasional public education scheduled from 2006 through 2008
(NMED ABQ 2004).
Increased dust and locally elevated levels of Particulate Matter may be created during activities
associated with project construction. Compliance specifications will be strictly administered for all
equipment operations and dust-producing aspects of construction operations. The control of particulate
matter emanating from various construction activities will be conducted in accordance with all
applicable federal and state regulations. All vehicles at project construction sites will be required to
have passed a current New Mexico emissions test and have required emission control equipment. To
minimize exhaust emissions, contractors will be required to use emission-control devices and limit
idling of construction equipment. According to 20.11.20 New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC),
Fugitive Dust Control, a permit application is required if three quarters of an acre or more is to be
disturbed. The estimated area of disturbance for the proposed project is 9.3 acres for the actual trench,
and 77.5 acres for the entire corridor right-of-way. This permit will be acquired by the construction
contractor.
To minimize dust impacts during construction, the construction contractor will ensure that the
following mitigation measures are implemented:




Exposed and disturbed soil will be watered at a frequency sufficient to minimize fugitive dust.
Earthmoving and other dust-producing activities will be suspended during periods of high
winds when dust control efforts are unable to prevent fugitive dust.
Stockpiles of debris, soil, sand, or other materials will be watered down or covered with tarps.
Materials transported on- or off-site by truck will be covered.
Mitigation measures for air quality are also presented in Chapter 4. If these recommendations are
followed, air quality in the project vicinity of the City would not be significantly impacted by the
proposed project.
Sandoval County is considered to be in attainment with all state and National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NMED – Air Quality Bureau 2007). The project is not expected to change the attainment
status of air quality in the area.
3.7
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
On December 12th and 17th, 2007 the project area was surveyed for biological resources. The results of
the field survey are described in the biological reconnaissance memorandum report (Appendix B.1).
3.7.1
Vegetation
Most of the project area has been developed for residential or commercial use and there was
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little natural (or native undisturbed) habitat. Montoyas Arroyo was one of the few areas that
retained most of its natural condition. Based on the field survey, the vegetation communities
had no unusual or unique characteristics.
A tally was taken of trees on Chamisa Hills Country Club golf course that may be impacted by
installation of the water reuse lines. Six large cottonwoods (Populus spp.), 19 medium-sized
trees (of various species, mostly cottonwood), and 18 small or sapling sized trees (again mostly
cottonwoods) may be affected by water line installation. The majority of the large cottonwoods
were located adjacent to a restroom facility located in the southwest end of the golf course.
There were also a couple of large trees on the south side of Broadmoor Drive (i.e. where the
golf course crosses Broadmoor). Impacts to trees can be minimized and/or avoided by keeping
trenching activities outside of tree canopies or by boring beneath them (e.g. 3 to 6 feet or more),
but not directly beneath their trunks. Consultation with the Chamisa Hills Country Club owners
and grounds maintenance staff is recommended to determine the best methods to avoid and/or
minimize impacts to trees and to determine the importance of individual trees. A Siberian elm
(Ulmus pumila) located just off the Country Club property where the proposed line would enter
the golf course may be impacted by trenching. This tree has been identified because it is
located in potentially “undefined” ownership at the origin point for Black Arroyo. It is situated
between two private properties, whose owners may find some shade and/or landscape amenities
from this tree. Consequently, it might be prudent to identify the value (i.e. usefulness) of this
tree adjacent to property owners prior to impacting it.
The state of New Mexico, under the administration of the Department of Agriculture, lists
certain weed species as being noxious, or plants that are not native to New Mexico and have a
negative impact on the economy or environment. Noxious weeds are targeted for management
and controlled depending on their classification. Three species of state-listed noxious weeds
were observed within the project area: salt cedar (Amarix ramosissima), Russian olive
(Elaeagnus angustifolia), and Siberian elm. All three of these are Class C weeds, the lowest
priority for management. Salt cedar and Russian olive are common in riparian settings, while
Siberian elm is common in urban areas, and often function as useful shade trees. These species
may be managed at the discretion of the local agencies involved with the project.
3.7.2
Wildlife
The primary concern with wildlife within the project area is the effect of the project on birds. A
red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was observed roosting on top of a light pole at WWTP #2.
It was likely perched at that point along Montoyas Arroyo hunting for prey. No raptor nests
were observed. Two large colonies of bank swallows (Riparia riparia) were observed in
Montoyas Arroyo. Bank swallows commonly nest within the sandy banks of arroyos in
relatively large colonies, often 100 or more pairs of birds. In addition, several burrowing owl
(Athene cunicularia hypugaea) den sites were observed in the Montoyas Arroyo. One of these
den sites was active, evidenced by the presence of owl pellets and scat. Both species are
protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This act states that it is unlawful to disturb
active bird nests without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The NMDGF
recommends on-site preservation of nests by delaying initiation of the project until the
completion of the breeding season and monitoring burrowing owl and bank swallow nest sites
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prior to construction (Appendix C.4). Breeding season for burrowing owls and bank swallows
in New Mexico occurs from March to late July. The preferred alignment would install the line
in the bottom of the arroyo channel. This alignment avoids all bird nest sites; however, the
vibration and noise generated by construction activities may disturb active nests.
Trenching activities may negatively impact local wildlife populations. NMDGF also
recommends minimizing the amount of open trenches, trenching during the cooler months, not
leaving trenches open overnight, and leaving escape ramps for wildlife. Trenches that have
been left open over night should be checked before backfilling. These guidelines are most
applicable to the Montoyas Arroyo segment of the project.
3.7.3
Threatened and Endangered Species
To identify potentially occurring threatened, endangered, sensitive, or special-status species in
the project area, federal and state agencies were contacted and lists of protected species were
consulted, in conjunction with an assessment of actual site conditions. Examined lists included:
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service state and county lists and Critical Habitat designations, the
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish state and county lists, and the Inventory of Rare
and Endangered Plants of New Mexico. Those species with potential habitat in the area, or
target species, are identified in Table 3 below. The species identified as potentially occurring in
the project area are all classified as sensitive species or species of concern, meaning that their
populations are monitored to some degree, but they are not afforded protection under the
Endangered Species Act. Despite their lack of formal legal protection, these species were
included in the target species list and field survey to ensure no further reductions in their
population would occur as a result of this project.
Table 3. Target Species
Species
Status
Athene cunicularia hypugaea
Federal Species of Concern
Burrowing Owl
Lanius ludovicianus
New Mexico State Sensitive Taxa
Loggerhead Shrike
Cynomys gunnisoni
New Mexico State Sensitive Taxa
Gunnison’s Prairie Dog
Dalea scariosa
New Mexico State Sensitive Taxa
La Jolla Prairie Clover
No listed threatened or endangered species were considered as viable possibilities for occurring
within the project area and no threatened or endangered species were observed anywhere within
the project area. There were no observations or signs of loggerhead shrikes, Gunnison’s prairie
dogs, or the La Jolla prairie clover. Although not observed directly, there were several apparent
signs that burrowing owls had been nesting and using Montoyas Arroyo. Five den or potential
den sites were observed. One site was readily identified by the presence of owl pellets and scat,
one feather was observed at a second site, and the remaining three sites had no apparent owl
signs other than the existence of an appropriate sized burrow. Since all of the observed owl
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sites are relatively close together, it is possible that the owls, although nesting in the same
general location, have had different dens over the years, the den with pellets and scat being the
most recent.
3.8
ARCHEOLOGICAL, CULTURAL, AND HISTORIC RESOURCES
Pursuant to the New Mexico Cultural Properties Act (18-6-1 through 18-6-17 New Mexico Statues
Annotated [NMSA] 1978) and the Prehistoric and Historic Sites Preservation Act (18-8-1 through 188-9 NMSA 1978), a Class III, 100-percent intensive cultural resources survey of the proposed project
area was conducted by Parametrix on December 7, 10, and 12, 2007 (New Mexico Cultural Resource
Information System Number 108945). In addition, a 50-foot (15-meter) buffer around the project area
was visually inspected for historic structures, buildings, and objects that may be affected by the
proposed utility installation. This larger area was considered the Area of Potential Effects (APE) and
was defined in consultation with the project engineers and the New Mexico Historic Preservation
Division’s guidelines. The total survey area consisted of 124 hectares (307 acres). The results of the
field inventory and a detailed management summary are provided in the cultural resources survey report
(Wands et al. 2008).
No historic districts, historic buildings, or cultural landscapes were identified within the APE.
However, one previously recorded archaeological site, Laboratory of Anthropology (LA) 100383, and
one isolated occurrence were documented by Parametrix personnel. Both LA 100383 and the isolated
occurrence are recommended ineligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and no
further investigation or treatment is recommended regarding these resources. However, the proponent
will avoid this site, and any other identified cultural resource, during the course of the project.
As a result of the field investigation, Parametrix recommends, subject to consultation and comment,
that the proposed undertaking will have no effect on any resource listed, or eligible for listing, on the
NRHP. This recommendation, along with Parametrix’s findings, was submitted to the New Mexico
State Historic Preservation Officer in the survey report dated January 31, 2008 (Wands et al. 2008). A
formal determination of no effect was issued May 5, 2008 (Appendix C1).
The Antiquities Act and Historic Preservation Act require notification of Native American tribes that
may have occupied or have historical ties to the project area. Four tribes responded with a
determination of no effect to religious or cultural sites affiliated with the tribe. All requested that they
be advised of any findings unearthed during construction (Appendix C3).
3.9
SOCIOECONOMIC/ ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
3.9.1
Socioeconomic Issues
The proposed Rio Rancho effluent reuse water pipeline is not expected to have an adverse or
disproportionate impact on low income or minority populations. The project is expected to
have a beneficial impact on the planning area. The proposed project will be conducted in a
manner that ensures that there are no exclusions of any persons or populations from
participating in the project or its benefits, and no discrimination due to race, color, income
level, or national origin, in accordance with Executive Order 12898. The demographic
characteristics are summarized in Table 4 by City of Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, and The
Town of Bernalillo. The demographics in Table 5 are summarized by Tract, which is a more
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accurate and concentrated representation of the population within the project area.
Table 4. Demographic Characteristics
Rio Rancho
Sandoval County
Town of
Bernalillo
40,563 (78.4%)
1,376 (2.7%)
758 (1.5%)
89 (0.2%)
1,226 (2.7%)
5,618 (10.9%)
51,765 (100%)
14,329 (27.7%)
6,058 (11.7%)
58,512 (65.1%)
1,535 (1.7%)
894 (1.0%)
98 (0.1%)
14,634 (16.3%)
11,118 (12.8%)
89,908 (100%)
26,437 (29.4%)
9542 (10.6%)
3,978 (60.2%)
49 (0.7%)
13 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
259 (3.9%)
2,072 (31.3%)
6,611(100%)
4,942 (74.8%)
608 (9.2%)
Racial Characteristics
White
Black
Asian/Pacific Islander
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
American Indian /Alaska Native
Other
Total Population
Hispanic or Latino*
Elderly - greater than 65 years
Income
Median Household Income in 1999
$47,169
$44,949
$30,864
(dollars)
Per Capita Income
$20,322
$19,174
$13,100
Persons below poverty level
5.1%
9.0%
18.2%
*Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census data
**Hispanic or Latino is a separate category of the population because the Hispanic or Latino population has both
cultural and racial identifications.
Table 5: Demographic Characteristics by Tract
Racial Characteristics
White
Black
Asian/Pacific Islander
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific
Islander
American Indian /Alaska Native
Tract 107.05
Tract 107.09
Tract 107.14
Tract 107.15
4,139 (77.8%)
3,573 (79.7%)
2,538 (75.8%)
3,169 (84.5%)
138 (2.6%)
81 (1.8%)
81 (2.4%)
130 (3.5%)
97 (0.18%)
112 (2.5%)
62 (1.9%)
21 (0.56%)
29 (0.54%)
104 (2.3%)
78 (2.33%)
62 (1.65%)
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
Other
Total Population
630 (11.8%)
486 (1.1%)
345 (10.3%)
203 (5.4%)
5,322 (100%)
4,485 (100%)
3,347 (100%)
3,749 (100%)
Hispanic or Latino*
Elderly - greater than 65 years
1,427 (26.8%)
1,168 (26.0%)
739 (22.07%)
773 (20.6%)
503 (9.45%)
599 (13.35%)
463 (13.83%)
845 (22.5%)
$51,345
$48,924
$55,906
$45,899
$18,788
$20,263
$25,989
$23,694
Income
Median Household Income in
1999 (dollars)
Per Capita Income
Persons below poverty level
4.5%
6.7%
4.8%
*Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census data
2.7%
**Hispanic or Latino is a separate category of the population because the Hispanic or Latino population has both
cultural and racial identifications.
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3.9.2
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice (EJ) is defined by the EPA as the fair and meaningful involvement of all
people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to development,
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. The goal
of fair treatment is not to shift risks among populations but to identify potential
disproportionately high adverse impacts and to identify alternatives to mitigate those impacts.
Under Executive Order (EO) 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, it is federal policy to avoid adverse
impacts on minority and low-income communities.
To address concerns regarding EJ issues in the proposed project area, indices and maps for
Region 6 were obtained from the EPA as a basis of determining any potential effects of the
proposed project in minority and low-income populations. The EPA typically produces EJ
maps that project the data for minorities and income for a 50-square-mile area (five-mile-radius
circle) centered on a given map coordinate or point. Parametrix submitted a map coordinate to
the EPA to represent all of the facilities planned and accurately portray the EJ parameters
related to the proposed project. The EPA then returned data sheets with associated maps
showing the various parameters for the map coordinate provided (Appendix C8). Two EJ
parameters were represented on the EPA maps for the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Censuses in the
proposed project area including:


Economic Status – Degree of Vulnerability (DVECO)
Potential Environmental Justice Index – Derived from a formula that multiplies the
DVECO and the total population ranking in the survey area.
The EJ value is used as a demographic correlation variable to measure sociological and
economic equity for project permitting. The information given in the EPA EJ report does not
represent the final analysis of a site in regard to environmental justice. Rather, the indices and
raw data reported are indicators of vulnerability for subgroups of people to other stressors (EPA
2005).
Values for the EJ are based on ranking by census blocks within survey areas requested for the
proposed project. On a scale of 1 to 100, the higher the number, the more likely the proposed
project is to impact disproportionately high numbers of minority and low-income populations,
as shown in the following list:





1 to 12 – Low Vulnerability
13 to 25 – Low to Moderate Vulnerability
26 to 37 – Moderate Vulnerability
38 to 50 – Moderate to High Vulnerability
51 to 100 – High Vulnerability
Table 6 shows the EPA EJ ranking for the survey coordinates in the proposed project area.
Copies of the EJ index and map information obtained from the EPA are available upon request
from Parametrix.
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Table 6. EPA Environmental Justice Value and Population Vulnerability for the Proposed Project Area
Survey Site
EJ Value by U.S.
Census Year
1990
2000
Population
Vulnerability, 2000
Census
City of Rio Rancho (1
Square Mile)
3
Low
3
Village of Angel Fire (50
2
3
Square Miles)
*Source: U.S. EPA, Environmental Justice Index Pilot
3.10
Low
OTHER RESOURCES
3.10.1 Public Health and Safety
There are a variety of construction standards and techniques in the industry designed to protect
the public from impacts to their health and safety during installation of utilities similar in scope
to the proposed project. Several agencies were consulted during the production of this report.
The guidelines that they recommend following to avoid adverse impacts to public health and
safety are included in the following section.
Surface Water Effluent Affects to Humans—Class 1A effluent is defined by NMED as the
highest quality of reuse water, and can be most broadly utilized except for direct consumption.
Class 1A assumes treatment to remove colloidal organic matter, color, and other substances that
interfere with disinfection, thereby allowing for the use of the reclaimed wastewater for urban
landscaping adjacent to dwelling units or occupied establishments. NMED has identified Class
1A as having no setback limit unless ingested by the human population.
Underground Utilities - Include but are not limited to natural gas pipelines, power lines,
telecommunications, wastewater and/or septic pipelines and tanks and underground petroleum
storage tanks (PST).
Construction Vehicles - Such as excavation equipment, dump trucks, and flatbed haulers. A
number of which are large, can be difficult to maneuver and have poor visibility.
Roads and Sidewalks - A number of which will be temporarily disrupted for project installation,
and could cause interruptions in traffic and pedestrian flow in an emergency.
Hazardous Materials - Products used for project features and for support vehicles, and hazards
associated with dust, vehicle emissions, accidents and spills.
Construction Zones - Storage yards for vehicles and pipelines prior to installation, and work
sites that may include open trenches, debris and hazards.
Energy Utilities - Providers will be contacted to determine locations of current underground
service lines that may occur in the proposed project corridor. The New Mexico One Call
System should be contacted before work commences to prevent damage to pipelines and
facilities and avoid impacts to public health and safety.
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Stormwater - The EPA requires NPDES CGP coverage for storm water discharges from
construction projects that will result in the disturbance of more than one acre. The CGP does
not allow discharges of well purge waters, hydro-static test waters, treated effluent, or most
other “non-storm water” discharges. This permit also requires that a SWPPP be prepared and
that appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) be on place during and after construction
to prevent pollutants (sediment, oil and grease, and construction materials) in storm water
runoff from entering waters of the U.S.
Air Quality - The potential exists for temporary increases in dust and emissions from
construction equipment during the proposed project installation. Dust control measures should
be taken to minimize the release of particulates during construction.
Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks (PSTs) - The contractors should remain alert for
indications of soil or groundwater contamination in the vicinity of any listed PST sites. If a
known leak had occurred, there may be wells or remediation equipment installed at the leak
sites. If the proposed project intersects any part of a remediation system or monitoring well,
please contact the NMED PST Bureau to coordinate construction with remediation equipment.
If contaminated soil or water is encountered during construction, all monitoring, handling and
disposal requirements must be met in order to protect workers, the public, and the environment,
from contaminants. The PST Bureau can be reached at 505-984-1741.
The proposed project is not expected to have an adverse or significant impact to public health
and safety in the City. The project would be constructed in a manner consistent with existing
guidelines and regulations to ensure that there will be no change in the health and safety of the
public in the project area. Project mitigation measures for potential impacts to public health
and safety are included in Chapter 4.
3.10.2 Energy
Since the project is currently in the engineering and design phase, detailed energy consumption
information has not been calculated. However, to provide the City with the operating cost of
the project, Wilson and Company calculated the probable operating costs for electrical
consumption, chemical costs, and man power costs (Table 7).
Table 7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs for Existing and Projected Conditions at the Wastewater
Treatment Facility
Existing Plant (0.6 MGD)
Extended
Qty
Unit Cost
Cost
Item
Units
Electrical
Consumption KwH/Month 5430
Chemical
Costs
LS/Month
1
Man Power
Costs
Hrs/Month
516
*Source: (Wilson and Company 2008)
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Future Plant (1.2 MGD)
Extended
Qty
Unit Cost Cost
$0.08
$434.40
9502.5
$0.08
$760.20
$316.00
$316.00
2
$316.00
$632.00
$20.00
$10,320.00
688
$20.00
$13,760.00
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
3.10.3 Transportation
Construction and operation of the proposed project is not expected to decrease the level of
service for transportation in the region. Even with the greatest amount of anticipated traffic,
most likely during the height of construction, it is highly unlikely that the preferred alignment
would cause a decrease in the level of service for roadways in the project area.
Airports and railways would experience no change or effect from the proposed project.
Construction plans indicate that it should be possible to maintain travel lanes on adjacent roads
during project installation. Although access to driveways of local businesses and residences
from the travel lanes may be less convenient during construction of the waterlines, access
should not be severely affected. Access points and drivers’ ability to make turning movements
on and off the main roadways including NM 528, Southern Boulevard, and adjacent side streets,
should also be unaffected during construction. Traffic control measures will be implemented to
help with disturbance to vehicular flow during installation. Following completion, public access
along the right-of-way would remain at the same level as it was prior to construction activities.
The proposed project will have no impacts to any transportation facilities.
3.10.4 Visual Impacts
Visual resources are based on an assessment and classification of visual landscapes or scenic
views for their attractiveness and ability to provide recreational opportunities. The definition of
this resource category includes what viewers like and dislike about visual resources that
compose a particular scene. Different viewers may evaluate visual resources differently.
Neighbors and travelers may, in particular, have different opinions on what they like and dislike
about a scene. Viewers define visual quality in terms of natural harmony, cultural order, and
project coherence (MNDOT 2005). The criterion used to determine the level of significance of
impacts to this resource category is visual quality, usually assessed through some type of visual
resource management system.
Visual resources include natural and human-made physical features that give a particular
landscape its character and value. Features contributing to visual perception include landforms,
vegetation, size, water, color, texture, adjacent or bounding scenery, and cultural modifications.
Modifications in a landscape that repeat the landscape’s basic elements are said to be in
harmony with their surroundings. Typically, these visual perception features are used to
evaluate landscapes on public and private lands.
The degree to which a management activity affects the visual quality of a landscape depends on
the visual contrast created between a project and the existing landscape (BLM 2004). The
affected visual resource environment for the proposed project is an area encompassing the City
limits.
Visual sensitivity of the existing landscape is dependent on its visual character, the amount of
public use of the area, public visibility, the presence or absence of adjacent visual impacts, and
the ability of the setting to absorb the proposed project features. Absorption refers to how well
the proposed project would fit within the existing setting. Visual sensitivity ratings are
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classified by the following three levels:

High Visual Sensitivity. Areas with unique or valued visual attributes, minimal
landscape disturbance, high visibility, and high public activity, because they have a
limited ability to absorb changes that are not visible.

Moderate Visual Sensitivity. Areas with typical visual attributes, surrounding
development, lower visibility, limited public visibility, and disturbed landscape,
because they have some ability to absorb changes without appearing to have changed.
Low Visual Sensitivity. Areas with pervasive or degraded visual attributes, limited
public use and viewing, or areas with development similar in characteristics to the
proposed facilities, because they can absorb changes without appearing noticeably
different.

The proposed site for the water system improvements are areas of low visual sensitivity. The
majority of the proposed construction would occur in previously disturbed, urban environments
with structures, roads, and utilities. Most of the project area is not considered distinctive
vegetative habitat, and little remains of the original panorama before disturbance.
The proposed project is an underground pipe, and is designed to carry Class 1A high quality
reuse water from Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 6 to various clients in Rio Rancho. There
should be no perceptible change to the visual character of the project area following installation,
as the project is similar in focus to current conditions and the area can absorb changes without
appearing noticeably different. No adverse impacts to visual quality should occur as a result of
the proposed project.
3.10.5 Noise
Background noise levels in the proposed project area are relatively low. According to the Noise
Center for the League for the Hard of Hearing (LHH 2004), a typical, quiet residential area has
a noise level of 40 decibels. A residential area near heavy traffic has a noise level of 85
decibels. The project area has both of these noise scenarios, including quiet residential areas
and residential areas near one of the major thoroughfares NM 528, with heavy truck traffic.
Heavy machinery has a noise level of 120 decibels. During construction, noise would
temporarily increase in the vicinity from vehicle and equipment operation. The Noise Center
advises that noise levels above 85 decibels will harm hearing over time and noise levels above
140 decibels can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure. The increase in noise during
construction would be minor and temporary, ending when construction is complete.
Installation activities that would produce noise include the use of earthmoving equipment,
trucks and construction equipment. Roads adjacent to sensitive receptors such as the Rio
Rancho High Schools, and the golf course would experience some construction traffic. Sound
baffles and mufflers on construction equipment would be maintained and kept in proper
working condition. At all construction sites, work would take place between the hours of 7:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and no noise-producing activities would occur outside of these hours. Noise
impacts would cease upon completion of the project. No long-term noise impacts are
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anticipated for the proposed project, and short term increases in noise levels are not expected to
be significant or excessive.
3.11
CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Guidelines by the Council on Environmental Quality broadly define cumulative and secondary impacts
as follows:

Cumulative effects are impacts that result from the incremental consequences of an action when
added to other past and reasonably foreseeable future actions (40 CFR 1508.7).

Secondary impacts are those caused by an action that are later in time or farther removed in
distance but are still reasonably foreseeable (40 CFR 1508.8).
The proposed project is not expected to result in cumulative or secondary impacts.
4.0
SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES
Soil: Temporary and permanent soil erosion control measures will be implemented in accordance with
the NPDES storm-water permit process, and a SWPPP would be developed using BMPs. These BMPs
would include dust suppression and soil stabilization measures that would minimize erosion and storm
water pollution during construction.
Excavated soil along the trench sites would be temporarily placed nearby until project completion.
Efforts should be made to contain the loose soil during construction activities to avoid soil loss and
adverse effects to water and air quality. A variety of methods are commonly used to mitigate these
concerns. These methods include installing silt fence, erosion controls, rip-rap and tarps to prevent
sediment deposition into local waterways; and soil watering, and avoiding extremely dry and windy
days to limit the amount of fugitive dust being released into the air. Immediately upon completion,
loose soil should be backfilled and graded into trenches or appropriate areas at the construction sites
and excess fill transported to an approved upland site and stabilized.
Surface Water: Indirect sediment or soil deposition (pollution) into adjacent surface water bodies is
avoidable as long as sound erosion control practices are in place during and after project installation.
Any construction within the ordinary high water marks of Black Arroyo or Montoyas Arroyo would
require compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Compliance with an USACE Individual
or Nationwide Permit requires the following conditions:




Compliance with conditions of NWP 12 for utility installation
Certification of Compliance submitted 30 days after completion of the project
Revegetate and restructure channel to preconstruction conditions and elevation
Compliance with NMED Section 401 Certification for ephemeral waterways.
Surface Water Effluent Affects to Wildlife: The NMED identifies minimum wastewater quality
requirements and monitoring frequencies for different classes of reclaimed wastewater (Table 8).
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Parameters that must be monitored include biochemical oxygen demand (BODs), turbidity, fecal
coliform, and TRC or UV Transmissivity. The frequency of wastewater monitoring is patterned after
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requirements for discharges of treated and
disinfected wastewater to surface waters (USEPA, 2004). Requirements for monitoring Class 1A
effluent have the most stringent monitoring requirements and are given by NMED. The wastewater
quality levels and monitoring frequencies for the reclaimed water should be monitored by the City to
demonstrate that the effluent provides an equivalent measure of public health protection as the
measures set forth by the NMED guidance document (NMED 2007). Reclaimed water quality will be
monitored at the discharge point of the wastewater treatment facility.
Table 8. Wastewater Quality Requirements and Monitoring Frequency for Class 1A Wastewater.
Wastewater Quality
Requirements
30-day
Maximum
Average
10mg/l
15 mg/l
Wastewater
Quality
Parameter
BODs
Turbidity
Fecal Coliform
TRC
or
UV
Transmissivity
3 NTU
5 per 100
ml
Monitor
Only
5 NTU
23 per 100
ml
Monitor
Only
Wastewater Monitoring Requirements
Sample Type
Measurement Frequency
Minimum of 6-hour
composite
Continuous
Sample at peak flow
3 tests per week for major WWTP
1 test per week for minor WWTP
Continuous
3 tests per week for major WWTP
1 test per week for minor WWTP
Record values at peak hourly flow
when Fecal Coliform samples are
collected
Grab
sample
or
reading at peak flow
Ground Water: The NMED GWQB advises that all parties involved in projects that could potentially
affect groundwater resources should be aware of notification requirements for accidental discharges,
described in the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission Regulations, effective July 16, 2006
(20.6.2.1203 NMAC). The notification requirements procedure should be followed in the case of
accidental contaminant release from heavy machinery spills (e.g. fuel, hydraulic fluid) associated with
equipment malfunctions.
Floodplain: Portions of the project are located within the 100-year floodplain. The Southern Sandoval
County Arroyo Flood Control Authority (SSCAFCA) should be contacted for final determination of
impacts to the flood plains. Mitigation measures that should be followed to minimize impacts including
the following:




Limit ground disturbance within the floodplain to drier days, outside of forecasted storm
events and wetter periods.
Use BMPs to prevent sediment from entering the floodplain.
Store excavated soil outside of the 100-year floodplain.
Restore and stabilize disturbed areas within the floodplain as quickly as possible to preconstruction conditions.
Air Quality: To minimize dust impacts to air quality during construction, the construction contractor
will ensure that the following practices are implemented:
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



Exposed and disturbed soil surfaces will be watered at a frequency sufficient to avoid dust.
Earthmoving and other dust-producing activities will be suspended during periods of high
winds when dust control efforts are unable to prevent fugitive dust.
Stockpiles of debris, soil, sand, or other materials will be watered or covered.
Materials transported on- or off-site by truck will be covered.
Threatened and Endangered Species: The species identified as potentially occurring in the project
area are all classified as sensitive species or species of concern, meaning that their populations are
monitored to some degree, but they are not protected under the Endangered Species Act. Despite their
lack of formal legal protection, these species were included in the target species list and field survey to
ensure no further reductions in their population would occur as a result of this project.
There are two species protected under the Migratory Bird Act that occur within the project corridor and
mitigation measures should be followed to avoid destroying and birds, eggs, or active nests.
Avian populations in particular, experience seasonal fluctuations due to migration patterns. Time of
year for project construction can have varying degrees of impact on wild bird species. On-site
preservation of these birds is required by delaying initiation of construction until after the breeding
season. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) recommends careful monitoring of
the owl burrows during dawn and dusk hours prior to beginning work within Montoyas Arroyo.
Survey protocol has been provided by the NMDGF (Appendix C).
NMDGF recommends minimizing the amount of open trenches, trenching during the cooler months,
not leaving trenches open overnight and leaving escape ramps for wildlife. Trenches that have been left
open over night should be checked before backfilling (Appendix C).
As most of the project consists of installing a below-ground pipe, the surface habitat along the project
route would recover quickly from the disturbance as long as sound reclamation practices are followed.
Three New Mexico State Taxa species, the Loggerhead Shrike, Gunnison’s Prairie Dog, and La Jolla
Prairie Clover may warrant mitigation measures for the proposed project. These species are not wide
ranging. Special attention should be paid to the project area during construction in order to prevent
further impact or harm to these species.
Archeological, Cultural and Historic Resources: No historic districts, historic buildings, or cultural
landscapes were identified within the APE. However, one previously recorded archaeological site,
Laboratory of Anthropology (LA) 100383, and one isolated occurrence were documented by
PARAMETRIX personnel. Both LA 100383 and the isolated occurrence are recommended ineligible to
the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and no further investigation or treatment is
recommended regarding these resources. However, the proponent will avoid this site, and any other
identified cultural resource, during the course of the project. If buried cultural deposits are discovered
during any project-related activities, work will cease immediately and the New Mexico State Historic
Preservation Officer should be notified.
Public Health and Safety: A number of mitigation measures to ensure public health and safety for the
proposed project are recommended including:
563-4888-002
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Draft December 2008
Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM

If Class 1A water is used in areas within public access, there should be advisory signs in
both English and Spanish stating the water is not adequate for consumption.

Avoidance of existing underground utilities and storage tanks. The contractors should
remain alert for indications of soil or groundwater contamination in the vicinity. If
contaminated soil or water is encountered during construction, all monitoring, handling
and disposal requirements must be met in order to protect workers, the public, and the
environment, from contaminants. The PST Bureau can be reached at 505-984-1741.

Treatment facilities that provide reclaimed wastewater to parks, golf courses, schools
and other areas where human exposure is likely must have an emergency storage pond
or alternate disposal method where reclaimed wastewater can be diverted during periods
when conditions are unfavorable for approved uses or when the quality requirements
defined by NMED (NMED 2007) cannot be met.
Maintain traffic and pedestrian routes, and avoid accidents with heavy construction
equipment.


Safe and proper handling, transportation, and storage of hazardous materials.

Protection of the project from both natural and manmade disasters should be
considered.

Dust control measures should be taken to minimize the release of airborne particulates
during construction.
All parties involved in the project should be aware of notification requirements for accidental
discharges, which can be found in the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission Regulations,
effective July 16, 2006 (20.6.2.1203 NMAC). The notification requirements procedure should be
followed in the case of accidental contaminant release from heavy machinery spills (e.g. fuel, hydraulic
fluid) associated with equipment malfunctions, or from spills of chemical reagents.
Transportation: Traffic control plans reviewed and approved by the New Mexico Department of
Transportation will outline traffic and pedestrian access methods. Transportation will not be severely
affected as a result of this project although access to driveways and adjoining roads may be less
convenient during construction, disturbance to vehicular flow will not be critically affected as a result
of this project.
Noise: Existing sound baffles and mufflers on construction equipment would be maintained and kept in
proper working condition. At all construction sites, work would take place between the hours of 7:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and no noise-producing activities would occur outside of these hours. Noise
impacts would cease upon completion of the project.
No other mitigation measures are anticipated for the proposed project.
563-4888-002
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
5.0
CONSULTATION, COORDINATION, AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
5.1 AGENCIES CONSULTED
Persons and entities on the local, state, and federal level with possible interest in the proposed project
were contacted for their comments on potential environmental and cultural impacts as a result of the
project. Table 9 below summarizes the contacted agencies and their responses. Scoping letters and
replies are included in Appendix C.
Native American Consultation was initiated on behalf of the City on January 29, 2008. Results of the
Native American Consultation process are also summarized in Table 9 below and are included in
Appendix C.
`
563-4888-002
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Table 9. Agencies Contacted for Coordination and/or Comments
Agency Contacted
Date
Reply
Comments
LOCAL & REGIONAL AGENCIES
Larry Webb,
Utilities Director
City of Rio Rancho
Lisa Vornholt,
Director Recreation &
Community Services
City or Rio Rancho
James C. Payne,
City Manager
City of Rio Rancho
Michael J. Williams
Mayor
City of Rio Rancho
Fay F. Davis
District 1 Councilor
City of Rio Rancho
Patricia Thomas
District 2 Councilor
City of Rio Rancho
Delma Petrullo
District 3 Councilor
City of Rio Rancho
Howard Balmer
District 4 Councilor
City of Rio Rancho
Lary Naranjo
District 5 Councilor
City of Rio Rancho
Marilyn Salzman
District 6 Councilor
City of Rio Rancho
Harry Apodaca
General Manager
Chamisa Hills Country Club
David Stoliker
Executive Director
Southern Sandoval Arroyo
Flood Control Authority
12/19/07
Al Sena
Facilities Director
Rio Rancho Public Schools
12/19/07
563-4888-002
12/19/07
Left voice mail 1/23/08
12/19/07
Left message 1/23/08
12/19/07
Fax
Confirmation of receipt. The mayor agrees with Alternative
12/25/07 1.
12/19/07
12/19/07
12/19/07
12/19/07
Letter
Integral to taking care of problem with, sludge and smell.
12/28/07
12/19/07
12/19/07
12/19/07
Fax
1/24/08
The construction of the reuse line impacts the golf course in
a very minor way.
12/19/07
Fax
2/06/08
Phone Conversation: Concerned about the quality of the
reuse water and how it will affect the wildlife. Would like to
consult with Larry Webb further on the project and address
existing sewer lines and toxic waste that has had to be
exposed of as a result of inadequate lines bursting.
Written Comment: SSCAFCA approval required for facility
in arroyos and/or SSCAFCA ROW (owned) or easements.
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Agency Contacted
Date
Reply
Comments
V. Sue Cleveland
Chief Executive
Rio Rancho Public Schools
12/19/07
Fax
1/11/08
Currently there seems to be a reuse line close to MLK
Elementary RRPS is curious if the city expects RRPS to use
this line for irrigation. If so, will they require RRPS to
install the line at its own expense or will the city assist with
the connection? What other requirements will be necessary
for RRPS to consider?
Board of Directors
Mid-Region Council of
Governments (MRCOG)
Russ Grayson, PE
Pulte Homes
Debbie
Hays,
County
Manager
Court House
Sandoval County
Keith A. Reed, PE
Project Manager
Wilson & Company
Randall Carroll, Project
Engineer – Floodplain
Manager
City of Rio Rancho
12/19/07
12/19/07
12/19/07
Left message 1/23/08
Fax
2/11/08
Guy Bralley, Water Resource Administrator replied on
behalf of Debbie Hays. The County has no objections.
12/19/07
12/10/08
12/10/08 As I understand this project there will be no adverse affects
to the floodplains within which this project will occur. The
project as presented will not permanently affect the base
flood elevation. The only requirements placed on this
project are the use of BMPs and to make every effort
possible to perform the construction activities during the
“dry” season.
STATE AGENCIES
Katherine Slick
12/19/07
NM
State
Historic
Preservation Officer
Bob Sivinski, State Botanist 12/19/07
NM Energy, Minerals, and
Natural Resources Dept,
Forestry Division
Thaddeus
Kostrubala, 12/19/07
Environmental Engineer,
Field Operations
New Mexico State Land
Office
563-4888-002
Letter
1/7/08
Letter
5/05/08
Fax
12/31/07
Confirmation of receipt. The NM office of Cultural Affairs
looks forward to consulting under section 106 of the NHPA.
Concur with the recommendation of eligibility and/or
effects as proposed (NO EFFECT)– Michelle Ensey
Confirmation of receipt. No Comment
Fax
1/03/08
Confirmation of receipt. No Comment.
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Agency Contacted
Date
Georgia Cleverly, Chief
12/19/07
Environment Impact Review Phone:
New Mexico Environment 12/12/08
Department
Stephanie Dubois
Constructions
Program
Bureau,
New
Mexico
Environment Department
Mary Uhl, Chief
Air Quality Bureau, New
Mexico
Environment
Department
Mary Day, Chief
Drinking Water Quality
Bureau,
New
Mexico
Environment Department
Robert George
Ground Water Quality
Bureau,
New
Mexico
Environment Department
Marcy Leavitt, Chief
Surface Water Quality
Bureau,
New
Mexico
Environment Department
563-4888-002
12/19/07
Reply
Comments
Letter
3/07/08
Comments received from Ground Water Quality Bureau
only: The use of reclaimed wastewater effluent for
landscape irrigation represents a discharge that is subject to
the requirements of WQCC Regulations, 20.6.2 NMAC.
Such discharges much be made pursuant to the requirements
of Discharge permits issued under these regulations. The
use of reclaimed wastewater effluent at Rio Rancho
municipal facilities may be incorporated into existing
Discharge Permits. The non-municipal facilities must
submit applications for Discharge Permits to the GWQB for
the discharge of reclaimed wastewater effluent at their
facilities. The GWQB advises all parties involved in the
project to be aware of notification requirements for
accidental discharge.
In a phone conversation, Ms Cleverley stated that she sent
the original letter to all relevant bureaus. In most cases, if
they do not provide a response, then the proposed project
does not impact their bureau and following the standard
guidelines is assumed.
See comments from Georgia Cleverley
12/19/07
Phone:
11/12/08
See comments from Georgia Cleverley
12/19/07
See comments from Georgia Cleverley
12/19/07
03/07/08 See comments from Georgia Cleverley
12/19/07
See comments from Georgia Cleverley
36
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Agency Contacted
Date
Reply
Comments
Matthew Wunder
12/19/07
Conservations
Services
Division,
NM Dept of Game and Fish
Letter
1/22/08
John D. Antonio, State 12/19/07
Engineer
NM Office of the State
Engineer
Gwyneth Duncan,
12/19/07
Environmental Section
New Mexico Department of
Transportation
Letter
1/7/07
The department is concerned with the project impact on
burrowing owl and bank swallow nesting sites. On-site
preservation of nests is required by delaying initiation of the
project until after the end of the breeding season. In
addition surveys/monitoring of sites is required before
construction begins (survey protocol provided). Only empty
nests/burrows can be destroyed without a permit. Open
trenches and ditches can trap small animals. Minimize the
number of open trenches, trench during the cooler months,
and avoid leaving trenches open overnight.
If reuse is undertaken how will it affect Rio Rancho’s
“Return Flow” to the Rio Grande River?
Fax
Janet L. McVicker, Environmental Specialist commented on
12/27/07 behalf of Gwyneth Duncan. Thank you for the notification
concerning the effluent water reuse system in Rio Rancho,
Sandoval County, NM. We look forward to reviewing the
project when and if an NMDOT permit is required.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
Mary
Podoll,
Area 12/19/07
Conservationist
NRCS- Northwest Area
Office
US
Department
of
Agriculture
Roxanne Runkel
12/19/07
US Dept of Interior
National Park Service
Kathy Gilmore,
12/19/07
Office of Planning and
Coordination, Compliance
Assurance and Enforcement
Division,
US EPA
563-4888-002
See Response from Dennis Alexander, NRCS
Letter
1/16/08
The National Park Service reviewed this project, and
determined that no parks will be affected; therefore, we
have no comments.
Left message at general number (7/28/08). Corridnation
with the EPA is not required if the project are is in
attainment with air quality standards.
37
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Agency Contacted
Date
Donald Borda, Chief
12/19/07
Regulatory Branch
US
Army Corp. of
Engineers,
Albuquerque
District
Dolores J. LeVinus, CFM
12/19/07
Natural Hazards
Federal
Emergency
Management
Agency,
Region VI
Peter Doles
12/19/07
US
Army Corp. of
Engineers,
Albuquerque
District
Wally
Murphy,
Field 12/19/07
Supervisor
NM Ecological Services
Office
US Fish and Wildlife
Service
Dennis Alexander
State Conservationist
NRCS, USDA
12/19/07
Reply
Comments
Letter
William M. Oberle, Regulatory Specialist replied on behalf
1/10/200 of Donald Borda. Approved jurisdictional determination of
8
Montoyas Arroyo and Black Arroyo. The US Army Corp.
of Engineers anticipates that a permit may be required for
the discharge dredged or fill material in these waters.
Letter
The concerns of FEMA are directed toward the National
01/03/08 Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the possible negative
impact upon identified special flood hazard areas within the
outlined project boundaries. The City of Rio Rancho is
participating in NFIP therefore any development that takes
place within the City must be reviewed and the appropriate
permits issued. Coordination with the Floodplain
Administrator for the City can ensure that this project is in
compliance with the City’s Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance and any City regulations and or requirements.
See comments from William Oberle
Fax
The Fish and Wildlife Service recommends that the US
01/08/08 Army Corp. of Engineers be contacted for permitting
requirements, the NM department of Game and Fish and the
NM Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resource Dept., Forestry
Division be contacted for information regarding fish,
wildlife and plants of State concern. It was also
recommended that construction activities occur outside the
general migratory bird nesting season of March through
August, or that areas proposed for construction during the
nesting season be surveyed. A website was provided in
order to identify any threatened or endangered species or
important wildlife habitats within the project limits.
Letter
Confirmation of receipt of letter. The Natural Resource
1/7/08
Conservation Service does not anticipate any significant
negative environmental impacts from this section.
TRIBAL AUTHORITIES
Governor Joseph E. Suina
Pueblo of Cochiti
P.O. Box 70
Cochiti, NM 87072
President Levi Pesata
Jicarilla Apache Nation
P.O. Box 507
Dulce, NM 87528
Governor Alex Lujan
Pueblo of Sandia
P.O. Box 6008
Bernalillo, NM 87004
563-4888-002
1/29/08
Called 7/28/08 – no answer
1/29/08
Faxed another copy of the original letter (7/28/08)
1/29/08
New Governor – Stewart Paisano – faxed original letter
(7/28/08)
38
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Agency Contacted
Date
Governor Lorenzo Montoya
Sr.
or current Governor
Pueblo of Santa Ana
2 Dove Road
Santa Ana, NM 87004
Governor Ivan R. Pino
Pueblo of Zia
135 Capital Square Drive
Zia Pueblo, NM 87053
Governor Earl Salazar
Ohkay Owingeh
P.O. Box 1099
San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566
Director of Hopi Cultural
Preservation Office Leigh
Kuwanwisiwma
The Hopi Tribe
P.O. Box 123
Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039
Governor Ronald L. Tenorio
Pueblo of San Felipe
P.O. Box 4339
San Felipe Pueblo, NM
87001
Governor Joseph Michael
Chavarria
or current Governor
Pueblo of Santa Clara
P.O. Box 580
Española, NM 87532
1/29/08
New Governor – Ulysses Leon
1/29/08
Mailed copy of letter and cultural resource survey to Tammy
Pino at Governor’s Office (7/29/08)
1/29/08
Spoke with Marcia in Governor’s Office, letter was sent to
the Environmental Department (7/28/08).
1/29/08
Letter
2/5/08
1/29/08
1/29/08
Comments
The Hopi Tribe has determined that the proposed
undertaking in Sandoval County, New Mexico will not
affect any objects, sites, or locations of traditional religious
importance to the Hopi Tribe.
E-mailed copy of original
atrancosa@sfpueblo.com
Letter
2/5/08
3/3/08
Governor Robert Benevides 1/29/08
Pueblo of Isleta
P.O. Box 1270
Isleta, NM 87022
563-4888-002
Reply
Fax
2/5/08
letter
(7/28/08)
to
Gilbert R. Tafoya, Director replied on behalf of Joseph
Michael Chavarria. I have determined that there are no
properties of religious and cultural significance to the
Pueblo of Santa Clara within the area of potential effect but
would like to recommend that an archaeological monitor be
present at different periods of all ground disturbing phases
of the project construction. We would like to see
documentation on whom and what days the monitor is
present during construction. This request is made since
there is evidence of some recorded archaeological sites in
the area. Please provide the office with a cultural resource
survey that was completed by your firm.
Response: Nicholas Parker sent the requested report March
3, 2008 with a request for the Pueblo to withdraw their
request for archeological monitoring.
I am pleased to inform you that this project will not have an
impact on religious or cultural sites affiliated with the
Pueblo of Isleta. In the event that discoveries are found
during construction, we would appreciate being advised of
such findings. Please forward all environmental assessment
plans to our office. Thank you for your considerations and
concerns.
39
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
Agency Contacted
Date
Governor Paul Chinana
Pueblo of Jemez
P.O. Box 100
Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024
President Joe Shirley, Jr.
The Navajo Nation
P.O. Box 9000
Window Rock, AZ 86515
Governor Martin W. Aguilar
Pueblo of San Ildefonso
Route 5, Box 315-A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Chairman Wallace Coffey
Comanche Indian Tribe
P.O. Box 908
Lawton, OK 73502
Governor Sisto Quinta
Pueblo of Santo Domingo
P.O. Box 99
Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM
87052
Governor John Antonio
Pueblo of Laguna
P.O. Box 194
Laguna, NM 87026
1/29/08
Reply
Comments
Left message with Executive Secretary (7/28/08)
1/29/08
1/29/08
New Governor – Leon T. Roybal, faxed original letter to
Maria (7/28/08)
1/29/08
Left message with secretary (7/28/08)
1/29/08
Letter
1/31/08
The Pueblo of Santo Domingo has determined that the
proposed undertaking in Sandoval County, New Mexico
will not affect any objects, sites, or locations of traditional
religious importance to the Pueblo of Santo Domingo.
1/29/08
Letter
2/7/08
The Pueblo of Laguna has determined that the proposed
undertaking WILL NOT have a significant impact at this
time. In the event that any new archaeological sites are
discovered and any artifacts are moved, we would like to be
notified to review items and if possible furnish photographs
of items.
5.2 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
A public hearing for this document and proposed project will be conducted by the City in accordance
with Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) and the NMED (Construction Programs
Bureau) CPB guidelines.
5.3 RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY
A responsiveness summary outlining the public hearing process including all comments received
form interested parties will be included with the final EID.
563-4888-002
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Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
6.0
REFERENCES
Bennet, Iven. 1986. Maximum-Minimum Temperatures, Heating and Cooling Degree Days,
Annual Precipitation, and Seasonal Distribution of Precipitation, in New Mexico in Maps,
second edition, edited by Jerry Williams, pp 34-44. University of New Mexico Press,
Albuquerque.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 2007. BLM Manual 8400. Visual Resource Management
and Manual Section 8431 Visual Resource Contrast Rating, interactive electronic document
available at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/ VRM/8400.html
Chronic, Halka. 1986. Roadside Geology of New Mexico, Roadside Geology Series.
Executive Order 11990, “Protection of Wetlands,” 23 CFR 771.125(a)(1).
Executive Order 11988, “Floodplain Management,” dated May 24, 1977, implemented by DOT
Order 5650.2, dated April 23, 1979
Executive Order 12898, “Environmental Justice,” Federal Register vol. 60, no. 125.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map for Sandoval County,
New Mexico, interactive electronic document available at
http://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/ stores/servlet/
League for the Hard of Hearing (LHH). 2004. Noise Center, interactive electronic document
available at: http://www.lhh.org/noise/decibel.htm
New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). 2007. New Mexico Road Traveler
Information Service NMDOT, interactive electronic document available at:
http://www.nmroads.com/default.asp?display=construction&area=SE&textOnly=False
New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau. Nonattainment Areas in New Mexico,
2007 interactive electronic document available at
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/modeling/na_map.html
New Mexico Environment Department Ground Water Bureau (NMED GWB). 2003.
Hydrogeology of New Mexico NMED GWB Maps and Data for Hydrogeology interactive
electronic document available at:
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/gwb/GWQ_Atlas/hydrogeo.html
New Mexico Department of Transportation, (NMSHTD Environmental Section) 2000. Noxious
Weed Management Guidelines.
New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (NMOSE) NMOSE Waters Database, The Internet
Waters Database Query System, Surface Data Report for Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
January 2007 Online Resource: http://www.ose.state.nm.us/waters_db_index.html
563-4888-002
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Draft December 2008
Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
NMED Ground Water Quality Bureau Guidance: Above Ground Use of Reclaimed Domestic
Wastewater. January 2007 NMED Online Resource:
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/gwb/New_Pages/docs_policy/NMED_REUSE_1-24-07.pdf
Stewart et al. 1975. 5.3.2 Soil Erodibility Factor,
Online Resource: http://mepas.pnl.gov/mepas/formulations/source_term/5_0/5_32/5_32.html
Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce. 2007. Sandoval County, New
Mexico, interactive electronic document available at http://www.rrchamber.org/city.htm
Rio Rancho NM New Mexico “Your connection to the city of vision” Sandoval County, New
Mexico, interactive electronic document available at http://www.riorancho.com
U.S. Census Bureau. Census 2000, electronic information available at
http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2007. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES). NPDES Permitting Regulations and Guidelines EPA Online Resource:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2007. Ground Water Atlas of the United States including Arizona,
Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, HA 730-C. USGS interactive electronic document
available at: http://capp.water.usgs.gov/gwa/ch_c/C-text1.html
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).2005. The National Map. Wetlands and Waterbodies Map, The
National Map Viewer for Rio Rancho, New Mexico. USGS Online Resource:
http://nmviewogc.cr.usgs.gov/viewer.htm
Wands, C., T. Hurt, N. Parker, and C. Parrish. 2008. A Cultural Resources Survey for the Rio
Rancho Effluent Reuse System Project, Sandoval County, New Mexico. Parametrix Report
No. 2007-74. Report on-file at Parametrix and the NMHPD
Wilson & Company, Inc. October 2008. Effluent Water Reuse Preliminary Engineering Report for
the City of Rio Rancho.
563-4888-002
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Draft December 2008
Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
APPENDIX A: Location Maps and Supporting
Documentation
Draft December 2008
Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
APPENDIX B: Biological & Cultural Investigations
Draft December 2008
Environmental Information Document for the City of Rio Rancho Effluent Water Reuse System, Sandoval County, NM
APPENDIX C: Agency Correspondence
Draft December 2008