Pueblo de San Ildefonso Law Library
Pueblo de San Ildefonso Code.

11.2.15.010 Findings

(a) The Pueblo de San Ildefonso owns and operates three wastewater systems within their boundaries and provides service to residents, along with a small day school facility, community center, health center, learning center, senior citizens center, two tribal administrative buildings, and other buildings from which services are provided;

(b) The Pueblo is concerned about contamination of the groundwater due to septic tank effluent from homes within the confines of the Pueblo's lands. Septic tanks discharge an effluent which is rich in nitrogen-based compounds and other contaminants into the ground which could eventually reach the water supply aquifer. In addition, as population increases in the Pueblo in the future, increased contamination is highly likely unless actions are taken now;

(c) The Pueblo was awarded funding through the New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF) to complete a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and a final design for wastewater infrastructure within the exterior boundaries of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso;

(d) The firm of Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) was contracted to complete the PER and final design for wastewater infrastructure for the Pueblo with a completion date of December 1, 2016;

(e) In September 2016, SMA prepared a "draft" PER that evaluated the need for developing additional wastewater infrastructure, any necessary wastewater system improvements, and alternatives to address wastewater utility needs for the Pueblo de San Ildefonso and submitted the PER to Council for review and comment;

(f) The PER provided four (4) Alternatives and is based on meeting the needs of the Pueblo over a 20-year planning period spanning from 2016 to 2036. The Alternatives are as follows:

Alternative #1 – "No Action"

Alternative #2 – "Four Separate Systems"

North West, North East, Pueblo Central South and El Rancho;

Alternative #3 – "Two Systems"

North West and Combined North East, Pueblo Central South and El Rancho;

Alternative #4 – "Three Systems"

North West, North East, and Combined Pueblo Central South and El Rancho;

(g) The selection of an Alternative and acceptance of the PER allows SMA to complete the final design based on a desired "Alternative;"

(h) The PER recommends acceptance of "Alternative 4" and a phased approach for the final design of the wastewater infrastructure for the Pueblo as follows:

  • Phase 1. Build a new MBR Treatment Plant, El Rancho trunk lines, renovate and extend Pueblo central and south collection system.
  • Phase 2. Extend collection system and expand treatment at Pueblo Northwest.
  • Phase 3. Construct and connect Pueblo Northeast to combined collection and treatment system;

(i) The Council, Earth and Steel Design, and Pueblo staff have reviewed the PER and agree with the PER's recommendation of Alternative #4 and the completion of Phase 1 final design with TIF funding;