Cuadrilla and Cotton Valley wastewater projects move forward in El Paso County, Texas

The above was announced on April 19 at public events held in both communities located in Socorro and Clint, east of the City of El Paso, Texas. Additionally, the event´s agenda included a ceremonial signing of the U.S. $1.8 million grant agreement for the Cuadrilla project.

“These certified projects will help us protect our health, the aquifer, and above all, protect public health,” said Carlos Rincon, EPA Region 6 Border Office Director, during his remarks at the Cuadrilla meeting. “Otherwise, the community, given its size and capacity, would not have the ability to complete [the projects], as other cities and urban communities do,” he added.

As a result of the efforts of various agencies, including NADB, BECC, and EPA, as well as the support of Congressman Will Hurd, U.S. Representative for the 23^rd Congressional District of Texas, the Lower Valley Water District (LVWD) will finally be able to start the construction of the two projects for the benefit of these communities.

“The local residents have been waiting for years, and thanks to the efforts of Congressman Hurd, he now celebrates this event with us today,” said LVWD Board President Rosalinda Vigil. This will help to improve the quality of life of these people who have been struggling for decades,” she said.

In Cuadrilla, only 27 homes are connected to a deteriorated sewer system that conveys collected flows to a small, non-compliant treatment plant that discharges untreated or inadequately treated wastewater to an irrigation canal adjacent to the plant. The project consists of replacing the existing sewer system and installing a new wastewater treatment facility with the capacity to treat up to 0.61 liters per second (lps) of wastewater, explained LVWD General Manager Jack Alayyan.

“This is an example of the collaborative efforts of local and state governments to address the residents’ needs and generate community development,” said Congressman Hurd. “I am proud to have recommended these projects for federal grants, and am confident that the NADB and BECC are looking out for the best interests of El Paso residents,” he said.

The US $1.3 million project in Cotton Valley, within the Clint community, consists of the construction of a new wastewater collection system to provide first-time sewer service to 78 households that currently rely on septic tanks for wastewater disposal. Construction is expected to begin in late May or early June, according to the LVWD official.

“These projects will allow for the proper collection and treatment of wastewater flows for residents in these areas,” stated Alex Hinojosa, Acting Managing Director of the NADB. “The projects would not be possible without BEIF funding, which has been instrumental in the development of priority wastewater projects in communities along the U.S.-Mexico border.”

“Upon completion, the two projects will eliminate approximately 1.67 lps of untreated or inadequately treated discharges, which will represent a significant improvement to the quality of the environment,” said Mr. Rincon.