Background
Village residents and businesses use on-site wastewater disposal systems, such as septic tanks, to manage their wastewater needs. Most homes are on half-acre lots, which is the minimum lot size allowed under state regulations for this type of on-site infrastructure. However, some properties do not meet this requirement, and in some cases, there are multiple dwellings on the same lot, which does not allow sufficient space for adequate drainage. The adequate separation of septic systems from the source of drinking water is also a concern, since many residents use private wells located near on-site wastewater disposal systems.
Description
The project consists of constructing a wastewater collection system for the Village of Vinton. Upon project completion, the wastewater collection system will be owned by the Village but operated and maintained by El Paso Water Utilities (EPW). The new sewer system will collect and convey nearly 275,000 gallons per day of sewage to the John T Hickerson Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is operated by EPW. A portion of the effluent from the plant is used as reclaimed water and the remainder is discharged to the Rio Grande.
Objective
The purpose of the Project is to reduce the human health risks associated with waterborne diseases and the potential for groundwater contamination related to exposure to untreated wastewater discharges, by providing first-time access to wastewater collection infrastructure for 506 homes. The new sewer system will collect and convey nearly 275,000 gallons per day of sewage to the John T Hickerson Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which is operated by El Paso Water (EPW). The Project includes the installation of household connections and the decommissioning of existing on-site systems.
