The project is located in the City of Donna, Hidalgo County, Texas, U.S.A. The City of Donna is located approximately 8 miles from the U.S./Mexico border.

The planning area generally includes the City of Donna, a large area to the south of the City, and areas just to the west and east of the City.

Table 1-2 provides a summary of the work tasks for the project, and the next 4 figures shows a schedule for completion of the project.

The agreement between the TNRCC, Colonia Nueva Water Distribution System and the City of Donna, requires that the City of Donna have all water facilities to serve CNWDS in place and operating by December 31, 1999.

Demographic Information

Table 1-3 presents population estimates through the project planning period.

Table 1-4 presents the basis for establishing the eligible colonia population of the area to be served. For this project, the colonia population is identified as the economically distressed area (EDA) population as developed from census tract data.

The planning area is covered by three census tracts. From the data contained in the 1990 Census, 95.8% of the population in census tracts 221.01, 221.02, and 222.00, have annual incomes under $13,156 per capita. The census data is given by household. Household size averages 3.83 persons per house in the north part of the planning area and 4.5 persons per house in the south part of the planning area.

Local Environmental Services

A summary of the current availability of water supply and wastewater collection and treatment services is provided in Table 1-5.

The advantages of the system are:

The disadvantages to this system are:

The advantages of the system are:

Proposed expansion of the City’s infrastructure will enable it to prevent, control, and reduce environmental pollutants and improve drinking water supply and treatment. Fire protection will be increased by improvements to water supply lines and fire hydrants, and by providing adequate pressure to areas which are not currently served, or under served. Providing adequate collection and treatment of sewage will improve human health, promote sustainable development, and enhance the general quality of life for residents in the area. It will also allow the City to better serve it’s existing users and provide services to potential users whose current facilities are substandard. By increasing the number of users of the system, lower individual costs are realized and therefore, lower monthly bills.

Failure to construct the proposed facilities would restrict the City of Donna from providing services to areas which would otherwise remain unserved or significantly under-served. The no-action alternative does not satisfy the requirement of improving environmental conditions in the City through improved water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection which is the goal of this proposed project. The preferred water and wastewater system alternatives provide the infrastructure improvements which best satisfy this goal. In addition, this project will improve the existing infrastructure and provide facilities which will allow better service to existing users and provide service to areas which remain unserved or whose current facilities are below standard. This project will allow the City to enhance the environment and human health conditions in the community while increasing the quality of life for area residents.

d. Conformance With International Treaties and Agreements

Construction of the proposed facilities will help to improve the environmental conditions within the City of Donna and the surrounding area by reducing the volume of untreated wastewater reaching area water sources. Treating wastewater that would otherwise remain untreated or under-treated will improve the water resources shared by Texas and Mexico. Improved wastewater collection reduces the volume of pollutants which enter area water resources shared by both countries. Improved water quality and long term sustainable development will contribute to enhancing the environment for the cross-border and downstream residents.

I, Robert Diaz de Leon, City Manager of the City of Donna, certify that the Water and Wastewater Facility Improvement Project will conform with rights and obligations under applicable international treaties and agreements in force, to which either the United States, Mexico, or both are parties.

The purpose of the proposed water and wastewater improvements, for the City of Donna and 20 colonias (rural communities) surrounding the Donna city limits (e.g., Study Area), is to provide the residents of this area with safe and sanitary water and wastewater services. Current wastewater/sanitary sewer facilities within the colonias primarily consists of individual septic tanks with leach fields, or pit privies. Colonias utilize these pit privies or substandard septic systems since no water or wastewater facilities, or limited facilities, are available in this area. Contamination of water well sources from mismanaged wastewater disposal is a continuous problem within the Study Area. Colonia Nueva Water Distribution System does however currently provide water services to five colonias within the Study Area. Additionally, eleven colonias receive water from the North Alamo Water Supply Corporation (NAWSC). All twenty colonias are not being provided sewer service. Although the City of Donna provides water and wastewater services to residents within the city limits, several colonias completely lack access to healthy water and wastewater services. Improving and regulating potable water sources as well as wastewater disposal within Donna and the surrounding colonias will serve to:

Ultimately, construction of new or enhanced water and wastewater infrastructure facilities will improve the overall public health of the residents within the Study Area.

The Environmental Information Document (EID) prepared for the City of Donna and surrounding colonias evaluated a wide variety of physical, biological, and socioeconomic issues. The following paragraphs summarize the environmental issues which were deemed to be the most significant with respect to the implementation of the water and wastewater infrastructure improvements within and surrounding the City of Donna.

The adverse environmental impacts which cannot be avoided during the implementation of the water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects would be minimal within and surrounding the Donna area. Considering the miles of pipe (linework activities) that will be installed within the Study Area, the residents of this area will likely suffer only short-term impacts from this project. Residents will contend with brief periods of traffic interruptions or detours. Other utility services may also experience brief periods of interruption. As a pipeline is being installed, heavy machinery will be utilized in the immediate area. Noise levels will be elevated above "normal" levels in areas where installation work is being conducted. Roads and/or utility right-of-ways may be disturbed prior to or during the construction phase of this project. Similar impacts from the construction of a new water treatment facility (WTF), decommissioning of the existing WTF, rehabilitation of the existing wastewater treatment plant as well as construction of an elevated storage tank and construction of three new lift stations will be experienced by individuals located immediately adjacent to these project areas.

Soil erosion due to excavation, removal of existing pavement, and/or land grading may generate a dust nuisance during the linework phase of this project or the construction, decommissioning, or rehabilitation of the other proposed infrastructure projects. Best management practices will be utilized to minimize soil erosion, dust, and other construction related disturbances. Erosion due to construction activities will be minimized by limiting the duration of time that disturbed ground surfaces are exposed to the energy of rainfall and runoff water. Runoff will be diverted from areas subject to erosion, and exposed ground surfaces will be protected by appropriate methods. Generation of fugitive dust will be minimized by suppression methods such as sprinkling water on disturbed surfaces, as necessary. Care will be exercised to minimize overwatering that could lead to the transport of mud onto adjoining roadways, which would increase the dust problem.

Impacts to the surface geology of the Study Area will occur since trenching will be necessary for placement of the water distribution lines, wastewater collection lines, or other related linework activities. Hydrological impacts may include contact with perched or shallow groundwater areas. Appropriate dewatering techniques will be employed to handle this problem should the need arise. These geological and hydrogeological impacts will be minimal, if any.

Biological impacts within the Study Area will be minimal since most linework will be installed within existing right-of-ways. Although several areas will be impacted in which no right-of-way previously existed, these areas will have only short-term impacts until such a time as the natural grade along the linework can be restored. Any vegetative impacts are expected to recover. Animal impacts are not expected once the construction areas have been restored to pre-construction conditions. Although construction will occur on undeveloped land for the new WTF, elevated storage tank, and three separate lift stations, no biological or ecological impacts are expected on this land which currently consists of cultivated crop land and/or urban land.

Aside from minimal trenching for the placement of water distribution and wastewater collection lines in Zone A designated floodplain areas (areas of the 100-year flood), no additional floodplain impacts are expected by the project.

No other environmental impacts are expected as a result of the implementation of this project. Additionally, there are no resources such as land resources, water resources, natural resources, or recreational and/or open space areas that will be irretrievably committed or whose options will be irreversibly constrained as a result of this project.

The land, air quality, water quality, natural/biological resources, and floodplains of the Donna area were evaluated during this project to ensure that a high level of environmental protection would be maintained prior to and during this implementation of the proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. The following paragraphs summarize potential impacts to these environmentally-sensitive areas as well as the steps taken to minimize impacts and protect the environment.

Regarding land and land use, improvements to the Study Area are expected to attract an increased population in this area, especially among the 20 colonias surrounding the Donna area. Increased infrastructure services will most likely increase the appraised value of the property in this area. Land use benefits will include a decreased level of degradation since supplied water and sanitary services will eliminate the need for individual septic systems, open pit privies, and individual water wells. Any new development in this area will consist of higher standards than those currently established in many colonias due to the adoption of the Model Subdivision Regulations by Hidalgo County and the City of Donna. Numerous positive impacts to the social and economic aspects of the Donna area are expected as a result of the implementation of the water and wastewater improvements in this area.

Regarding air quality, dispersion of air pollutants readily occurs in the Donna area. Increased population/residences and increased businesses within the Study Area will likely occur with the improved water/wastewater services; these impacts are not expected to degrade the air quality of this area. Increased vehicular traffic, machine or process emissions, or increased business activities resulting from developments within the Study Area will not significantly impact the overall air quality of the area.

Regarding water quality, the purpose of this proposed project is to provide a higher quality of water and sanitary services to the residents of the Donna area and the 20 surrounding colonias. Population increases in the area of the proposed project as well as new residences or businesses in this area will not significantly degrade the water quality within the Study Area since water services, more tightly regulated and of a higher quality, will be supplied to the individuals in this area. The elimination of individual septic tanks and associated leach fields and numerous privies in the area will also serve to increase the overall water quality of the area by decreasing potential impacts to shallow localized groundwaters and/or aquifers. Substandard water wells, which allow for the potential of aquifer contamination, may be plugged and abandoned therefore further decreasing the chances for subsurface contamination.

Construction of the proposed water and wastewater facilities will help to improve the environmental conditions within the City of Donna and surrounding colonias. Wastewater mismanagement occurs frequently throughout the Donna area due to a lack of sanitary waste disposal systems as well as substandard septic systems. Wastewater infrastructure improvements will reduce the volume of untreated or under-treated wastewater reaching local surface water sources. Effectively treating wastewater (which would otherwise remain untreated or under-treated) will improve transboundary water resources such as the Rio Grande River which is utilized as a surface water source by both Texas and Mexico. Downstream users on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border will greatly benefit from wastewater improvements which will serve to reduce the volume of pollutants which enter shared surface water courses. The implementation of infrastructure systems which will improve water quality and long-term sustainable development in the Donna area will significantly contribute to enhancing the environment in not only the U.S. but also in Mexico. Positive transboundary water impacts will be the result of the water (and wastewater) infrastructure improvements within the greater Donna area.

Regarding natural resources (i.e., plants, animals, and related ecosystems), although growth in the Donna area is expected as a result of the improved water and sanitary services in the area, environmentally-sensitive plants, animals, and/or ecosystems are not expected to be impacted by the proposed project. Since the Donna area has been impacted almost entirely by urbanization and agricultural activities, few areas of native vegetation and few indigenous, non-urbanized animal species are expected to exist within the Study Area.

Most sensitive communities or wildlife management areas are located in close proximity to the Rio Grande River, south of the Study Area. The Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area, Taormina Unit, is the closest such area to the proposed project. The northern boundary of this area is located approximately 2,000 feet to the southeast of the southern-most boundary of the Study Area. This wildlife area is not expected to be impacted by the localized trenching and linework activities associated with the proposed project. Additionally, no threatened or endangered species of plants or animals are expected to be impacted by the proposed infrastructure improvement projects.

The City of Donna participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The majority of the Study Area lies in Zone B, areas between the limits of the 100-year and 500-year flood or areas of 100-year shallow flooding where depths are less than one foot. Much of the City of Donna lies within Zone C, areas outside the 500-year flood. Three Zone A areas, areas of the 100-year flood, are located within the Study Area. Aside from excavation and trenching for the placement of water and wastewater lines, no other impacts to Zone A floodplains are expected by this project. Additionally, one Zone AH area was identified adjacent to the southern-most boundary of the Study Area. Zone AH areas include areas of 100-year shallow flooding where depths are between one and three feet. No impacts from the project are expected in this area.

Water quality is the main health concern in the Donna area. Within the City of Donna, the current water treatment facility and wastewater treatment plant do not function optimally to provide adequate services. Many water distribution lines are partially filled with rust or dirt and are in need of replacement. Colonias utilize pit privies or substandard septic systems since no water or wastewater facilities, or limited facilities, are available in this area. Due to poor water quality practices, as well as other factors, the population is at a higher risk for many health-related problems.

According to the Hidalgo County Health Department, "there are existing nuisance and safety hazards associated with poor sanitation procedures that pose conditions dangerous to the public health and safety." The Hidalgo County Health Department adds that "the area colonias have no organized disposal systems and the homes have either pit privies, cesspools, or septic tanks" which may be substandard in installation and may not function properly, if at all. "Practically all streets within the colonias are not paved with no storm sewers to drain off excess water. Raw sewage on the ground has been noted due to malfunctioning or non-existing septic tank systems. This lends greatly to rodent, mosquitoes, and fly breeding in addition to the potential in disease transmission to or between persons." Such diseases and problems in the Donna area include tuberculosis, infectious hepatitis, shigellosis, salmonellosis, measles, and amoeba disorders, according to the Hidalgo County Health Department. Heart disease is also a problem in the Donna area. These problems are however not unique to Donna, Texas, but are also widespread throughout Hidalgo County as well as south Texas.

Hidalgo County has an estimated population of 476,235 individuals (based on 1995 Texas Department of Health information). The County consists of 50.5% females and 49.5% males. Tuberculosis is the leading reported communicable disease in the County; County wide the tuberculosis rate is 23.1 incidents per 100,000 individuals. This tuberculosis rate is almost twice the State rate at 12.7 incidents per 100,000 individuals.

In Hidalgo County, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and strokes) is the leading mortality disease. County wide, heart disease deaths occur in 142.4 out of every 100,000 individuals based on Texas Department of Health information for 1995. This rate is slightly below the State annual average for that year with 189.1 deaths per 100,000 individuals.

According to the Texas Department of Health (TDH), subcounty areas and/or populations in Hidalgo County are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas. Hidalgo County is also designated as a Medically Underserved Area. Regarding natality, 39.2% of expectant mothers receive late or no prenatal health care. Late prenatal care is defined by the TDH as receiving no health care during the first trimester of pregnancy. This rate is significantly higher than the statewide average of 22.7%.

Positive transboundary impacts in the area of water quality are expected as a result of the implementation of the water and wastewater improvements within the Donna area.

Environmental Information Document was prepared for the Texas Water Development Board which, for the purposes of this project, would served the same function as an Environmental Assessment. Regulatory agency coordination and public involvement were integral parts of this EID.

The City of Donna completed an Environmental Information Document (EID) in May, 1997 for water and wastewater improvement projects which include the essential elements of this proposed project. The City of Donna prepared this EID for funding of water and wastewater improvements under the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (SRF), 31 TAC §375.35, in conjunction with the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP). This EID was prepared as part of the Phase I Facility Engineering Plan which is consistent with the requirements of the TWDB's EDAP as promulgated in 31 TAC §355.76.

The EID served to outline the Facility Engineering Plan and alternatives as well as detail the existing environmental conditions within the Study Area. Impacts to the environment as a result of the project implementation are evaluated in this document. Also, the projected environmental condition without the implementation of this project, or the "no build" alternative, was additionally analyzed in this document. This investigation explored short-term and long-term impacts resulting from the various proposed infrastructure improvements; such potential impacts were evaluated on the physical, biological, and socio-economic environments.

Based on the environmental evaluation of the EID by the Texas Water Development Board, the TWDB indicated that "no significant adverse environmental impacts will result from the proposed project." The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the Donna area was issued by the TWDB in correspondence dated July 10, 1997. The EID contains copies of correspondence from the following agencies which provided comments on this project: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The EID does not directly discuss transboundary environmental effects; however, a discussion of the regional environmental quality of the physical, biological, and socio-economic environments are extensively detailed in the EID. Perhaps the most significant transboundary environmental effect will be the improved quality of life for residents within and surrounding the City of Donna with the implementation of proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Primary and secondary positive transboundary impacts to the Rio Grande River and cross border areas such as Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, will also be accomplished by the implementation of the Donna water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects.

In conversation with the International Boundary and Water Commission in January, 1998, there are no transboundary impacts to the waters of the Rio Grande. The increased withdrawal of raw water from the Rio Grande and the increased discharge of treated wastewater to the Arroyo Colorado is too insignificant to consider. In a generalized analysis, only 10% of water withdrawals from the U.S. side of the Rio Grande are for municipal use. The City of Donna’s current population is approximately 10,000 of the over 1,000,000 population of the immediate Texas Valley area. Also, the proposed water plant for Donna is only being increased from 3.42 MGD to 4.5 MGD. Putting these figures together demonstrates a very minor impact.

A transboundary study was however prepared by the City of Donna in October, 1996. This study, known as an Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), was prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Border XXI Community Grant Program. The purpose of the EIP was to assess existing environmental conditions and potential impacts to the environment as a result of increased commerce and trade activities expected in the Study Area. Increases in potential environmental impacts resulting from industrial growth are anticipated on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The population within the EIP Study Area is expected to increase by approximately 130% by the year 2015, and local communities will be challenged with meeting the changing needs of their respective areas.

The EIP was compiled with the goal of assisting border communities, such as the City of Donna and surrounding colonias and, to a limited extent, Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, in identifying and responding to environmental and health-related needs specific to this particular border area. This EIP document will therefore be utilized to promote awareness and protection of the environment as well as potential sustainable development in this border area.

The EIP identifies many general sources of potential environmental impacts to air, water, and land resources within the Study Area. This document also provides a brief discussion of the identified impact, the source of the impact, the extent of the impact on the nearby population or ecosystem, potential mitigation methods of the impact, and the overall effect of the environmental impact on the Study Area.

This document also provided a list and brief discussion of specific sources of potential environmental conflicts, or impacts, within the Study Area, and used a "Hazard Ranking System" to rank and prioritize these impacts. The "Hazard Ranking System" used in the EIP calculated a total score, or rating, based on the following criteria:

This total score, or rating, was used to identify and prioritize the potential conflicts as well as to minimize impacts to people, and the air, water, and land environments, including plant and animal habitats and communities.

From this rating list, specific sources of conflict (which are considered significant to the Study Area) are discussed in greater detail and prioritized, or ranked, according to their rating. Such conflicts were divided into the following categories:

Additionally, significant potential sources of impact to the Study Area from proposed developments include impacts from proposed transportation routes, the proposed international bridge and associated facilities, and a proposed business park which is planned near Donna.

Again, the EIP focused on the identification of environmental problems or potential problems and was followed by recommendations to minimize these concerns. Such implementation plans may be incorporated into the long-term planning and management strategies developed by the City of Donna for not only the Donna area and surrounding colonias, but also for the transboundary region surrounding Donna.

Overall, based on both the EID and EIP projects, positive primary and secondary impacts were identified for the implementation of the water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the Donna area.

The following paragraphs discuss the short-term and long-term primary and secondary (positive and negative) impacts associated with the proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvements which are currently slated for design, development, and implementation within the Donna area and surrounding colonias. Improvements associated with this project include the construction of a new WTF, decommissioning of the existing WTF, rehabilitation of the existing WWTP, reconstruction of two lift stations, construction of a new lift station, and construction of an elevated storage tank plus the installation of water distribution and wastewater collection lines throughout the project area.

The linework aspect of this project would temporarily alter the terrain in the Study Area. This disturbance would be only temporary until the trench area containing the pipeline could be backfilled and re-leveled to grade. Land areas where construction of the Water Treatment Facility (WTF), elevated storage tank, or new lift stations will be located will, however, sustain land alterations.

Streams and natural drainage patterns would not be altered by the rehabilitated Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) effluent since the volume of water released is only designed to increase from the existing level of 2.3 MGD to the proposed level of 2.69 MGD.

An increase in siltation and/or sedimentation into any area watercourses is not expected from any project construction work conducted in the Study Area. Currently operating lift stations (#5 and #8) will be reconstructed and the new WTF will contain the best available control standards; therefore, any existing sources of siltation or sedimentation are likely to decrease with the implementation of this project. Siltation and/or sedimentation of watercourses is not expected from the linework activities associated with the implementation of the water distribution and wastewater collection lines. The new elevated storage tank and new lift station will also be constructed to minimize sediment run-off. Overall, best management practices will be utilized to minimize siltation and sedimentation associated with the construction phase of the proposed project.

Impacts to watercourses are not expected during the implementation phase of the proposed project except for areas in which irrigation canals will be traversed. Any impacts to such facilities would be temporary and the area would be restored to the conditions prior to the impact. Most irrigation canals within the Study Area consist of concrete-lined channels which would be restored to the pre-impact condition following the implementation of the necessary infrastructure improvements in the area.

Trenching activities associated with the linework would up-root vegetation within the linework right-of-way. Once the necessary water and wastewater pipes have been installed and the surface regraded, as necessary, herbaceous vegetation should recover within a growing season. Shrub-like vegetation, if impacted, may take longer to recover. Vegetation impacts will be minimized by returning the area to grade immediately after the localized project activity is completed. Vegetation on the 18.0 acre parcel on which the new WTF will be located will be eliminated. Likewise, any existing vegetation on the parcels of land designated for the construction of the new elevated storage tank, or the new lift station, will be disturbed or eliminated during the construction phase of the project. Following construction, these areas will be revegetated with grass or landscaping (i.e., xeriscaping using native vegetation) where appropriate. The new parcel of land for the WTF consists of agricultural land as does the new lift station located near the southern boundary of the Study Area. Undeveloped/agricultural land occupies the site of the proposed elevated storage tank. The remaining two lift stations and the WWTP will be reconstructed on the same sites currently occupied by these facilities.

At this time, the use of herbicides, defoliants, or cutting or burning activities are not measures expected to be necessary to clear the new Water Treatment Facility (WTF) property, any of the areas slated for construction activities, or for the installation of water and/or wastewater lines.

Spoil from trenching activities or the clearing of the site of the new WTF, elevated storage tank, or lift station areas will be disposed to an approved location if this material cannot be re-graded or re-used on site.

No individuals will be relocated as a result of the implementation of this project. The project's effect on adjacent land values will be to raise the value. Increased services would lead to increased property values within the Study Area. The City has acquired or is in the process of acquiring all land necessary for the implementation of the proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects.

The existing WTF will be abandoned and will be removed at a later date. The new water treatment plant will be constructed at a new location. The City will decommission, demolish, and remove the existing WTF but retain the property. This site will be utilized for the general storage of City equipment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was contacted for a jurisdictional determination of the Study Area. No jurisdictional waters of the United States, including wetland areas, were determined to be impacted by the proposed infrastructure improvement projects within the Study Area. Aside from man-made irrigation canals and drainage ditches, no waterways will be traversed by this project.

Soil erosion due to excavation, removal of existing pavement, and/or land grading may generate a dust nuisance during the linework phase or the construction of the new Water Treatment Facility, elevated storage tank, or lift stations. Best management practices will be utilized to minimize soil erosion, dust, and other construction related disturbances. Erosion due to construction activities will be minimized by limiting the duration of time that disturbed ground surfaces are exposed to the energy of rainfall and run-off water. Run-off will be diverted from areas subject to erosion, and exposed ground surfaces will be protected by appropriate methods. Generation of fugitive dust will be minimized by suppression methods such as sprinkling water on disturbed surfaces, as necessary. Care will be exercised to minimize over-watering. Over-watering could lead to the transport of mud onto adjoining roadways which would increase the dust problem. The decommissioning and demolition of the existing WTF may also contribute dust to the environment; such emissions will be controlled primarily through watering.

As construction activities occur or as a pipeline is being installed, heavy machinery will be utilized in the immediate area. Noise levels will be elevated above "normal" levels in areas where installation work is being conducted. Given the rural nature of most of the areas that will be impacted by this proposed project, elevated noise levels will be minimal. Any nuisance noise will be temporary and of short duration. Residents and wildlife may be exposed to brief periods of noise; however, these levels are not expected to disrupt normal household activities or stress the already rather urbanized wildlife that exists within the Study Area.

Blasting will not be necessary during any phase of the proposed project.

Construction activities will affect vehicular and pedestrian traffic. As part of the construction requirements, the construction contractor will maintain detours, barricades, signs, flags, and traffic cones, as necessary, in order to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic away from construction areas. Access will be maintained to all businesses and residences during the construction phase of the project. Since through-traffic will be maintained in most cases, emergency services (i.e., police, fire, or ambulance services) will not be delayed, impaired, or restricted by the construction activities within the Study Area.

Night work is not expected during the construction phase of this proposed project.

Linework will be installed in existing right-of-way areas as well as some undeveloped areas not previously disturbed by utility activities. These undeveloped areas will include urbanized areas, pasture areas, and will also impact the fringe of some residential colonia areas. No beneficial uses of the land will be eliminated by the proposed linework activities. The development of a new Water Treatment Facility on currently cultivated land will reduce the cropland in this immediate area by 18.0 acres. Two of the three new lift stations will be developed on urbanized land located within the Donna city limits. One lift station located near the southern boundary of the Study Area will be constructed on agricultural/ undeveloped land as will the new elevated storage tank.

The proposed Water Treatment Facility, elevated storage tank, and lift stations will not obscure or obstruct any scenic areas. Additionally, the proposed subsurface water and wastewater linework will not obscure or alter any scenic views.

Although odors may occasionally arise from the wastewater treatment plant and/or lift stations, these odors are expected to be easily and rapidly dispersed within the Study Area. The rehabilitated water facilities (i.e., WWTP and lift stations) will serve to decrease existing noxious odors in this area which will be a benefit of this project. Incineration will not be used at the WTF or WWTP; therefore, incinerator emissions will not impact the Study Area.

Sludge disposal for the WWTP will consist of sludge drying beds or belt filter presses; one of these options will be selected during the facility design phase of this project. Sludge drying beds will be designed and/or rehabilitated so that no impacts to the local shallow aquifer will occur. Adequate design parameters will be utilized to prevent any subsurface contamination.

The WWTP discharges to a neighboring stream which flows into the Arroyo Colorado, which is adjacent to the Rio Grande River. The Arroyo Colorado is not a tributary of the Rio Grande River. The Arroyo Colorado discharges in the Laguna Madre at the Gulf of Mexico. Improvements to the wastewater treatment process will improve the water quality in the receiving stream and also the waters of the State of Texas in general. This proposed project will therefore positively improve the quality of water which currently exists in the receiving stream. Residual chlorine levels are not expected to exceed 1.0 milligram/liter (mg/l) standards and therefore are not expected to be detrimental to aquatic life in the receiving stream.

The proposed WTF is a surface water facility which treats water received from the Rio Grande River via irrigation canals. The proposed project will utilize more water than is currently utilized by the City of Donna. Impacts to irrigation or other water rights are not expected by this project. Impacts of this project on recreational areas are also not a concern with respect to this project.

The proposed project is not expected to divert water from the Rio Grande basin or watershed. The natural flow of water in this area is not expected to be altered by this project.

Based on a preliminary review of the National Register of Historic Places, there are no listed properties that would be affected by the proposed project. The following abstract serves as a preface to the archeological report entitled "An Archeological Survey of Proposed Water and Wastewater Systems in the City of Donna, Hidalgo County, Texas" which was prepared by the Texas Water Development Board in January, 1996

Abstract: An archeological survey of proposed water and wastewater system improvements to serve colonias largely located in southern Donna in Hidalgo County was conducted in January, 1995 by Texas Water Development Board staff archeologist Hayden Whitsett. The water supply project includes the construction of 176,000 feet of pipeline ranging between six and 16 inches in diameter, an elevated storage tank occupying roughly an acre, and two alternative water treatment plant locations of 15 to 18 acres in size. The wastewater collection system construction will consist of 82,000 feet of pipeline varying between eight and 30 inches in diameter and three lift stations, each of which will occupy less than one-quarter of an acre. The bulk of construction will be within existing street and road easements. Between 75 and 125 acres were examined in all. No cultural resources were encountered.

In correspondence dated February 26, 1996, the Department of Antiquities Protection of the Texas Historical Commission, Texas State Historic Preservation Office, concurred that no archaeological impacts were expected to be encountered during the course of the proposed infrastructure improvement projects.

The proposed project is not expected to impact any recreational areas (neighborhood parks) or natural/ecological preserve areas (i.e., Wildlife Management Areas).

The Federal Highway Administration has established noise abatement criteria for federal transportation projects. An Activity Category A of 57 Leq (dBA) is assigned to lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public need and where the preservation of those qualities are essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. No such areas are expected to be impacted by the proposed project. Activity Category B is assigned to picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks, residences, motels, hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. Acceptable exterior noise levels in Category B areas should not exceed 67 Leq (dBA). A level of 72 Leq (dBA) is the designated noise level for exterior noise levels on developed land and properties not included in Categories A or B.

Heavy machinery working in the Study Area may exceed the 67-72 Leq (dBA) levels for short periods of time. No long-term noise impact is expected by the linework, WTF construction, elevated storage tank construction, lift station construction, or plant operations (i.e., lift stations, WWTP, WTF, etc.) associated with this project. No residences or other potential sensitive receptors will be impacted by the daily levels of noise associated with the new Water Treatment Facility.

All facilities such as the WTF, WWTP, and lift stations will be surrounded, as necessary, by "man-proof" fencing to control public access to these facilities. "No trespassing" signs will also be installed at these facilities, as necessary.

Most facilities within the Study Area will be rehabilitated or constructed anew. The need to control insects or pests by chemical applications, if any, will be conducted in accordance with appropriate local, state, and federal regulations by individuals licensed to conduct such services.

The City of Donna participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The majority of the Study Area lies in Zone B, areas between the limits of the 100-year and 500-year flood or areas of 100-year shallow flooding where depths are less than one foot. Much of the City of Donna lies within Zone C, areas outside the 500-year flood. Three Zone A areas, areas of the 100-year flood, are located within the Study Area. Aside from trenching for the placement of water and/or wastewater lines, no other impacts to Zone A floodplains are expected by this project.

Direct air quality impacts concerning climatic elements should be limited to the project construction phase and be very minimal. The movement and operation of heavy equipment and wind erosion will cause some particulate matter (PM₁₀) emissions. However, normal erosion control measures, including wetting of dirt surfaces, should reduce emissions to levels that will not adversely affect the ambient air quality. The operation and maintenance of equipment will result in emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and some trace amounts of volatile organic compounds. None of these pollutants will be emitted in quantities sufficient to adversely affect the ambient air quality.

Ineffective on-site WTF operations will be replaced and/or rehabilitated. Improved facilities will serve to decrease emissions and improve localized air quality above the levels which now persist with the use of the older equipment and facilities.

The energy consumption during facility operations will be determined during the final design phase when the power requirements for individual pieces of equipment are assessed. Similarly, the specific chemicals used in the water and wastewater treatment processes will also be determined later in the design process.

The Study Area is located roughly 50 miles from the Texas Gulf Coast. Hidalgo County is not in the Coastal Management Program (CMP); therefore, coastal zone impacts are not an issue associated with this project.

Improvements to the Study Area are expected to attract an increased population in this area, especially among the 20 colonias surrounding the Donna area. Increased services will most likely increase the appraised value of the property in this area. Land use benefits will include a decreased level of degradation since supplied water and sanitary services will eliminate the need for individual septic systems, open pit privies, and individual water wells. Any new development in this area will consist of higher standards than those currently established in many colonias due to the adoption of the Model Subdivision Regulations by Hidalgo County and the City of Donna.

Since dispersion of air pollutants readily occurs in this area, increased population/residences and increased businesses within the Study Area will likely occur with improved water services; these impacts are not however expected to measurably degrade the air quality of the Donna area. Increased vehicular traffic, machine or process emissions, or increased business activities resulting from developments within the Study Area will not significantly impact the overall air quality of the area.

The purpose of this proposed project is to provide a higher quality of water and sanitary services to the residents of the Donna area and the 20 surrounding colonias. An increase in the population in the area of the proposed project as well as new residences or businesses will not significantly degrade the water quality in this area since water services, more tightly regulated and of a higher quality, will be supplied to individuals in this area. The elimination of individual septic tanks and associated leach fields and numerous privies will also serve to increase the overall water quality of the area by decreasing potential impacts to shallow localized groundwater and/or aquifers. Substandard water wells, which allow for the potential of aquifer contamination, may be plugged and abandoned therefore further decreasing the chances for subsurface contamination.

The proposed water and sanitary improvements are designed to accommodate a substantial growth within the Study Area over the next 20 years. Business and population increases will be easily supplied with water and wastewater services under the proposed project design. The City of Donna has shown support for community growth and development of businesses which generate local jobs.

Costs will be incurred by the residents and businesses that will receive the improved water and wastewater services which will be provided by the City of Donna. The approximate average monthly fee for the typical residential water and sewer user will be $28.62 and $13.57, respectively. This represents an increase in monthly service fees.

The public has shown support for the proposed project. Growth within the City of Donna is both anticipated and encouraged. The City of Donna is part of the "Valley Proud" communities of South Texas where higher living standards for residents of this area are also implemented and encouraged.

Although growth in the Donna area is expected as a result of the improved water and sanitary services in the area, environmentally-sensitive plants, animals, and/or ecosystems are not expected to be impacted by the proposed project. Since the Donna area has been impacted almost entirely by urbanization and agricultural activities, few areas of native vegetation and few indigenous, non-urbanized animal species are expected to exist within the Study Area.

Most sensitive communities or wildlife management areas are located in close proximity to the Rio Grande River, south of the Study Area. The Las Palomas (Baird) Wildlife Management Area, Taormina Unit, is the closest such area to the proposed project. The northern boundary of this area is located approximately 2,000 feet to the southeast of the southern-most boundary of the Study Area. This wildlife area is not expected to be impacted by the localized trenching and linework activities associated with the proposed project. Additionally, no threatened or endangered species of plants or animals are expected to be impacted by this proposed infrastructure improvement project.

The City of Donna participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The majority of the Study Area lies in Zone B, areas between the limits of the 100-year and 500-year flood or areas of 100-year shallow flooding where depths are less than one foot. Much of the City of Donna lies within Zone C, areas outside the 500-year flood. Three Zone A areas, areas of the 100-year flood, are located within the Study Area. Aside from excavation and trenching for the placement of water and wastewater lines, no other impacts to Zone A floodplains are expected by this project. Additionally, one Zone AH area was identified adjacent to the southern-most boundary of the Study Area. Zone AH areas include areas of 100-year shallow flooding where depths are between one and three feet. No impacts from the project are expected in this area.

In correspondence dated January 8, 1996, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stated that they have no objection to the proposed project and believe that the project will result in an improved living environment for the residents of the City of Donna.

No wetland impacts will occur as a result of the water and wastewater excavation and trenching work, or construction activities, necessary for the implementation of the infrastructure improvements associated with this project. In correspondence dated August 15, 1995, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined that no waters of the United States (including wetlands) would be impacted by the proposed (infrastructure) improvements.

Future uses of land or water resources will not be significantly impacted by the linework or the construction of the new Water Treatment Facility (WTF). Similarly, land or water resources will not be impacted by the decommissioning of the existing WTF, rehabilitation of the existing WWTP, construction of the elevated storage tank, or work on the three lift stations. The proposed water and wastewater infrastructure improvement project poses no risks to the health and safety of those individuals living within the Study Area; the primary purpose of this project is to improve the health and safety of those residents of the Donna area and surrounding colonias by providing affordable, high-quality water and sanitary services. Short-term impacts to the environment will be greatly out-weighed and out-numbered by the long-term benefits of providing quality water and sanitary sewer services to the people of this area, many of which now live on a daily basis with unsanitary conditions and drinking water which does not meet state or federal drinking water standards.

Given the continued decline in the water quality within the Donna area, a "no action" or "no build" alternative is not a pro-active solution to the water and wastewater problems in this area. Significant environmental risks and health problems would occur in the Donna area if no water and wastewater infrastructure improvements were implemented at all.

Few environmental-related costs will be incurred as a result of this water and wastewater improvement project. During the construction phase of this project, trenches for linework will be backfilled and returned to natural grade; vegetation should naturally return to the trenched area within a growing season. Since no areas of the proposed project will require the replacement of trees or other vegetation, few environmental costs, if any, will be associated with this project. Landscaping around the new WTF will utilize native/indigenous plants to the extent possible.

Implementation of the water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects in the Donna area will be conducted as reflected in the EID and Facility Engineering Plan. Any environmental conditions of approval from regulatory authorities will be followed during the implementation phase of these improvement projects.

Potential impacts to the environment have been previously discussed in Section 1a) Environmental Need. This section details the adverse impacts which cannot be avoided should the project be implemented. Potential impacts to cultural resources have been previously discussed in Section 3) Long-term Primary Impacts, #8 - Cultural Resources.

As previously mentioned: