The original 0.5 MGD extended aeration wastewater treatment plant, constructed in the 1970’s and serving the community of Santa Teresa in Doña Ana County, was well beyond its life cycle and incapable of consistently achieving NPDES Discharge Permit compliance. Bohannan Huston worked with the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) and provided complete services for this project, including funding application/approval; right-of-way survey and acquisition; analysis, planning, and design; and construction administration.

BHI designed the improvements, which included a complete replacement of the treatment facility, with an innovative biological nutrient removal system including all ancillary process subsystems. The improvements increase the reliability of the facility and provide a more cost-efficient treatment process for wastewater flows up to 1 million gallons per day (MGD), with a future expansion capability to handle up to 2 MGD.

BHI also provided construction phase services, which included a full-time resident engineer representative to ensure the project was built in compliance with the final plans and specifications. The new CRRUA North Wastewater Treatment Plan has resumed its discharge directly to the Rio Grande meeting all permit requirements.