Doña Ana County directs master plan for San Miguel lift station after church’s septic fails

Doña Ana County commissioners on June 17 directed staff to develop a wastewater master plan for the San Miguel area after residents and local officials said an aging septic system at a community church has failed and the neighborhood faces multiple failing septic systems.

The move comes after county staff described a recent state law, SB 357 (the Essential Services Development Act), that would let local governments use public dollars to support infrastructure projects that connect residences and community facilities to water and wastewater systems. Assistant County Manager Jonathan Macias summarized that change in state law as “SB 357, known as the Essential Services Development Act.”

Commissioners heard that the church serving as a community hub has stopped using its septic system and is relying on porta‑potties, and that many nearby homes are older, multigenerational properties on failing septic tanks or cesspools. Commissioner Reynolds said the congregation and neighbors had organized grassroots advocacy and urged the county to move quickly; Commissioner Sanchez and others urged a broader, countywide strategy to avoid creating an…