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City manager briefs council on May 25 cross-border sewer spill and plans for temporary attenuation and $150,000 budget increase
Summary
City Manager Mr. Infante reported a May 25 combined-sewer overflow from the Mexican side, said the city engaged binational and regional partners and outlined plans to construct a temporary attenuation facility and embankment in coming weeks. He said staff requested a $150,000 budget increase under the consent agenda to prepare for El Niño-driven monsoon season and noted the Carlos Agiraa flood control project is due to finish at the end of July.
City Manager Mr. Infante told the council the city experienced a combined-sewer overflow on May 25 originating from the Mexican side of the watershed and that staff have engaged a range of partners, including the Mexico Environment Department, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) and regional partners to address impacts and mitigation.
As part of a proactive approach to anticipated El Niño monsoon storms, Mr. Infante said staff requested a $150,000 budget increase under the consent agenda to prepare for near-term mitigation work. He described plans to construct a temporary attenuation facility and embankment within the watershed over the next two to three weeks, and said the county will provide equipment and operators to augment the city's limited public-works staff.
"We're currently working on the Carlos Agiraa flood control project ... that project is scheduled to be completed at the end of July," Mr. Infante said, and noted the temporary facility is intended to mitigate sediment loading and stormwater until the larger project is finished.
He said staff are coordinating with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and other agencies, and emphasized a proactive approach rather than waiting for post-disaster mitigation and reimbursements.
What happens next: staff will begin construction of the temporary attenuation facility and embankment in the coming weeks, continue coordination with county and state partners and provide updates to the council.
Why it matters: The city is preparing for heightened monsoon activity that could increase flooding and sediment flows; the temporary measures and intergovernmental coordination aim to reduce immediate risk until a larger flood-control project is complete.
