Corrales took a step toward modernizing its wastewater infrastructure with the completion of a new sewer line extension to the Priestly-Corral neighborhoods. The update will ultimately help replace outdated septic systems in favor of a more sustainable solution.
With the project finished, residents now have the option to hook up to the Septic Tank Effluent Pumping (STEP) sewer system.
According to the Village of Corrales website, the STEP system collects sewage from septic tanks and diverts it to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority system. The Southside Water Reclamation Plant treats the wastewater before releasing it into the Rio Grande, preventing it from entering the soil or groundwater through leach fields.
“What we’re working toward, is putting a system in place that will take care of the entire village,†Mayor James Fahey said.
Residents interested in connecting to the STEP system must hire a contractor and complete the permitting and fee processes, according to Fahey.
The Village charges a connection fee of $250 to $500, with installation costs ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. Monthly residential fees are $30, including a $10 base charge and $20 for usage. Business rates vary based on size, starting at $80 per month. Connection fees are expected to rise as the system expands, according to the Village’s frequently asked questions.
Future plans
The Village’s long-term goal is to install a gravity-flow sewer system along Loma Larga, which will serve the entire community over the next few decades. This sewer system has an estimated $15 million price tag. It will provide Corraleños with more reliable wastewater solutions, particularly for smaller lots facing space constraints.
“We’re working toward putting a system in place that will take care of the entire Village,†Fahey said.
According to Fahey, the Village is waiting for Clean Water State Revolving Fund engineers to approve a preliminary engineering report submitted by Stantec, an engineering firm.
Fahey said the report is about 150 pages and it has some issues which need to be addressed by Stantec. Once the revolving fund engineers review and approve the revised report, the Village will qualify for a grant to fund the design phase of the project. Once the design is completed, the Village can begin seeking funds for construction.
The new project aims to replace the STEP system, which was implemented decades ago based on guidance from the New Mexico Environment Department’s Construction Bureau.
According to Fahey, a conceptual drawing outlines the general route for the new gravity-flow sewer line, starting near the Harvey Jones Canal area and likely running along Loma Larga Road to connect with Albuquerque’s system.
However, the specifics remain uncertain as the preliminary design report is still in development. The design may also require extensions along Corrales Road. As demand grows, additional lines will branch out to serve more roads, allowing more residents to connect. Depending on location, connections will either use gravity flow or a grinder pump to transfer wastewater to the main line.
Fahey said that a decade or so ago, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority officials pushed for mandatory hookups for all properties adjacent to the sewer line. Village officials were able to convince property owners it was unnecessary, as some residents already had well-maintained septic systems. Currently, the STEP system running along Corrales Road doesn’t require everyone to connect.
Properties with a change of ownership, new construction or failed septic systems must connect to the system, including new homes, vacant lot developments and businesses. Properties with failed systems or small lots unable to support new septic systems must also connect. Homeowners with functioning septic systems are not required to connect unless their system fails.