[1] NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

 

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F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Cisneros

 

DATE TYPED:

2/8/02

 

HB

 

 

SHORT TITLE:

La Semilla Wastewater Training Center

 

SB

383

 

 

ANALYST:

Valenzuela

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

 

 

 

$530.0

 

 

Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

Duplicates/Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act                                           

                                                                                                                                                           

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC files

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

Senate Bill 383 appropriates $530.0 from the general fund to Department of Environment for the purpose of operating the La Semilla Wastewater Training Center.

 

     Significant Issues

 

The La Semilla Wastewater Training Center is currently in the planning phase of the Mesa del Sol project. It is not clear if the facility would be constructed before the end of FY03.

 

The purpose of the La Semilla facility is to educate and train on-site liquid waste system designers and installers, contractors, public officials and the public regarding the design, installation and maintenance of on-site liquid waste systems. 

 

Groundwater contamination from liquid waste, primarily from poorly installed or malfunctioning septic systems, is a serious problem in New Mexico. The Legislature, two years ago, passed legislation allowing the Department of Environment to promulgate liquid waste treatment rules to address the problem. The Environmental Improvement Board passed these rules in November 2001.

 

A significant part of the problem is that consumers and even contractors are not adequately informed on the proper operation or installation of these systems.  In fact, during the debate before the EIB, some contractors testified that in New Mexico, there is no certification requirement placed on contractors specific to septic systems.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The appropriation of $530.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY03 shall revert to the general fund.

 

MFV/njw

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