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WATER/WASTEWATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WATER PRE-APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All potential water applicants requesting state-administered grant or loan funds to finance water
facility improvements must complete a Water/Wastewater Advisory Committee (WWAC) preapplication, consisting of the pre-application cover sheet, a preliminary engineering report and a
clearinghouse form SF-424. The original and FIVE (5) copies of the completed pre-application
package must be mailed to:
Dave Fenter, WWAC Chairman
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
101 Capitol Ave., Suite 350
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Each pre-application will be reviewed by the WWAC as follows:
1.
An original pre-application and FIVE (5) copies are submitted to the Arkansas Natural
Resources Commission (ANRC).
2.
The ANRC will send a copy of all pre-application materials to the following WWAC
members and funding and regulatory agencies:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
Arkansas Department of Health
Community Resource Group
USDA, Rural Development
State Clearinghouse
Economic Development Administration (if required)
3.
WWAC meets once a month on the first Wednesday of each month. WWAC preapplications must be submitted by the 15th of the month to be included in the agenda. Preapplication submitted after the 15th will not make the agenda.
4.
After thorough review of the pre-application, the WWAC will reply in writing to the
applicant. If the pre-application is acceptable, the WWAC will outline the logical funding
sources to which a full application should be submitted. The WWAC may, in the same
letter or in a separate comment letter, list pertinent comments regarding technical,
operational or financial aspects of the project. Substantial comments by the WWAC must
be resolved before the project can be recommended for approval. Each agency on the
WWAC will receive copies of all WWAC correspondence.
5.
Each funding agency will follow its normal application process. Applicants seeking
federal funding for the same project must submit an application to the federal agency from
which funds are requested.
6.
If an application varies significantly from the pre-application, or if the facts involving a
project have changed such that the feasibility of the proposed solution warrants further
investigation, any individual WWAC agency may request a full WWAC review for the
project again.
7.
Assistance will be recommended only to the extent necessary to complete project activities
over and above private/local efforts, and for solutions considered feasible by the WWAC.
REQUIRED ENGINEERING REPORT CONTENT
Submit a comprehensive preliminary engineering report specific to the problem being examined.
Documentation of any health hazards; deficiencies concerning source, treatment or distribution;
National Primary Drinking Water Regulation violations; or other negative impacts currently
being experienced should be included if pertinent to the project.
The preliminary engineering report must consist of:
1.
A narrative discussing project background and need, number of customers affected, and
type of customer (residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural).
2.
An evaluation and comparison of all feasible alternatives. Each alternative must include its
basis of design and any advantages and disadvantages for that alternative related to
construction, operation or maintenance.
3.
Detailed cost estimates for each alternative including capital costs, operation and
maintenance, debt service and reserve costs.
4.
Current and proposed rate structure(s).
5.
A listing of the necessary environmental permits for the project, both federal and state.
6.
Project timetable.
7.
Project map identifying the service area, land acquisition, source development projects,
building structures and water lines.
8.
Current and proposed average water usage and existing treatment capacity (if water is
purchased, provide maximum amount of water that can be purchased and treatment
capacity of seller).
Report Considerations
It is the WWAC’s policy to recommend the most cost effective use of public monies by
promoting source, treatment and distribution systems that provide the highest quality water and
service while maintaining realistic and reasonable customer rates.
1.
System Consolidation - It is the policy of the WWAC and the State Water Plan to promote
the regionalization concept for water supply, treatment and distribution. Regionalization
usually results in more cost-effective use of public monies. Small water systems have
historically had greater operation and maintenance problems, are financially less viable, are
less able to develop, operate and maintain water source and treatment projects, and has a
higher incidence of drinking water standards violations. All of these result in poorer
service and water quality to the customer.
If an existing public water system can feasibly serve a proposed project, the engineer must
address the possibility of securing water from this source, including an upgrade or
expansion of the existing system. If a new system is proposed and it is feasible to serve an
existing water system, that option must be examined.
2.
Engineering Design – Each alternative must include the basis for engineering design
including preliminary design calculations. The report should identify and address average,
peak daily and maximum instantaneous demands, if applicable. Design considerations
include:
a.
b.
c.
Source development – adequacy of water quality and quantity, sources of
contamination and possible mitigation, treatment required, environmental feasibility
and existing available sources.
Treatment – current and projected capacity, type and suitability of treatment and
current and future drinking water standards.
Distribution – current and proposed type, location and volume of usable storage;
current and proposed pumping facilities for both high service and booster pump
stations; flow and pressure requirements of transmission and distribution lines.
3.
Cost Estimate – Each alternative must include an itemized construction estimate and
estimated costs for related items including applicable fees for connection, development,
land, easements, geotechnical, legal, engineering, construction observation, administration,
equipment, interest, refinancing and contingencies.
4.
Operating Expense – If an existing system, provide an itemized listing of the current
operating budget including existing debt service.
For each proposed alternative, include estimates for operation and maintenance costs
including labor and benefits, utilities, taxes, insurance, materials, chemicals, water fees,
routine repairs and outside services such as consultants, accountants and lab work, if
applicable. Operating expenses must also include any proposed debt service and a
replacement reserve for major and emergency maintenance of at least 10% of the O&M
budget.
Every public water system is required to have a licensed operator. Most systems have
administrative personnel as well. Operating revenues must be reasonable to support the
type and size of system proposed. Alternatives with lower maintenance and operating
expenses, if available, must be emphasized.
5.
Rate Structure – A rate structure must be included that will satisfy the capital, operating
and debt expenses for the proposed alternative. The report must include:
a.
b.
Current water rates including the minimum charge, the charge for a residential
customer using 4,000 gallons per month and the current miscellaneous charges such
as meter deposit, tapping fee, meter setting, etc.
Proposed water rates including charge and residential rate for 4,000 gallons per
month as well as any changes proposed for miscellaneous fees.
A critical review of current and proposed rates, including water and sewer rates if
applicable, will be made. If low, capability of the water system to support additional loan
debt service will be examined; if high, the viability of the project will be evaluated in light
of possible grant funds, if available.
6.
Project Timetable – Include a timetable for the project and identify any regulatory or
administrative deadlines. Identify time frames for:
a.
b.
c.
d.
7.
Preparation of plans and specifications
Regulatory review/bidding
Begin construction
Complete construction and project startup
Projects Maps – Submit legible maps for the project outlining the proposed service area
and the location of all lines, pump stations, storage tanks, source and treatment facilities.
The maps should also include other pertinent information such as natural boundaries,
contour elevations and existing systems.