CHAPTER Env-Dw 1300 Administrative
Procedures for Grants and Loans FROM THE Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust
Fund
Statutory Authority:
RSA 485-F:3, II
PART Env-Dw 1301 PURPOSE; APPLICABILITY; USE OF STANDARD TERMS
Env-Dw 1301.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to support the
work of the drinking water and groundwater advisory commission (commission) by
establishing criteria and procedures for:
(a) Administering a competitive grant program for
drinking water protection projects; and
(b) Administering the revolving loan fund
established by RSA 485-F.
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Env-Dw 1301.02 Applicability. This chapter shall apply to any entity seeking
financial assistance from the drinking water and groundwater trust fund (DWGTF).
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Env-Dw 1301.03 Standard
Terms. Any terms used in this
chapter that are subject to Env-Dw 101.03 or that are
defined in Env-Dw 103 shall have the meaning
established therein.
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PART Env-Dw 1302
CHAPTER-SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS
Env-Dw 1302.01
“Administrative costs” means expenses associated with managing DWGTF
projects. The term includes but is not
limited to costs for engineering and other consultants, environmental and
technical reviews of proposed projects, participation in state overview
inspections, and accounting and disbursement functions.
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Env-Dw 1302.02 “Allonge” means an amendment to initial loan
documents in which the final project cost and repayment terms are established.
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Env-Dw 1302.03 “Applicant” means an entity that files a final
application for financial assistance from the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.04
“Application” means the written document(s), with attachments, through
which financial assistance is requested. The term includes the final
application.
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Env-Dw 1302.05 “Asset
maintenance and renewal plan” means a plan developed and implemented by a recipient
to maintain and eventually replace water system infrastructure funded in whole
or in part by the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.06
“Authorized representative” means an individual authorized by the
applicant to sign documents associated with applying for and receiving funds
from the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.07 “Construction”
means the erection, building, acquisition, alteration, remodeling, improvement,
or extension of any components of a water system.
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Env-Dw 1302.08 “Department”
means the department of environmental services.
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Env-Dw 1302.09
“Disbursement” means a transfer of funds from the DWGTF to a recipient.
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Env-Dw 1302.10 “DWGTF
attorney” means the attorney(s) under contract to the department for the
purpose of providing legal review of initial loan documents and allonges and
other legal services associated with loans to non-governmental entities.
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Env-Dw 1302.11 “DWGTF financial advisor” means the
individual or entity under contract to the department for the purpose of
assessing the financial risk of providing financial assistance to
non-governmental entities.
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Env-Dw 1302.12 “Eligible
costs” means project costs that are eligible for funding from the DWGTF, in
accordance with RSA 485-F, as determined by the commission.
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Env-Dw 1302.13 “Eligible
entity” means an entity that has been determined by the commission to be eligible
for financial assistance under RSA 485-F.
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Env-Dw 1302.14 “Eligible
project” means a project that has been determined by the commission to be
eligible for financial assistance under RSA 485-F.
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Env-Dw 1302.15 “Engineering
services” means consultations, investigations, reports, or other services relating
to the design or construction, or both, of projects for which RSA 310-A
requires a licensed professional engineer.
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Env-Dw 1302.16
“Environmental review” means an analysis of the potential impact on the
human and natural environment of a project for which funding from the DWGTF is
sought.
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Env-Dw 1302.17
“Excusable delay” means a delay that is beyond the recipient’s control
in beginning or completing the planning, design, construction, or
implementation of a project, such as a delay caused by an act of nature or war.
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Env-Dw 1302.18 “Final
project cost” means the dollar amount of eligible project expenditures plus,
for financial assistance in the form of a loan, any unpaid interest on the loan
accrued during project planning, design, or construction, or any combination
thereof.
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Env-Dw
1302.19 “Financial assistance” means
funds provided from the DWGTF in the form of loan or grant, or a combination
thereof, to pay in whole or in part for a project selected for funding by the commission.
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Env-Dw 1302.20
“Financial assistance agreement” means the contract between the state
and a recipient that establishes the rights and obligations of the state and
the recipient relative to financial assistance from the DWGTF. The term includes original loan agreements,
supplemental loan agreements, initial loan documents, allonges, and grant
agreements.
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Env-Dw 1302.21 “Governing
body” means the group of individuals that has the authority and responsibility
to authorize the applicant to enter into contracts and
expend funds. The term applies to
governmental entities as well as non-governmental entities.
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Env-Dw 1302.22
“Governmental entity” means any of the following that has responsibility
for providing drinking water for public consumption or otherwise funding a
water system:
(a) Any state agency, board, or commission;
(b) Any political subdivision of the state,
including but not limited to a county, city, town, or district; and
(c) Any other public body created under state
law.
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Env-Dw 1302.23 “Grant agreement”
means the financial assistance agreement between the state and a recipient
through which the state agrees to provide grant funds approved by the
commission from the DWGTF to the recipient and the recipient agrees to use the
grant funds as specified in its application as approved by the commission.
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Env-Dw 1302.24 “Infrastructure”
means all structures and all mechanical and electrical equipment that connect a
source of water to end users in a water system, including but not limited to
all sources, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities and the land
necessary therefor.
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Env-Dw 1302.25
“Infrastructure project” means a project intended to control, improve,
or develop a water system’s source of water or its infrastructure, including
the requisite planning, land acquisition, design, and construction.
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Env-Dw 1302.26 “Initial
loan documents” means the initial financial assistance agreement between the
state and a non-governmental recipient through which the state agrees to
provide loan funds approved by the commission from the DWGTF to the recipient
and the recipient promises to use the funds as specified in its application as
approved by the commission and to repay the funds to the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.27
“Initiation of operation” means the date on which an infrastructure project
that was funded in whole or in part using funds from the DWGTF is placed into
use for the purposes for which it was intended.
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Env-Dw 1302.28 “Land
acquisition” means the purchase of an interest in land that is needed to
complete an eligible project, whether in fee or by easement. The term includes all related costs as
determined by the commission to be eligible.
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Env-Dw 1302.29 “Maintenance”
means actions taken to preserve the functional integrity and efficiency of
infrastructure. The term includes
preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and replacement of equipment
and other infrastructure components, including but not limited to roofing,
signs, and fences.
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Env-Dw 1302.30
“Operation” means control of the processes and equipment that make up
the water system. The term includes
financial and personnel management, records, laboratory control, process
control, safety, and emergency operation planning.
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Env-Dw 1302.31 “Operation
and maintenance” means activities required to ensure the safe, dependable, and
economical function of a water system.
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Env-Dw 1302.32 “Original
loan agreement” means the initial financial assistance loan agreement between
the state and a governmental recipient through which the state agrees to
provide funds approved by the commission from the DWGTF to the recipient and
the recipient promises to use the funds as specified in its application as
approved by the commission and to repay the funds to the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.33 “Planning”
means preparing and evaluating reports and studies of alternative solutions to
water system problems in order to select the most
cost-effective feasible option.
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Env-Dw 1302.34 “Pledge”
means the act or process through which a non-governmental recipient commits,
obligates, and encumbers its real or personal property or its existing or
anticipated revenues to the state as security and means for repayment of the loan
received by the recipient from the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.35 “Project” means the drinking
water infrastructure project or source water protection project, or combination
thereof, to be completed with DWGTF funding.
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Env-Dw 1302.36 “Project completion” means the date on which all
components of a source water protection project that was funded in whole or in
part using funds from the DWGTF are finished.
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Env-Dw 1302.37 “Project cost” means the applicant’s total
direct and incidental costs of acquiring services, materials
and land, constructing infrastructure, and otherwise implementing the project
for which assistance from the DWGTF is sought.
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Env-Dw 1302.38
“Recipient” means an applicant that receives financial assistance from
the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.39
“Repayment” means the payment of principal or interest, or both, on
funds received as a loan by a recipient from the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.40
“Replacement” means the installation of new or refurbished equipment,
accessories, or appurtenances for existing equipment, accessories, or
appurtenances that no longer perform as originally intended.
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Env-Dw 1302.41 “Resident
project representative” means an individual who:
(a) Is qualified by reason of education and
experience to inspect infrastructure projects; and
(b) Reports to a licensed professional engineer
if necessary based on the project and type of work to be done.
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Env-Dw 1302.42
“Responsible bidder” means an entity that:
(a) Has the technical knowledge necessary to
perform the contract;
(b) Has adequate financial resources to perform
the contract:
(c) Is able to comply with the legal and regulatory
requirements associated with the contract;
(d) Is able to deliver or otherwise perform according
to the contract schedule;
(e) Has either a history of satisfactory
performance or no history of unsatisfactory performance;
(f) Has good reputation for integrity; and
(g) Has or can obtain necessary data, equipment,
and other resources to perform the contract.
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Env-Dw 1302.43 “Scheduled completion date” means the date
stated in the original loan agreement, initial loan documents, or grant
agreement on which the project that received DWGTF funds is intended to be
placed into use for the purposes for which it was intended or otherwise
completed.
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Env-Dw 1302.44
“Security” means real or personal property or other collateral that is
pledged by a non-governmental recipient to ensure repayment of a loan to the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1302.45 “Source
water protection project” means a project designed and intended to protect
drinking water resources against future contamination through measures including
but not limited to the delineation of a wellhead protection area (WPA), land
acquisition, or the acquisition and elimination of potential contamination
sources, as described in RSA 485-C:7, within an existing WPA, water supply
watershed, or area contributing to a potential future source of water for a
public water system.
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Env-Dw 1302.46 “State”
means the state of New Hampshire.
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Env-Dw 1302.47 “Substantial completion” means that construction
of the project, or a discrete part thereof, is sufficiently completed that the
project or discrete part can be used for the purposes for which it is intended.
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Env-Dw 1302.48
“Supplemental loan agreement” means an amendment to the original loan
agreement between the state and a governmental recipient that stipulates the
final project cost and applicable repayment terms.
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Env-Dw 1302.49 “User
charge” means a charge levied on users of a water system for the user’s share
of the cost of water system operation and maintenance, plus any allocable
portion of capital improvements.
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Env-Dw 1302.50 “Water system” means a “public water system”
as defined in RSA 485:1-a, XV or a “privately owned redistribution system” as
defined in RSA 485:1-a, XIV-a, both reprinted in Appendix B.
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PART Env-Dw 1303 PROCEDURES FOR RECEIPT OF DWGTF FUNDS
Env-Dw 1303.01 Final
Application and Project List Procedures.
(a) Each applicant
whose project is selected by the commission to proceed to a final application
who wishes to continue in the process shall complete and submit to the
department a final application that meets the requirements specified in Env-Dw 1303.02.
(b) The department shall request the commission
to remove a project from the commission’s final list of projects if any of the
following is true:
(1) The project is fully funded from other
sources;
(2) The project is found to be ineligible;
(3) The applicant informs the department in
writing that it does not intend to pursue financial assistance from the DWGTF;
or
(4) The applicant
does not submit a final application by the deadline established by the
commission.
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Env-Dw
1303.02 Final Application Requirements. The application required by Env-Dw 1303.01(a) shall include the following:
(a) Such information as is required by the
commission to confirm the eligibility of the entity and the project, on such
forms as the commission requires;
(b) For loans:
(1) Confirmation of the applicant’s authority to
borrow as specified in Env-Dw 1303.04;
(2) Verification of a revenue program as
specified in Env-Dw 1303.07;
(3) Proof of insurance coverage as required by
the state of New Hampshire’s standard contract form P-37 or successor; and
(4) For non-governmental entities, proof that the
entity is registered with the NH secretary of state to do business in New
Hampshire and is in good standing;
(c) For grants:
(1) Confirmation of the applicant’s authority to
accept grant funds as specified in Env-Dw 1303.05;
(2) Proof of insurance coverage as required by
the state of New Hampshire’s standard contract form P-37 or successor; and
(3) For
non-governmental entities, proof that the entity is registered with the NH
secretary of state to do business in New Hampshire and is in good standing;
(d) For projects other than source water
protection projects:
(1) Information regarding the environmental
review required by Env-Dw 1305, as specified in Env-Dw 1303.06; and
(2) A planning document as specified in Env-Dw 1303.08.
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Env-Dw 1303.03 Conditions
Arising from Application; No Impact on Other Authority.
(a) By applying for financial assistance, the
applicant shall be deemed to have agreed to the following:
(1) From the time of a final application for a
grant or loan for a project throughout all stages of construction and
implementation, and at any other time while any loan from the DWGTF to the
applicant is not fully repaid, the applicant shall allow the department to
inspect:
a. The project
and any and all incidental works, areas, facilities,
and premises otherwise pertaining to the project for which application is made;
and
b. Any and all books, accounts, records, contracts or other
instruments, documents, and other information possessed by the applicant or its
contractors, agents, employees or representatives which relate in any respect
to the receipt, deposit, or expenditure of financial assistance funds; and
(2) After project completion, the recipient shall
allow the department to conduct periodic site visits to confirm that the
project is functioning as intended.
(b) Nothing in these rules shall prevent the
department from exercising any inspection or other regulatory authority
relative to the applicant’s project or other regulated facilities conferred on
the department by any provision of law.
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Env-Dw
1303.04 Applicant’s Authority to
Borrow.
(a) For a governmental applicant, the
confirmation required by Env-Dw 1303.02(b)(1) shall
consist of proof that the applicant’s governing body passed or approved a valid
warrant article or resolution, as applicable, that:
(1) Authorizes
the applicant to:
a. Raise, appropriate,
and spend the amount of funds to be requested for the identified project;
b. Apply for funding from the
DWGTF for the identified project; and
c. Enter into a binding financial
agreement to repay all funds that are received as a loan;
(2) Designates an individual, by title and name, to
be the applicant’s authorized representative for purposes of:
a. Signing and
filing the application and furnishing such information, data, and documents
pertaining to the application as may be required; and
b. If financial assistance is awarded, furnishing such
information, data, and documents pertaining to disbursements of the funds;
(3) Identifies, by name and title, each individual who is authorized to sign the original loan
agreement and supplemental loan agreement should funds be awarded; and
(4) Binds the applicant to operate and maintain all
facilities constructed or modified with the funds received in accordance with
all applicable requirements.
(b) For a non-governmental applicant, the
confirmation required by Env-Dw 1303.02(b)(1) shall
consist of proof that the applicant’s governing body passed a valid resolution
that:
(1) Authorizes
the applicant to:
a. Apply for funding from the DWGTF
for the identified project;
b. Enter into
a binding contract to repay all funds that are received as a loan; and
c. Pledge security to the state
to ensure repayment;
(2) Designates an individual, by title and name,
to be the applicant’s authorized representative for purposes of:
a. Signing and
filing the application and furnishing such information, data, and documents
pertaining to the application as may be required; and
b. If financial
assistance is awarded, furnishing such information, data, and documents
pertaining to disbursements of the funds;
(3) Identifies, by name and title, each individual who is authorized to sign the initial loan document,
allonge, and such promissory notes and security instruments as are required to
complete the pledge of security should funds be awarded; and
(4) Binds the applicant to operate and maintain
all facilities constructed or modified with the funds received in accordance
with all applicable requirements.
(c) A non-governmental applicant shall submit
with the proof required by (b), above, copies of:
(1) The applicant’s bylaws or articles of
incorporation, or both, as applicable; and
(2) The approved minutes of the meeting at which
the resolution was approved.
(d) The proof required by (a) or (b), above,
shall be in a written document that is certified and sealed by:
(1) The town clerk or equivalent for a
governmental entity; or
(2) The board secretary or comparable official
for a non-governmental entity.
(e) The applicant may provide the proof required
by (a) or (b), above, in the format shown in the appropriate template obtained
from the department.
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Env-Dw 1303.05 Applicant’s
Authority to Accept Grant Funds.
(a) For a governmental applicant, the
confirmation required by Env-Dw 1303.02(c)(1) shall
consist of proof that the applicant’s governing body passed or approved a valid
warrant article or resolution, as applicable, that authorizes the applicant to
accept grant funds either in general or specifically from the DWGTF for the
identified project.
(b) For a non-governmental applicant, the
confirmation required by Env-Dw 1303.02(c)(1) shall
consist of proof that the applicant’s governing body passed a valid resolution
that authorizes the applicant to accept grant funds either in general or
specifically from the DWGTF for the identified project.
(c) A non-governmental applicant shall submit
with the proof required by (b), above, copies of the approved minutes of the
meeting at which the resolution provided pursuant to (b), above, was approved.
(d) The proof required by (a) or (b), above,
shall be in a written document that is certified by:
(1) The town clerk or equivalent for a
governmental entity; or
(2) The board secretary or comparable official
for a non-governmental entity.
(e) The applicant may provide the proof required
by (a) or (b), above, in the format shown in the appropriate template obtained
from the department.
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Env-Dw 1303.06 Report
of Environmental Review. The
information required by Env-Dw 1303.02(d)(1) shall be
as follows:
(a) The water system’s name, mailing address, and
PWS identifier;
(b) The short title for the project;
(c) An explanation of the need and justification
for the proposed project;
(d) A description of the scope of the proposed
project, including estimated costs;
(e) A list of each document that is available for
public review that supplements the information provided pursuant to (d), above;
(f) A summary of potential environmental impacts
arising from the proposed project relative to air emissions, noise, surface
water, groundwater, wetlands, wildlife, and habitat;
(g) A summary of potential impacts on the
community in terms of social and economic aspects, recreation, historic sites,
and indirect impacts;
(h) The date the applicant’s governing body
authorized funding for the project or is expected to authorize such funding;
(i) A statement that
the applicant agrees to publish a public notice to initiate a 30-day comment
period on the report; and
(j) An 8.5-inch by 11-inch copy of a topographic
map on which the location of the project and maximum extent of disturbance are
clearly marked.
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Env-Dw 1303.07 Establishment
and Verification of Revenue Program for Loan Repayment.
(a) The applicant shall establish:
(1) For all projects that include more than just
land acquisition, a schedule of user charges that is designed to generate
sufficient revenues to cover operation and maintenance expenses as well as any
allocable portion of capital improvements; and
(2) A dedicated source or sources of revenue to
repay the loan.
(b) For purposes of (a)(2), above, a revenue source
shall be considered dedicated when the recipient passes or adopts an ordinance
or other binding resolution committing the source of funds for repayment to the
DWGTF.
(c) The applicant’s ordinance or other binding
resolution dedicating a source of funding for repayment of the loan shall be in
effect and binding on the applicant prior to the loan agreement taking effect.
(d) For an applicant that is a governmental
entity, the verification required by Env-Dw 1303.02(b)(2)
shall be made by:
(1) Identifying the source of repayment;
(2) Stating whether or not the applicant has existing debt outside the
New Hampshire municipal bond bank and, if so, the amount of the debt and
whether the debt is rated and, if the debt is rated, the rating; and
(3) Certifying
that the applicant has the financial capability to support both the project
loan repayment and continuing operation and maintenance of its water system.
(e) For an applicant that is a non-governmental
entity, the verification required by Env-Dw 1303.02(b)(2)
shall be made by:
(1) Identifying the source of repayment; and
(2) Certifying that the applicant has the
financial capability to support both the project loan repayment and continuing
operation and maintenance of its water system.
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Env-Dw 1303.08 Planning
Document. The planning document
required by Env-Dw 1303.02(d)(2) shall facilitate
review of the proposed project and alternatives thereto from the viewpoints of
function, operation, economics, reliability, safety, efficiency,
cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility, by providing the
following:
(a) Identification of the planning area
boundaries and characteristics and the existing needs related to the water
system;
(b) A cost-benefit analysis of feasible water
systems or conveyance alternatives capable of meeting state and federal
requirements, which details all monetary costs including the present worth or equivalent
annual value of all capital costs and operation;
(c) All information necessary for the design of
the proposed project and alternatives;
(d) The most current estimate of project cost
itemized as to major facilities or items including land acquisition costs, fees
for engineering services, fees for legal services, fees for financial services,
contingencies, and interest during construction; and
(e) A statement that the applicant has a program
in place for funding the maintenance and eventual replacement of the funded
asset, or, if there is no such program in place, a plan for developing an asset
maintenance and renewal plan as part of the funded infrastructure project.
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Env-Dw 1303.09 Requirements for Land Acquisition.
(a) Prior to
requesting any funds for disbursement relative to any land acquisition, the
recipient shall comply with the requirements listed in (b), below, provided
that:
(1) Any reference to “applicant” or “grantee” shall mean recipient; and
(2) Any reference to Env-Dw
1002.19 shall mean Env-Dw 1303.09.
(b) The requirements for
which (a), above, requires compliance shall be as follows:
(1) Env-Dw 1002.21 Property Survey Requirements;
(2) Env-Dw
1002.22 Appraisal Requirements, except
that the date referenced in Env-Dw 1002.22(e) shall
be no earlier than one year prior to the date of a binding purchase and sale
agreement;
(3) Env-Dw 1002.23 Title Examination and Opinion Requirements;
(4) Env-Dw 1002.24 Conservation Interest Instrument Requirements,
except that land surface alterations may occur in conjunction with wildlife
habitat management in addition to the reasons listed in Env-Dw
1002.24(b)(2);
(5) Env-Dw 1002.25 Snowmobile Trail Plan Approval;
(6) Env-Dw 1002.26 Stewardship Requirements; and
(7) Env-Dw 1002.27 Final Approval, Execution, and Deed
Recordation.
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PART Env-Dw 1304 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE; PAYMENTS; ACCOUNTING
Env-Dw 1304.01 Types
of Assistance and Related Conditions.
(a) Financial assistance awarded by the
commission shall be in one of the following forms:
(1) An original
loan;
(2) A grant; or
(3) A combination of a grant and a loan.
(b) Loans awarded by the commission shall be made
only with the following conditions:
(1) A loan shall have a term specified in the
final application;
(2) Principal
and interest payments shall commence within one year of project completion;
(3) The recipient has established a dedicated
source of revenue for repayment of the loan in accordance with Env-Dw 1303.07;
(4) The recipient has completed all necessary
documentation and agreements required by the department to issue a loan; and
(5) The loan has been approved by the governor
and council.
(c) Grants awarded by the commission shall be
made with the following conditions:
(1) The
recipient has completed all necessary documentation and agreements required by
the department to issue a grant; and
(2) The grant has been approved by the governor
and council.
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Env-Dw 1304.02 Original
Loan Agreements (OLAs) for Governmental Entities.
(a) Following acceptance of an application for a
loan from a governmental entity, the department shall prepare an original loan
agreement (OLA) that contains the following provisions:
(1) The loan amount;
(2) The interest rate for the loan determined by
the commission, provided that if the commission has established an interest
rate that can vary over time, the rate shall be the rate in effect at the time
the OLA is transmitted to the recipient;
(3) The length of the repayment term;
(4) A description of the project;
(5) Authorization for representatives of the
department to examine any of the loan recipient’s records that pertain to
transactions relating to the loan agreement, construction contracts,
engineering contracts, or other consulting contracts for the purpose of
inspection, audit, and copying during normal business hours;
(6) For all projects that include more than just
land acquisition, a requirement for the recipient to develop and adhere to an
asset maintenance and renewal plan for the funded improvements; and
(7) Any other provision(s) required by state or
federal law in order for the agreement to be valid.
(b) The department shall transmit the OLA to the
recipient for review. If the recipient wishes
to receive the funds, the recipient shall sign and date the OLA and return the signed
OLA to the department.
(c) Upon receipt of a signed OLA, the department
shall sign the OLA and submit the OLA to the governor and executive council for
approval.
(d) If approved by the governor and executive
council, then:
(1) The OLA shall be effective upon approval; and
(2) The department shall send a copy of the approved
OLA to the recipient.
Source. #12903, eff 10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.03 Initial
Loan Documents (ILD) for Non-Governmental Entities.
(a) Following acceptance of an application for a
loan from a non-governmental entity, the department shall send the applicant’s
financial information to the DWGTF financial advisor for review.
(b) If the department determines, based on the
assessment provided by the DWGTF financial advisor, that lending money to the
applicant would not pose an unreasonable risk of loss due to non-repayment of
funds provided to the applicant, the department shall prepare the initial loan
documents (ILD) that contain the following provisions:
(1) The loan amount;
(2) The interest rate for the loan determined by the
commission, provided that if the commission has established an interest rate
that can vary over time, the rate shall be the rate in effect at the time the ILD
is transmitted to the recipient;
(3) The length of the repayment term;
(4) A description of the project;
(5) Authorization for representatives of the
department to examine any of the loan recipient’s records that pertain to
transactions relating to the loan agreement, construction contracts, or
engineering contracts for the purpose of inspection, audit, and copying during
normal business hours;
(6) For all projects that include more than just
land acquisition, a requirement for the recipient to develop and adhere to an
asset maintenance and renewal plan for the funded improvements;
(7) Security for the loan; and
(8) Any other provision(s) required by state or
federal law in order for the agreement to be valid.
(c) The department shall send the drafted ILD to
the DWGTF attorney and to the applicant for review and comment.
(d) f the applicant agrees to the terms of the
ILD as approved by the DWGTF attorney, the department shall submit the unsigned
ILD to the governor and executive council for approval.
(e) If the governor and executive council approve
the ILD, the department and the recipient shall schedule a loan closing for a
mutually-acceptable date and time.
(f) The recipient shall bring any additional
documents identified by the DWGTF attorney and listed in the loan closing
agenda to the closing.
(g) After the recipient signs the ILD, the
department shall:
(1) Sign the ILD; and
(2) Provide a copy of the signed ILD to the
recipient and the DWGTF attorney.
(h) The ILD shall be effective upon signing by
the recipient and the department.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.04 Grant Agreement (GA) Documents.
(a) Following acceptance of an application for a
grant, the department shall prepare a grant agreement (GA) that contains the
following provisions:
(1) The grant amount;
(2) Project scope and budget;
(3) Grant payment terms;
(4) Authorization for representatives of the
department to examine any of the loan recipient’s records that pertain to
transactions relating to the grant agreement, construction contracts,
engineering contracts, or other consulting contracts for the purpose of
inspection, audit, and copying during normal business hours;
(5) For all projects that include more than just
land acquisition, a requirement for the recipient to develop and adhere to an
asset maintenance and renewal plan for the funded improvements; and
(6) Any other provision(s) required by state or
federal law in order for the agreement to be valid.
(b) The department shall transmit the GA to the
recipient for review. If the recipient
agrees with the terms, the recipient shall sign and date the GA and return the
signed GA to the department.
(c) Upon receipt of a signed GA, the department
shall sign the GA and submit the GA to the governor and executive council for
approval.
(d) If approved by the governor and executive
council, then:
(1) The GA shall be effective upon approval; and
(2) The department shall send a copy of the
approved GA to the recipient.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.05 Accrual
of Interest Charges.
(a) Interest on any loan funds disbursed to the
recipient shall begin to accrue on the date of each disbursement of such funds by the state.
(b) The interest rate charged on the outstanding
balance of disbursed funds prior to the scheduled completion date or
substantial completion date shall be equal to 1.0 % annually.
(c) The interest rate charged on the outstanding
balance of disbursed funds during repayment of the loan after the date of
scheduled completion or substantial completion, whichever is earlier, shall be
based on the repayment period selected by the applicant and the interest rate
established in the loan agreement.
(d) The recipient shall pay interest charges
incurred on disbursed funds by choosing to pay:
(1) Prior to the commencement of the loan
repayment; or
(2) At the time of the first repayment, unless the
charges are added to the outstanding principal balance at the recipient’s
request; or
(3) A combination of (1) and (2), above.
(e) The interest rate during loan repayment shall
be fixed over the loan repayment period.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.06 Timely
Use of Funds.
(a) A recipient shall begin to expend funds
within 6 months of the effective date of a grant agreement or the effective
date of the original loan agreement or initial loan documents, as applicable,
unless otherwise specified in the GA, OLA, or ILD, as applicable.
(b) If a recipient fails to comply with (a),
above, the department shall request the recipient to show cause why the loan or
grant should not be cancelled.
(c) The department’s request shall:
(1) Be in writing; and
(2) Specify a date by which the recipient must
respond in writing to the request.
(d) If the recipient shows that the delay in expending
the funds was based on an excusable delay, the department shall:
(1) Not cancel the grant or loan, as applicable; and
(2) Notify the commission of such determination.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.07 Disbursement
Requests.
(a) To request a disbursement for eligible costs
from the awarded funds, the recipient shall submit a written disbursement
request to the department by mail or e-mail.
(b) The written request shall include the
following, as applicable to the request:
(1) A written request
for disbursement that includes the information specified in (c), below, and is
signed as specified in (d), below; and
(2) As
applicable:
a. Invoices for equipment and
materials delivered and properly stored;
b. Invoices for
engineering or consulting services;
c. Payment
requisitions from the contractor(s); and
d. Invoices for
eligible work not covered under a. through c., above.
(c) The request for disbursement shall include
the following:
(1) The name and mailing address of the
recipient;
(2) The total amount of the original loan or
grant;
(3) The DWGTF project number and disbursement
request number;
(4) Whether the request is for a partial payment
or for final payment;
(5) The start and end dates of the period covered
by the request;
(6) For each of the following classifications,
the amount for the total project, the amount determined to be DWGTF eligible,
the amount included in previous requests, and the amount of the current request,
as applicable:
a.
Administrative costs;
b.
Pre-construction costs;
c. Land acquisition;
d.
Construction;
e. Construction
administration;
f. Equipment;
g.
Miscellaneous costs; and
h. Other, with
a brief description;
(7) The total for each category of costs
identified in (6), above;
(8) The percent of the loan or grant previously
disbursed;
(9) The total percent of loan or grant disbursed
including the current request; and
(10) The name and title of the authorized
representative who is signing the request.
(d) The authorized
representative shall sign and date the request.
(e) The signature provided pursuant to (d),
above, shall constitute certification that:
(1) The project costs stated on the request are
eligible project costs;
(2) The amount requested is not covered by any
previous request; and
(3) The recipient has inspected all work covered
by the request and all such work has been performed in accordance with all
applicable requirements and to the recipient’s satisfaction.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.08 Disbursements.
(a) The
department shall approve a request submitted as specified in Env-Dw 1304.07 if it determines that:
(1) The costs covered by the request are eligible
costs covered by the recipient’s financial assistance agreement; and
(2) The costs have not been covered by any
previous disbursement.
(b) Upon approval of the request, the department
shall authorize the disbursement to be made from the DWGTF, subject to Env-Dw 1304.09.
(c) The recipient shall not make disbursement requests
more frequently than once per calendar month per loan or grant.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.09 Assurances
for Infrastructure Projects. The
department shall not disburse any DWGTF funds for construction until the
recipient provides the following:
(a) A copy of the approval letter for project
plans and specifications that incorporate best available technology for treating
the water to meet drinking water quality standards;
(b) A written agreement to maintain project
financial accounts in accordance with Env-Dw 1304.15 and
to maintain project accounts as separate accounts; and
(c) A written agreement to provide notice of
initiation of operation to the department upon beginning operation of the
project.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.10 Supplemental Loan Agreement for Loans to
Governmental Recipients.
(a)
Upon completion of a project by a governmental recipient, the department
shall:
(1) Prepare a
supplemental loan agreement (SLA) to reflect actual project expenditures and to
establish:
a. The loan term selected by the recipient and
the corresponding interest rate as stated in the OLA or ILD; and
b. The loan repayment schedule based on the
final project cost; and
(2) Transmit
the SLA to the recipient for review and signature.
(b)
Upon receipt of a signed SLA, the department shall sign the SLA and send
a copy thereof to the recipient.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.11 Allonge for Loans to Non-Governmental
Recipients.
(a)
Upon completion of a project by a non-governmental recipient, the
department shall:
(1) Prepare
an allonge to reflect actual project expenditures and to establish:
a. The loan term selected by the recipient and
the corresponding interest rate as stated in the OLA or ILD; and
b. The loan repayment schedule based on the
final project cost; and
(2) Transmit the allonge to:
a.
The DWGTF attorney for review; and
b. The recipient for review and signing.
(b)
Upon receipt of a signed allonge, the department shall sign the allonge
and send a copy thereof to the recipient.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.12 Loan Repayment.
(a) The recipient shall repay all funds received
and interest accrued thereon to the department as stipulated in the SLA or
allonge, as applicable.
(b) The department shall deposit all funds that
are repaid under this chapter to be credited directly to the DWGTF.
(c) Loan repayment shall:
(1) Not exceed the loan term established in the
SLA or allonge; and
(2) For governmental entities, begin by:
a. For infrastructure projects, the earlier of one year following substantial completion
of the project or one year following the scheduled completion date as stated in
the OLA or ILD, as applicable; or
b. For source water protection projects, one year following project completion.
(3) For non-governmental entities:
a. Commence interest-only
payments by 6 months following:
1. For
infrastructure projects, the earlier of substantial completion of the project
or the scheduled completion date as stated in the OLA or ILD, as applicable; or
2. For SWP projects,
6 months following project completion; and
b. Commence principal
and interest repayments by one year following:
1. For
infrastructure projects, the earlier of substantial completion of the project
or the scheduled completion date as stated in the OLA or ILD, as applicable; or
2. For SWP
projects, 6 months following project completion
(d) The loan shall be amortized on an annual
basis for governmental entities and on a monthly basis
for non-governmental entities.
(e) Any recipient may repay a loan, in whole or
in part, prior to the date stipulated in the loan agreement with no prepayment
penalty.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw
1304.13 Modifications. For projects funded in whole or in part with funds
from the DWGTF, if excusable delay results in the project not being completed
by the scheduled completion date, the department shall:
(a) Offer to modify the OLA, ILD, or GA, as
applicable, to account for the delays; and
(b) If the recipient so requests, negotiate an
appropriate modification of the financial assistance agreement.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw
1304.14 Use of Funds; Return of Funds.
(a) The recipient shall use and expend financial
assistance provided from the DWGTF solely and exclusively for the payment of
authorized eligible costs of the project for which the financial assistance was
approved.
(b) If the recipient uses any funds provided from
the DWGTF for anything other than eligible costs on the specific project for
which such funds were furnished, the recipient shall return or otherwise repay
to the department all such funds.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1304.15 Retainage. If the recipient intends to withhold a
retainage, the recipient shall specify the terms and conditions relating to the
retainage in the contract documents submitted pursuant to Env-Dw 1306.04.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw
1304.16 Accounting. Each recipient shall:
(a) Use generally accepted accounting principles;
(b) Place all funds received from the DWGTF in a
project account for the sole purpose of planning, designing, and constructing
or implementing the project as approved by the commission;
(c) Use all funds received from the DWGTF for the
sole purpose of planning, designing, and constructing or implementing the
project as approved by the commission;
(d) Provide an audit conducted by an accountant
licensed under RSA 309-B who meets the qualifications for a forensic accountant
established by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) for a
governmental entity or by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for
non-governmental entities in response to a department or commission request for
an audit based on a reasonable suspicion of fraud or misuse of DWGTF funds;
(e) Maintain insurance coverage on the project in
an amount adequate to protect the state’s investment, as determined based on
the nature of the project and the amount of funding provided from the DWGTF in
consultation with the department;
(f) Comply with any special conditions specified
by the department’s environmental determination until all financial obligations
to the state have been discharged; and
(g) Continually abide by the terms of the
financial assistance agreement, all applicable rules, and relevant state
statutes for operation and maintenance of the facility.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
PART Env-Dw 1305 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Env-Dw 1305.01 Environmental
Review Required. Any construction
project for which financial assistance from the DWGTF is requested shall be
reviewed by the department for impacts on the human and natural environment in
accordance with this part.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw
1305.02 General Procedure. The department shall perform an environmental
review and prepare an environmental review report based on the applicant’s
proposed project as specified in Env-Dw 1108.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
PART Env-Dw 1306 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND
IMPLEMENTATION PHASES
Env-Dw 1306.01 Applicability. This part shall apply to infrastructure
projects only.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.02 Consulting
Contracts for Expenditures of DWGTF Funds.
(a) For all projects
funded from the DWGTF that require consulting services, the contract for such
services shall contain the following:
(1) A description of the services to be provided
by the consultant, including the due date for any report or plans that will be
prepared;
(2) The recipient’s responsibilities under the
contract;
(3) The estimated time of completion of the
services covered by the contract;
(4) Compensation to be paid to the consultant;
and
(5) Termination provisions.
(b) The recipient
shall comply with all applicable procedures and incidental legal requirements
in awarding the consultant’s contract.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.03 Engineering
Plans and Specifications.
(a) The applicant shall prepare and submit
engineering plans and specifications that conform to the applicable design
standards specified in Env-Dw 400, if applicable.
(b) Department approval of the plans and
specifications shall not relieve the applicant of any liabilities or
responsibilities with respect to the design, construction, operation, or
performance of the project.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.04 Construction Contract Documents.
(a) The recipient shall submit construction
contract documents to the department for review and approval.
(b) No construction project shall be offered for
public bid until after the department has reviewed and approved the contract
documents as specified in Env-Dw 1306.05.
(c) The construction contract documents submitted
by the recipient to the department shall contain the following:
(1) Bidding requirements for the construction of
the project, including bid advertisement or solicitation for competitive
quotations, information for bidders, a bid proposal form that separates
eligible construction from ineligible construction, and applicable bid security
requirements;
(2) Agreement and applicable requirements for the
payment bond, performance bond, notice to proceed, and related documents such
as the contractor’s affidavit, the contractor’s release, the certificate of
substantial completion, and the format for change orders;
(3) For loans and grants greater than $100,000, general and supplemental conditions for the construction of
the project, including provisions requiring the contractor to obtain and
maintain the appropriate insurance coverage;
(4) Plans and specifications as specified in Env-Dw 1306.03;
(5) Appendices including boring logs, permits and
other details as appropriate;
(6) Provisions giving authorized representatives
of the department access to all construction activities, books, records, and
documents for the purpose of inspection, audit, and copying during normal
business hours; and
(7) Such conditions, specifications, and other
provisions as are required to comply with state and local law.
Env-Dw
1306.05 Department Review of Contract
Documents.
(a) The department shall review the contract
documents submitted pursuant to Env-Dw 1306.03 within
30 calendar days of receipt.
(b) The department shall approve the contract
documents if they:
(1) Meet the requirements listed in Env-Dw 1306.04(c);
(2) Are consistent with all applicable state
requirements; and
(3) Are consistent with the planning document
submitted pursuant to Env-Dw 1303.02(d)(2).
(c) After the contract documents are approved, no
changes to the contract documents shall be made unless the recipient obtains
prior approval from the department pursuant to Env-Dw
1306.06.
(d) After the contract documents are approved, no
increases in project cost or scope shall be made unless the recipient obtains
prior approval from the department pursuant to Env-Dw
1306.06.
(e) Department approval of the contract documents
shall not relieve the applicant of any liabilities or responsibilities with
respect to the design, construction, operation, or performance of the project.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.06 Bidding Requirements. Recipients shall
comply with the following bidding requirements:
(a) The bid period shall be not less than 14 calendar
days, unless the department has approved a shorter bid period due to an
imminent threat to public health or safety;
(b) The advertisement for bids or competitive
quotes shall include the following:
(1) The project name and contract number;
(2) The location of work;
(3) A description of work to be performed;
(4) The time and date at which the bids will be
publicly opened and read aloud, and a statement that bids received after that
time will not be accepted;
(5) An address and cost information for obtaining
plans and specifications; and
(6) The addresses where plans and specifications
can be examined;
(c) The recipient shall reserve the right to:
(1) Reject any or all bids; and
(2) Waive any informalities or minor defects on
bids received; and
(f) If any addenda to the bid are needed, the
recipient shall:
(1) Submit the proposed addenda to the department
for review as much in advance of issuing it as possible;
(2) Consult with the department about any
comments or needed adjustments and refrain from issuing the addenda without
approval from the department, which shall be granted if the addenda meet the
criteria established in Env-Dw 1306.05(b); and
(3) Issue the approved addenda no less than 5
days prior to bid opening.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.07 Changes
to Contract Documents and Project Cost or Scope.
(a) After the contract documents have been
approved by the department, the recipient shall not make, allow, or authorize
any changes, modifications, or amendments to or departure from the approved
plans and specifications without the prior written approval of the department.
(b) A request to modify contract documents as
described in (a), above, shall:
(1) Identify each change for which approval is
sought;
(2) Explain the reason(s) for each change
requested, including an explanation of the operational or economic consequences
of the requested change(s) not being approved; and
(3) Explain how the request meets the criteria
specified in (d) or (e), below, as applicable.
(c) The department shall approve or deny the
request within 10 working days of receipt of a request that meets the criteria
of (b), above.
(d) The department shall approve one or more
changes in the contract documents if the recipient’s request demonstrates that
the change(s) are:
(1) Eligible costs that can be covered by the
existing financing arrangement, if there are any costs associated with the
change(s);
(2) Consistent with the goal(s) of the project;
and
(3) Protective of the health of the public served
by the recipient’s water system.
(e) The department shall approve a request for an
increase in project cost or scope if the following criteria are met:
(1) The
increased cost or scope was not reasonably foreseeable at the time the original
project proposal was submitted;
(2) The scope
of the project as modified is consistent with the original intent of the
financial assistance;
(3) The cost increase results in a total cost no
greater than the prevailing rate for the item to which the cost is attributable
such as, but not limited to, labor and materials;
(4) The item to which the cost increase is
attributable is an eligible cost; and
(5) If the recipient has sufficient monies
available at the time the request is filed to cover the proposed cost increase.
(f) The amount of funding provided from the DWGTF
shall be increased only by approval from the commission and a formal amendment
in writing from the department, with governor and council approval.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.08 Awarding
Construction Contracts.
(a) The recipient of financial assistance from
the DWGTF for a construction project shall comply with all applicable legal
procedures and other legal requirements in advertising for bids and awarding
the construction contract.
(b) The text of the construction contract
documents shall not vary from the text of the contract documents approved
pursuant to Env-Dw 1306.05, unless
a change has been approved pursuant to Env-Dw 1306.06.
(c) After receiving and reviewing bids, the
recipient shall select the lowest responsive bid or competitive quotation,
unless approval is requested and obtained from the department to award the
contract to a higher bid or quotation based on the lowest bid or quotation not being
from a responsible bidder.
(d)
The recipient shall request approval from the department to award the construction
contract by submitting the following in writing to the department:
(1) A revised estimate of eligible project costs;
(2) For loans and grants greater than $100,000,
monthly cash flow projections;
(3) Evidence of solicitation for bids or
competitive quotations;
(4) A tabulation of all bids that were received;
(5) A letter signed by the recipient’s authorized
representative indicating the contract value and the name of the bidder to whom
the contract is planned to be awarded;
(6) A copy of the bid proposal of the bidder to
whom the contract is planned to be awarded;
(7) If the bidder selected is not the lowest
bidder, an explanation of why the lowest bidder was not selected; and
(8) Certification that all necessary permits,
land acquisitions, and easements have been secured.
(e) The department shall approve the award of the
construction contract if it determines that all applicable requirements have
been met. The applicant shall not award
the construction contract until after it has received written approval to do so
from the department.
(f)
For all construction projects funded by the DWGTF program, following
receipt of approval from the department the recipient shall sign a construction
contract with the selected contractor.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.09 Recipient’s
Obligations for Inspections During Construction.
(a) During the construction phase of the project,
the recipient shall obtain the engineering or other inspection services necessary to
assure completion of the project in accordance with the financial assistance
agreement and the approved plans and specifications.
(b) After the construction contract is awarded,
the recipient shall provide for on-site inspections of the project by a
resident project representative that are sufficient to provide assurance to the
recipient and the department that the work is being performed in a satisfactory
manner in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, approved
alterations, and sound engineering principles and building practices.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.10 Department Inspections During Construction.
(a) The recipient shall allow the department to
inspect the project at any time in order to confirm
that:
(1) The materials furnished meet the approved
specifications; and
(2) The project is being built in accordance with
the approved plans and specifications and any approved alterations.
(b) In conjunction with project inspections, the
department shall:
(1) Inspect the materials that are visible at the
time of the inspection to determine compliance with the approved plans and
specifications; and
(2) Document the manner and progress of the
project, conditions relating to the materials furnished, and on the
contractor’s compliance with the approved plans and specifications for the
project.
(c) Inspections by the department shall not
release the contractor from any obligation to perform the work in accordance
with the requirements of the contract documents, nor shall such inspections
release the project engineer from determining compliance with the requirements
of the contract documents.
(d) The contractor and recipient shall provide
the department with such accommodations as needed for the department to
determine whether the work as performed is in accordance with the requirements
and intent of the contract.
(e) The department shall, as soon as practicable,
bring to the attention of the recipient and the resident project representative
any discrepancies between the approved plans and specifications and the actual
work observed of which it becomes aware through its inspections.
(f) Upon being notified of any such discrepancies,
the recipient and the resident project representative shall immediately:
(1) Initiate necessary action to rectify the
deficiencies; or
(2) Provide documentation to the department explaining
the reason(s) for the discrepancies and demonstrating that the installation
meets the applicable requirements.
(g) If the recipient’s resident project
representative is not able to demonstrate that the material furnished or work
performed conforms with the terms of the construction contract, the recipient
shall direct the resident project representative to reject questionable
materials and initiate other action provided for in the construction contract,
including suspension where necessary, until all disputed issues are resolved in
accordance with the terms of the construction contract.
Source. #12903, eff
10-23-19
Env-Dw 1306.11 Testing
During Construction.
(a) In addition to normal testing procedures
required of the recipient, the department shall require such additional tests
of building materials and processes as the department determines to be
necessary to demonstrate compliance with the approved plans and specifications
and any approved alterations thereto during the building of projects financed
in whole or in part by DWGTF funds.
(b) All tests, whether for the department or the
project engineer, shall conform to current American Water Works Association
standards as specified in Env-Dw 407, American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, American Society of
Testing and Materials, and the New Hampshire department of transportation
published procedures, or similar criteria, as applicable to the specific
materials and processes proposed by the recipient to be used in the
project.
(c) The department shall specify which tests are
applicable based on the specific materials and processes proposed by the
recipient to be used in the project.
Samples for testing shall be furnished free of cost to the department
upon request at the construction site.
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Env-Dw 1306.12 Construction Phase Submittal. During the construction phase of the project,
the recipient shall submit:
(a) A notice of completion of construction to the
department, upon completion of project construction; and
(b) Any other building phase submittals required
by the financial assistance documents to be submitted for the department's
approval.
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Env-Dw 1306.13 Final
Inspection and Review of Records.
(a) Upon completion of any project for which
financial assistance from the DWGTF has been provided, the applicant shall
furnish to the department written notification of completion.
(b) Upon receipt of such notification, or upon
project completion should notification not be furnished as required, and prior
to the department approving the final disbursement, the department shall:
(1) Confirm that the project has been completed
as contemplated in the financial assistance agreement, which shall include conducting
a final on-site inspection of the project, if necessary, with the recipient or
the recipient’s designee; and
(2) Review the recipient’s records relative to funds
furnished to the recipient from the DWGTF.
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PART Env-Dw 1307 WAIVERS
Env-Dw 1307.01 Purpose. The purpose of the rules in this part is to
accommodate situations in which strict compliance with all requirements
established by this chapter may not be in the best interests of the public or the DWGTF.
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Env-Dw 1307.02 Procedures.
(a) Any applicant or recipient who is or would be
directly and adversely affected by the strict application of a rule in Env-Dw 1300 may request a waiver thereof from the department.
(b) Each request for a waiver shall be filed in
writing by the authorized representative of the applicant or recipient, as
applicable.
(c) Each request for a waiver shall include the
information specified in Env-Dw 1307.03 and be signed
as required by Env-Dw 1307.04.
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Env-Dw 1307.03 Content
and Format of Requests. The person
requesting the waiver shall provide the following information to the department:
(a) The name, mailing address, and daytime
telephone number including area code of the requestor;
(b) The project to which the waiver request
relates; and
(c) For each waiver sought, the following:
(1) The number of the specific section of the
rules;
(2) A complete explanation of why a waiver is
being requested, including an explanation of the economic and operational
consequences of complying with the rule as written;
(3) If applicable, a full explanation of the
alternate(s) proposed to be substituted for the requirement in the rule,
including documentation or data, or both, to support the alternative;
(4) Whether the need for the waiver is
time-limited and, if so, the estimated length of time the waiver will be
needed; and
(5) A complete explanation of why the applicant
believes that having the waiver granted will meet the criteria in Env-Dw 1307.05.
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Env-Dw 1307.04 Signature
Required.
(a) The authorized representative of the
applicant or recipient that is requesting the waiver shall sign the request.
(b) The authorized representative’s signature
shall constitute certification that:
(1) The information provided is true, complete,
and not misleading to the best of the signer’s knowledge and belief;
(2) The signer understands that any waiver
granted based on false, incomplete, or misleading information is subject to
revocation; and
(3) The signer is subject to the penalties
specified in New Hampshire law for falsification in official matters, currently
RSA 641.
(c) If the signer is or is acting on behalf of a
listed engineer as defined in Env-C 502.10, the signature also shall constitute
certification that the signer understands that the submittal of false,
incomplete, or misleading information could constitute grounds for debarring
the listed engineer from the roster.
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Env-Dw 1307.05 Criteria.
(a) Subject to (b), below, the department shall
grant a waiver if:
(1) Granting the waiver, conditional upon
implementation of alternatives, if applicable, will result in circumstances
that are as protective of the public, the environment, and the integrity of the
DWGTF program as the requirements contained in this chapter;
(2) Granting the waiver, conditional upon
implementation of alternatives, if applicable, will not adversely impact the
department’s obligations under RSA 485-F; and
(3) Strict adherence to the rule would not be in
the best interest of the public, the environment, or the DWGTF.
(b)
No waiver shall be granted if the effect of the waiver would be to waive
or modify a state or federal statutory requirement, including but not limited
to any requirement of RSA 486, RSA 485, or the federal SDWA, unless:
(1) Such statute or grant expressly provides that the requirement may be waived
or modified; and
(2) In the case of a federal statute, EPA does
not object to granting the waiver.
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Env-Dw
1307.06 Decisions.
(a) The department shall notify the person
requesting the waiver of its decision in writing within 30 calendar days of receiving
a complete request. If the request is
denied, the department shall specify the reason(s) for the denial in the
notice.
(b)
The department shall include such conditions in a waiver as are
necessary to ensure that the criteria specified in Env-Dw
1307.05 are met, including if applicable the
implementation of alternatives.
(c)
If the need for a waiver is temporary, the waiver shall specify the date
on which it will expire.
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Appendix A:
State Statutes Implemented
|
Rule Section(s) |
State
Statute(s) Implemented |
|
Env-Dw
1300 (see below for additional statute for specific part) |
RSA 485-F |
|
Env-Dw
1307 |
RSA 541-A:22, IV |
Appendix B:
Statutory Definitions
RSA 485:1-a
XIV-a. “Privately
owned redistribution system” means a system for the provision of piped water
for human consumption which does not meet the definition of public water system
under paragraph XV, and meets all the following criteria: (1) obtains all of
its water from, but is not owned or operated by, a public water system; (2) serves
a population of at least 25 people, 10 household units, or 15 service
connections, whichever is fewest, for at least 60 days per year; and (3) has
exterior pumping facilities, not including facilities used to reduce pressure,
or exterior storage facilities which are not part of building plumbing.
XV. “Public water system” means a system for the
provision to the public of piped water for human consumption,
if such system has at least 15 service connections or regularly serves
an average of at least 25 individuals daily at least 60 days out of the year.
Such term includes (1) any collection, treatment, storage, and distribution
facilities under control of the operator of such system and used primarily in
connection with such system, and (2) any collection or pretreatment storage
facilities not under such control which are used primarily in connection with
such system. Any water system which meets all of the
following conditions is not a public water system:
(a) Consists only of distribution and storage
facilities (and does not have any collection and treatment facilities);
(b) Obtains all of its
water from, but is not owned or operated by, a public water system; and
(c) Does not sell water to any person.