A Question about Departure Procedures at KLRU The Las Cruces International Airport has the following text in the Takeoff Minimums and ODP document:


  LAS CRUCES, NM
  
  LAS CRUCES INTL (LRU)
   TAKEOFF MINIMUMS AND (OBSTACLE)
  DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
  AMDT 2 16231 (FAA)
  TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: Rwys 4, 8, 12, 22, 26, 30, 2500-3
  for climb in visual conditions.
  
  VCOA: All runways, obtain ATC approval for climb in visual
  conditions when requesting IFR clearance. Climb in visual
  conditions to cross Las Cruces Intl southwest bound at or
  above 6500 on CUS VOR/DME R-038 to ZAXOX INT/
  DMN 27 DME. Continue climb in ZAXOX holding pattern
  (hold W, right turns, 094° inbound) to cross ZAXOX at or
  above MEA or assigned altitude for route of flight


What I don't understand is if these procedures are optional or required.  While I understand that part 91 doesn't have to abide by Takeoff minimums and ODPs, would a commercial carrier be expected to do the VCOA?  In IFR training they said VCOAs can be requested but not offered by ATC.  Would a commercial carrier be expected to do the VCOA or could they do a Diverse Departure?  Also do the Takeoff minimums only apply to the VCOA?

Link to document Here
The only takeoff departure at Las Crucas, NM (KLRU) is a visual climb over airfield (VCOA).  

Typically you would depart the airport and visually see and avoid the obstacles around the airport while you climb.  If you are in IMC conditions (at this airport) you need 2500' ceilings and 3SM visibility to circle and climb above the airfield.  In essence, the procedure is for you to avoid the obstacles while you are climbing in a confined space.  

ATC wants to know about your intentions of flying VCOA so they can plan accordingly.  It is one thing to climb over the airfield to the MEA vs. reaching the MEA 30NM from the airport.

From AIM 5-2-7


  A VCOA procedure is a departure option for an IFR aircraft, operating in VMC conditions equal to or greater than the specified visibility and ceiling, to visually conduct climbing turns over the airport to the published "climb-to" altitude from which to proceed with the instrument portion of the departure.  VCOA procedures are developed to avoid obstacles greater than 3 SM from the departure end of the runway as an alternative to complying with climb gradients greater than 200 FPNM.  Pilots are responsible to advise ATC as early as possible of the intent to fly the VOCA option prior to departure.