LEDC Asks for Action to Protect Laramie’s Water Source

As the Laramie Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) continually works to bring new businesses to Laramie, they use our town's resources as a big selling point. One of those resources is the Casper Aquifer, which provides the City of Laramie with 60% to 100% of its drinking water depending on the year. Some of our water also comes from the Laramie River, but the aquifer provides much cleaner water and requires little treatment. The Wyoming Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee and the Governor's Office are currently discussing a proposal to purchase a large portion of the aquifer recharge area east of Laramie, which would help to protect the aquifer from contamination. LEDC mentioned that:

This proposal is our opportunity to protect and preserve. Although details of the proposal are still under development, the concept is for the state to purchase this land for the specific purpose of aquifer protection, while also preserving this open space for public and recreational access.

The land would actually be turned into a state park according to LEDC Director, Gaye Stockman. While it would cost the state a significant amount of money to purchase the land as it is now private, it was mentioned to use that Gillette recently spent around 200 million dollars to have clean water piped into their community. The cost to purchase the aquifer would be much less than dealing with a contaminated water source and having to find an alternative. As an added bonus, Laramie would get a new state park out of the land deal as well.

Because of the Casper Aquifer's ground level access, experts caution that this aquifer is extraordinarily vulnerable to contamination. It is directly exposed at the surface and is heavily fractured and faulted. Without continuing special care and attention to the development of this land, contaminants could move quickly from the surface to drinking water supply wells. Gary Crum, LEDC's Board Chair, mentioned that this is probably not something we will see results from in our lifetime, but it will make a difference for our kids and grandkids.

Gaye Stockman also said that Laramie's clean source of water can be a big attraction for businesses in the future. Because the water is so clean, businesses that would look to use it can do so without having to heavily treat the water.

Obviously it is not a joking matter when it comes to a town's water source and this is why LEDC is asking for help. They encourage all concurring citizens and businesses of Laramie and Albany County to contact members of the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) to ask them to support the Casper Aquifer land purchase proposal. You can find your local representative's contact information below:

Senators Representatives Representatives

Phil Nicholas, Chairman Rosie Berger, Chairman Bryan Pedersen

Laramie Big Horn Cheyenne

Work: 307-742-7140 Home: 307-672-7600 Cell: 307-630-1618

nicholas@wyolegal.com rberger@wyoming.com bpedersen@wyoming.com

John Hastert Amy Edmonds William "Jeb" Steward

Green River Cheyenne Encampment

Home: 307-871-1001 Cell: 307-214-8126 Cell: 307-329-6116

Jhastert2@wyoming.com aedmonds@wyoming.com jebsteward@union-tel.com

Curt Meier Ken Esquibel Sue Wallis

LaGrange Cheyenne Recluse

Work: 307-834-2344 Cell: 307-630-6096 Cell: 307-680-8515