PROJECT INFORMATION:
The Town of Elk Mountain has a population of approximately 250, and
serves 88 taps, including the Wyoming Transportation Department, the
school, and several commercial users through their municipal water
system.
The town's current water supply is comprised of two wells. Well #1 was
drilled in 1964 about 3/4 mile from town as an oil exploration well and
flows from 0 to 20 gpm. The casing is in poor condition and allows
entry of hydrocarbons from zones above the water producing zone. The
second well is three (3) miles from town and is inaccessible for several
months of the year. This well was drilled in 1979, and is 2,400 feet
deep. The 6 inch PVC and Permastrand conveyance line from the well to
the storage tanks east of town has been ruptured several times by
landslides. The pipeline and well #2 seem to be contaminated with iron
bacteria. A portion of the hole below the bottom of the casing in well
#2 has collapsed.
In 1994, a Level I Water Supply Master Plan for the Town of Elk Mountain
was conducted. The report recommended that a new well be drilled near
the existing water storage tanks.
In 1995, a good well was constructed and conceptual designs and cost
estimates were prepared for the facilities necessary to connect the new
well to the town's water supply system. The total project cost,
including engineering and contingency, is estimated at approximately
$535,000, which includes the Level II well costs ($200,000),
modifications to the system to incorporate the new well ($129,000), and
improvements to the tanks and transmission system ($100,500). The
recommended project includes the new well, a control building,
telemetry, plugging the defective well No. 1, upgrading the existing
tanks, tank piping, installation of cathodic protection for the tanks,
and appurtenances.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be advanced in the New Development
Program to Level III status with an appropriation of $335,000. The
recommended financing plan includes a 67% grant and a 33% loan (4%, 20
years). In addition, the sponsor will be required to reimburse the WWDC
for 33% of the Level II well construction costs ($66,000, 4%, 20 years).