PROJECT INFORMATION:
The town of Sinclair is an incorporated municipality with a population of 500. The town and the
Sinclair Refinery share a common water system. The water treatment and distribution system for
the town of Sinclair is operated by the Sinclair Refinery. The town has identified several deficiencies
in their supply and distribution system. The existing 75,000 gallon tank was constructed in
1924 and is badly corroded. In 1993, the town requested funding for a water supply master plan to
assess present/future needs and to evaluate the entire water system that was constructed seven
decades ago.
A Level I master plan water supply study was completed by the WWDC in 1996. This study
indicated that the treatment plant, tank and transmission and distribution lines need to be upgraded.
The town and refinery have an agreement for the operation and maintenance of the water system.
The town owns the water right. For the use of 90% of the water, the refinery pays up to $15,000 for
operation and maintenance of the water system per year. The water system consists of a
pretreatment unit which is located at the river. The water is run through a final treatment plant that
purifies the water. Most of the refinery's 90% does not need to be potable. Therefore, they are not
interested in the final treatment of the water. In addition to technical issues, the study will focus on
resolving the fair share project cost for the refinery and the sponsor. The project was delayed and
placed in a Level II - Hold status pending resolution of institutional issues between the town of
Sinclair, the Sinclair Refinery, and the city of Rawlins that has never been fully resolved.
The town of Sinclair requested a 1999 Level II water supply master plan study to provide additional
information to the Level I study completed in 1996 for their use in prioritizing their system's
rehabilitation.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action required.
