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2002 LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Active Projects

PROJECT INFORMATION:
In 2000, BRS Inc. completed a Level II investigation of ground water potential for a municipal water supply in the southern Big Horn Basin. Eight (8) well sites were investigated within the southern Big Horn Basin that could potentially yield abundant (>500gpm), good quality (<500 mg/l TDS) water. These sites were chosen on the basis of geologic structure, drilling depths, geothermal gradient, distance from known geothermal activity, accessibility, and potential ground water quality. An extensive review of ground water data within the southern Big Horn Basin reveals that the most likely aquifer to yield abundant, good quality water is from the Paleozoic-age Madison-Big Horn Aquifer system. A secondary target aquifer, that is deemed viable in the study, is the Cambrian-age Flathead Sandstone.

Of the sites considered, a location at the Wild Horse Anticline (13 miles east of Thermopolis) and a location at the Buffalo Creek monocline (6.5 miles SE of Thermopolis) both ranked as top choices. A test well was commenced September 21, 2001 at the Wild Horse Anticline site as a Madison-Big Horn Aquifer completion. Production yield and water quality results from this test drilling site are anticipated to be available by mid-November 2001. The original intent of ground water exploration in Hot Springs County was to establish a southern basin well field capable of providing yield to match or exceed maximum daily use requirements of potential Hot Springs County users (including the town of Thermopolis) and provide a supplemental supply to other users to the north if and when needed. One well would not feasibly nor reliably meet this requirement. Therefore, it is the Big Horn Rural Joint Powers Board wish to pursue the second drill test.

The continued Level II study will also include determining the feasibility of expanding joint powers service area in Big Horn County; with a conceptual look at routing regional-sized conveyance through south Big Horn County to Greybull. Potential rural users who have shown interest in regional supply are Greybull River users SW of Greybull and users west of Basin to the area centered at Otto. The town of Burlington may also benefit from regional supply and rural users beyond Burlington at Emblem may fall in a feasible service area.

RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be continued in the New Development program at Level II with an appropriation of $675,000 to include test well drilling.