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.
The Level II Study was completed in July 2001. Previous to completion however, lengthy
negotiations occurred between the town, Sinclair Refining, and the EPA ( The Town was under EPA
Administrative Order procedures for exceeding turbidity standards). Ultimately, Sinclair Refining
agreed to upgrade the N. Platte River treatment plant such that the entire stream originating at the
plant would meet EPA primary drinking water standards except for disinfection and final filtration.
The town's responsibility in this "partnership" is to pursue improvements including increased
storage, a new transmission line, distribution system upgrades, and a 0.5 MGD treatment
(filtration/disinfection) facility in town.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends the project be incorporated in the New Development program and
advanced to Level III construction with a grant-only request for an appropriation of $672,500.
