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 is operated by the 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 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
annually pays up to $15,000 for operation and maintenance of the water system. 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 wateruse 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, the refinery, and the EPA ( The Town was under EPA
Administrative Order procedures for exceeding turbidity standards). Ultimately, the refinery and
town agreed to upgrade the North Platte River treatment plant to meet EPA primary drinking
water standards. The town's responsibility is to pursue improvements including increased storage,
a new transmission line, distribution system upgrades, and the installation of a 0.5 MGD
treatment (filtration/disinfection) facility to provide resident drinking water.
The town has subsequently entered into an agreement with the City of Rawlins to provide a
regional water supply system which will forego it's need for water treatment plant improvements.
Design and construction of the pipelines and storage facility will be completed in the winter of
2003.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
No legislative action required.
