PROJECT INFORMATION:
In 1989, the WWDC funded a study to supply water to Oakley subdivision
from Kemmerer through a two mile pipeline. In 1990 the study was expanded
to include an eleven mile line from Oakley to Opal. At that time Opal
was under an EPA order for fluoride problems. The Phase II and III
Executive Summaries give the basic details of the 1990 studies. From
these reports, the residents determined that the costs were too high for
these projects and they did not advance to Level III.
In 1999, the town of Opal (with support from Oakley) again requested another
feasibility study for a water line from Kemmerer/Diamondville Joint Powers
Board (JPB) hookup to Opal via Oakley. In addition to providing water to
outlying subdivisions, this additional water would be of better quality than
water currently used by Opal. Some of Opal's current water wells have elevated
levels of naturally occurring fluoride. The proposed pipeline would provide
higher quality water to be commingled with the town's water to reduce the
amount of fluoride.
The Environmental Protection Agency currently indicates that it intends to
implement regulations on Opal for exceeding total coliform bacteria levels,
failure to take sufficient samples, failure to provide public notice, and
failure to report to EPA.
RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE ACTION:
The WWDC recommends that the project be incorporated into the New Development
Program at Level II status with a proposed appropriation of $50,000 to conduct
an updated cost analysis of a pipeline from the Kemmerer/Diamondville JPB hookup
to the town of Opal via the Oakley Subdivision.
