By Kimberly Mazza
Statewide, Wyo. – Groundwater and all things related to this section’s responsibilities will be a featured track of presentations at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Water Quality Division’s (WQD) first annual Wyoming Water Quality Conference October 17 – 18, 2023 at the University of Wyoming Conference Center in Laramie, Wyoming.
Groundwater is one of the four tracks that will be covered at the upcoming two-day conference. Other tracks include, Wyoming Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WYPDES), Water and Wastewater (W&WW), and Watershed Protection.
Water Quality Division GPC Geology Supervisor Nicole Twing and UIC Geology Supervisor Justin Scott have been developing various Groundwater related talks that will provide important information for counties, municipalities, the public, and the regulated community.
“Our goal is to assist communities with information regarding our rules, guidance, and processes to assist the regulated community with efficiently permitting projects while also protecting the environment,” states Nicole. “We will also provide examples on how the DEQ has helped communities with groundwater concerns through special projects such as the Hoback Fire and the Gillette Madison.
Several staff members will be involved bringing their expertise on sensitive aquifers, ambient sampling, and an overview of Chapter 8 Water Quality Standards. “Staff will present on monitoring well installation, plugging and abandonment, septic system maintenance, and Class I and Class V well permitting,” says Scott.
A topic that will be of interest to the general public at the conference is “Know Your Well.” “Know Your Well” is a featured DEQ program that provides information to those who own a private well. “When you have a private well, it is the responsibility of the well owner to maintain it. In addition, the water quality of a private well is only known if the well owner tests it. Our role at the DEQ is to provide private well owners with information and resources to properly maintain and test their wells,” notes Nicole.
Class V permitting and setback distances, large capacity septic systems and monitoring requirements are on the list of topics in addition to UIC permitting. Demonstrations and training for WaterSTAR, the WQD’s online data program will wrap up the Groundwater sessions.
“This conference will offer an enormous amount of information and touch every sector of the Groundwater Section’s responsibilities,” adds Justin. “We encourage the pubic and interested parties to take advantage of this opportunity and attend.”
To find more information and register go to the Wyoming Water Quality Conference website (https://deq.wyoming.gov/water-quality/water-quality-conference/ ). It is encouraged to periodically check the website for updates and new information.