DEQ releases sampling results summary regarding the Gillette-Madison Wellfield Project

On February 20, 2018, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Water Quality Division (WQD) released a summary of sampling results for the Gillette-Madison Wellfield Project.In August of 2017, DEQ/WQD received notification of water quantity and quality issues for two existing and two deeper, replacement private domestic wells located 18 miles northeast of the Town of Moorcroft, Wyoming.  The two existing domestic wells which had previously produced water had gone dry and the two deeper replacement wells had identified low pH (< 4 s.u.).

A public meeting was held on October 12, 2017 in the Town of Moorcroft to answer questions on the recent water quality/quantity issues.  

DEQ/WQD mobilized water sampling crews to the study area on October 25, 2017. A total of 55 locations were sampled and analyzed for the analytes identified in the Gillette Madison Well Field Private Water Well Sampling List (Click here to view).  Of the 55 locations, 32 were domestic wells, 12 were identified as domestic/stock wells, 10 were stock wells and one location was a spring. 

All private well owners are being provided with their water quality results and the agency will be working with them to address any questions or concerns.

An advisory group consisting of an Executive Committee and three working groups has been established to investigate the water quality and quantity concerns of private well owners in the study area.  The Executive Committee consists of one representative each from DEQ, Water Development Office, State Engineers Office, Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and the City of Gillette. The DEQ representative is the chairperson of the executive committee.  In addition, the advisory group has hired an independent consultant to assist with the data review and investigation.

To view the summary, please click here

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