Wyoming Legislature
Committee Meeting Summary of Proceedings

Select Water Committee

May 29, 2003                                                                          Room 302, Capitol Building

                                                                                                            Cheyenne, Wyoming

PRESENT:       Senator Gerald Geis, Chairman

                        Senators Bill Barton, Rich Cathcart, Laness Northrup and Bill Vasey.

                        Representatives Kurt Bucholz, Ross Diercks, Layton Morgan, Owen Petersen and Frank Philp.

                        Legislative Service Office:  Mark Quiner, Assistant Director.

                        Wyoming Water Development Office: Mike Besson, Director.

                        Others:  See Appendix "A".

ABSENT:        Senator Rae Lynn Job; Representative Rodney "Pete" Anderson.

* * * * * * * * * * *

A joint meeting of the Select Water Committee and the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) was called to order at 8:30 a.m.  The order of the meeting generally followed the prepared agenda, see Appendix "B".

The following is a summary of Committee proceedings arranged by topic.  Copies of all contracts, amendments and other materials referred to in these minutes which are not attached as exhibits are on file in the Legislative Service Office.

WWDC STORAGE ANALYSES

Ms. Jody Pavlica and Mr. Phil Ogle of the Water Development Office gave a presentation on the study of reservoirs and their capacity.  Shortages identified by river basin plans were analyzed to determine the amount of storage required.  Groundwater recharge potential was considered.  The study is considering potential sites for increasing water storage, either by building new dams or expanding existing storage facilities.

Mr. David Little of the Denver Water Board provided a presentation on learning to live with the federal regulatory process when attempting to permit a water storage facility.  He provided the history behind the Two Forks Water Storage Project in Colorado which was ultimately vetoed by the EPA.  Mr. Little gave advice on what Colorado learned during that process.

Mr. Lance Cook of the Wyoming State Geological Survey gave a presentation on coalbed methane (CBM) development in the Powder River Basin and its impact.  He indicated there could be 32,000 CBM wells by 2011.  He provided information on the porosity of coal and how water is stored in a coalbed seam.  He indicated that 2009 would be the peak of CBM production and the accompanying water production.  His modeling shows 65 to 70% of CBM water produced will re-infiltrate into the ground.  Groundwater supplies can fully recharge within 50 years following production.

Mr. Jim Case of the Wyoming State Geological Survey gave a presentation on the geological impacts of CBM development and how his office provides data to the oil and gas industry and water planners as a result of the impact.  To better provide information, he suggested that all newly permitted wells use GPS to determine the exact location of the wells for better data collection.

CONTRACT AMENDMENTS

Following explanation by Mr. Besson, the Committee approved the following project contract amendments:

• Dubois Water Supply Study, Level II Interim Amendment
• Lander Paleozoic Well Siting Study, Level II Interim Amendment

PLANNING DIVISION CONTRACTS

Following explanation by Mr. Besson, the Committee approved the following planning division contract documents:

·        Beulah Mast Plan, Level I

·        Cokeville Reservoir, Level I

• Platte-Goshen Regional Master Plan, Level I
• Kirby Creek Watershed Plan, Level I
• Kennington Springs Master Plan, Level I
• North Canal-Grover, Level I  
• Owl Creek Master Plan, Level I
• River Basin Planning Facilitator 
• Bridger Valley Reservoir, Level II
• Canyon/Sunset Newcastle Area Water Supply, Level II 
• Saratoga Groundwater, Level II   
• South Garden Creek, Level II   
• Ten Sleep Water Supply, Level II
• Alta Groundwater Supply, Level II
• Guernsey Hydraulic Study, Level II
• Midvale Conservation Program, Level II
• Lake Hattie Outlet Works, Level II 
• Ranchester Master Plan, Level II
• Clear Creek #1 and #2, Wagonhound Creek and Dry Fork Little Big Horn ISF
• High Savery Mitigation Monitoring

GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION GRANT PROGRAM

Mr. Besson explained the groundwater exploration grant program which fosters the exploration and expansion of groundwater.  The City of Cheyenne is applying for a grant to expand a well north of town.  Due to the drought, the city is being forced to consider other means of water supply.  Following discussion, the WWDC approved the grant.

BIG HORN REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY STUDY, LEVEL II

Mr. Besson and Mr. Kevin Boyce of the Water Development Office explained the need to obtain access across privately owned lands to drill a well on BLM land.  Two landowners are demanding certain conditions before access is granted.  Ms. Jane Caton of the Attorney General's Office explained the proposed agreements as well as the proposed condemnation proceedings for an easement if there is no agreement for access.  Ms. Caton explained that the DOT begins with proposed agreements but also includes proposed condemnation proceedings if no agreement is reached.  Following discussion, WWDC approved the agreements.

NEXT MEETING

The next joint meeting will be held on August 20 and 21, 2003 in Saratoga with an accompanying tour of the High Savery Dam Project.

ADJOURNEMNT

The meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Senator Gerald E. Geis, Chairman