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STAR VALLEY REGIONAL MASTER PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Prepared for: Wyoming Water Development Commission

Prepared by: Sunrise Engineering, Inc.

PO Box 609 Afton, WY 83110

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ExECUTIVE SUMMARY

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Prepa red By:

SuruRrsE EructruEERING, INc.

Afton, WY 83110

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In Cooperation with:

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Boyle Engineering, Inc.

Lakewood, CO 80228

Harvey Economics

Denver, CO 80246

Rendezvous Engineering

Jackson, WY 83001

Collins Planning Associates

Jackson, WY 83001

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Star Valley Regional Master Plan Level I Study was commissioned by the Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) and sponsored by Lincoln County. The intent of the study was to investigate the potential of creating a regional water system to serve the population of the Star Valley area.

Results of the study indicate that the most feasible alternative is to develop two regional systems, one for the Upper Valley area and one for the Lower Valley. The estimated cost of constructing the Upper Valley and Lower Valley regional water systems are 11,000,000 and 17,780,000, respectively. The financial analysis indicates that in most cases the estimated increase in user fees in the form of monthly water rates and new user connection fees would be reasonable. This is based on the assumption that the projects will be funded using 67%/33% grant and loan combination from WWDC.

This study is a master plan for developing the Star Valley Upper Valley and Lower Valley Regional water systems. Future studies of specific areas in the valley are recommended. The regional system may not be constructed all at once, but regionalization may begin with smaller projects that work within the framework established in this study.

1.1 GENERAL STUDY LOCATION

Star Valley lies in north Lincoln County, Wyoming. The valley is approximately 45 miles long and 3 to 5 miles wide. Star Valley is geographically divided into upper and lower valley regions by an area known as the "narrows"; a several mile long section where the east and west mountains which border the valley come together leaving only a narrow floodplain where the Salt River passes through. Total population of Star Valley is estimated to be 12,600. The elevation of the valley floor varies from approximately 6,200 feet above sea level near Smoot at the southern end of Star Valley to approximately 5,800 feet at Alpine at the northern end of the valley.

1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY

Nineteen of the twenty-one Star Valley public water systems are studied in depth. The background of each system was investigated; the systems were mapped in a Geographical Information System (GIS); and the sources, storage capacity, water quality, water rights, and distribution systems were evaluated. A report for each system was prepared and is included in two separate binders with the title "Water System Investigation and Evaluations." All of the systems studied are designated public water systems by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and are listed below.

SUNRISE ENGINEERING ? STAR VALLEY REGIONAL MASTER PLAN

1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE 1.1 ? EXISTING WATER SYSTEMS INVESTIGATED

UPPER VALLEY SYSTEMS

Greater Smoot Water and Sewer District Kennington Springs Pipeline Company Fairview Water and Sewer District Osmond Pipeline Company Happy Valley Pipeline Company Westview Service and Improvement District Town of Afton Grover Water and Sewer District

LOWER VALLEY SYSTEMS

Turnerville Water and Sewer District Bedford Water and Sewer District Town of Thayne Town of Star Valley Ranch Leisure Valley, Inc. Freedom Water and Sewer District Etna Water and Sewer District Trail Ridge Subdivision Town of Alpine North Star Utility North Alpine Special Service District

This study also looks at the future population of the valley and projects future water demands. Using this data, regional water system alternatives are examined and a proposed regional water system layout is presented. An economic analysis of the proposed layout is also performed to determine the financial feasibility of a regional system.

Also included is a section on the impact that septic systems and leach fields might have on Star Valley ground water quality.

1.3 PREVIOUS STUDIES

There have been many water studies conducted over the years for the communities in Star Valley. The WWDC reports that it and the Legislature have funded over 25 studies in the valley over the last 30 years. Many of the studies have originated because of water quality problems resulting from source issues and from outdated, dilapidated systems.

2.0 EVALUTION OF EXISTING SYSTEMS

Site visits were conducted for each of the existing systems. During the initial visit an interview with the system operator was conducted where system information was gathered. System construction plans and previous water studies were also collected from engineering firms who designed the systems and conducted earlier water studies in the area. Water study documents were also acquired through the Wyoming Water Development Commission. Water rights data was gathered from the Wyoming State Engineers Office.

Water source and storage analysis was conducted using guidelines provided by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ, 2006). Pressure and flow information was calculated using H2O Net Water Modeling Software.

SUNRISE ENGINEERING ? STAR VALLEY REGIONAL MASTER PLAN

2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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