Subdivision Permitting Services
WESTON routinely provides geologic and engineering services for subdivision permitting throughout Wyoming. We are intimately familiar with the DEQ-WQD rules and regulations for subdivision applications. The investigation required by the DEQ-WQD for the determination of wastewater disposal adequacy, evaluation of surface water and groundwater protection, and the determination of water supply suitability covers most, if not all, of the requirements for county planning agencies. However, as part of our subdivision permitting services, WESTON coordinates with the county planning department to insure that any country-specific regulations are addressed as part of the subdivision permit application. Additionally, before accepting the final plat counties require that the DEQ-WQD report be approved.
A brief description of WESTON’s typical Scope of Services for Completing the wastewater and water supply portions of a subdivision application for approval by the DEQ-WQD is outlined below.
Evaluation of On-Site Wastewater Disposal Adequacy
Following an initial consultation with our client to determine the planned uses for the subdivision, WESTON develops estimates of the types and volumes of wastewater to be disposed of on-site In order to evaluate disposal adequacy for on-site septic systems, the most typical disposal method for most rural Wyoming subdivisions, the initial step is to prepare a custom soil resource report using the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) online soil mapping tool. The DEQ-WQD requires one set of percolation tests (3 holes) per mapped soil type or for every three proposed lots.
Percolation tests, which can be performed by the client or by WESTON must conducted in accordance with Chapter 25 of the DEQ Rules and Regulations, “Septic Tank and/or Soil Absorption Systems and Other Small Wastewater Systems”. To meet the DEQ-WQD requirements, a deep (10 Feet) test pit excavation must be dug and inspected at each perc test site to determine whether adequate separation exists between the bottom of the possible leach field and groundwater and/or impermeable soils or bedrock. The locations of the test pits and the percolation test holes are determined from an on-site visit and in consultation with the developer. While on site, WESTON visually inspects the proposed lots to ensure that ground slopes are suitable for on-site leach fields and that adequate space exists for replacement fields.
Evaluation of Surface and Groundwater Protection
WESTON utilizes USGS mapping of the proposed subdivision and all areas within one mile to identify surface water resources that have the potential to be impacted by wastewater disposal systems at the proposed subdivision. WESTON also conducts a survey of permitted water wells within one mile of the proposed development and plots the wells on the USGS base map. Copies of the Statement of Completion for all existing wells within the bounds of the subdivision are obtained if they exist.
A literature search is conducted to define the surface and subsurface geology and to provide background hydrogeologic data. This information, coupled with site-specific data, is used to characterize the subsurface. Water quality samples are collected from an existing on-site water supply well, if such a well exists, or a nearby well for laboratory analysis for DEQ-WQD required analytes. The water quality data are used to determine the groundwater classification in the area. All of these data are used to determine whether the aquifer will or will not be impacted by the on-site disposal of wastewater.
The data from the on-site investigations and the wastewater generation estimates are used to predict the fate of the wastewater to determine whether groundwater and surface water will be adequately protected. To demonstrate adequate protection WESTON utilizes the DEQ-WQD Wehrman nitrate fate model.
Determination of Water Supply Suitability
WESTON generates estimated water supply demands based upon the proposed property uses. According to the current DEQ-WQD policy, any proposed development with more than 5 lots requires a well in one of the lots for the purpose of pump testing and water quality sampling. If no well exists within the bounds of the proposed subdivision it is up to the developer to contract with a Wyoming-licensed well driller to drill a new well. When selecting a driller and developing a scope of work, it must be ensured that the work includes conducting a pump test with a duration of 24 hours and collecting recovery data. The pumping rate must be greater than or equal to 150 percent of the total predicted demands of the proposed subdivision. As part of our services, WESTON assists in discussing drilling and testing requirements with well drilling contractors selected by the developer.
Before drilling a well, a permit for appropriate groundwater must be obtained from the SEO. At the present time, it may take four to eight weeks to obtain a well permit from the SEO. Although it is assumed that the owner will pay for the well permit WESTON can prepare the permit applications. If a new well is installed in the proposed subdivision, the water quality samples mentioned above will need to be collected at the end of the 24 hour pump test. As part of our services, WESTON assists with oversight of the pump test and collects the water quality samples at the conclusion of the test.
WESTON conducts a survey of surface and groundwater rights on the property and provides recommendations for abandonment, detachment, or transfer when the property is subdivided as required by State statute. Forms will be prepared for required documents. If necessary, WESTON will address any mitigation efforts that will be needed if the wells will potentially interfere with other appropriators.
Permit Application
WESTON provides five copies of the subdivision permit application in a format suitable for submission to the County and DEQ-WQD. We also respond to any comments provided by the DEQ-WQD or the County Planning Office in order to insure that the permit application is successful.
Recent Successful Subdivision Applications Prepared by WESTON
- Reserve At Horse Creek, near Cheyenne
- Waterman Subdivision, near Cheyenne
- Sage Park Subdivision, near Glenrock
- Sunburst Acres Subdivision, south of Casper
- Hartland Ranch Subdivision, near Douglas
- Anderson Subdivision, south of Laramie
- Paddocks Subdivision, south of Laramie
- Asay-Strom Subdivision, south of Laramie
- Laramie Ridge Estates, Laramie