Bighorn Regional
The Bighorn Regional Groundwater, Level II study is a groundwater exploration and development study funded by the Wyoming Water Development Commission. The first phase of the project was implemented to develop a groundwater source supply for the Bighorn Regional Joint Power Board (BHRJPB) in the southern BighornBasin. The area of interest has since changed to finding a source supply in the northeastern BighornBasin.
BUFFALO CREEK WELL NO. 2 EVALUATION AND MONITORING PROGRAM
Buffalo Creek Well No. 2 was drilled and constructed during the 2000 Bighorn Regional Groundwater study. However, due to lost circulation problems the well was not developed sufficiently and the aquifer testing program was inconclusive. WESTON contractors mobilized a well development rig to the site in early 2006. The well was subsequently redeveloped and a 30-day pump test was conducted in March 2006. In order to monitor potential impacts on existing area wells and the Thermopolis Hot Springs, WESTON developed a detailed plan to monitor the impact of pump testing Buffalo Creek Well No. 2 during the long-term pump test. The plan included installing equipment and monitoring eleven wells and springs in the area.
MADISON AQUIFER WELL SITING STUDIES
The first well siting study investigated the potential for developing a high-yield, high-quality municipal water supply well or wellfield in the southern BighornBasin near Thermopolis that could be used to supplement water supplies to the BHRJPB system. Although four potential well sites were identified within the 300 square mile study area, the decision was made by WWDC and the project sponsor not to drill at any of the sites. The second well siting study conducted by WESTON investigated the potential for developing a well or wellfield in the northeastern BighornBasin. WESTON developed a comprehensive map of geologic structures and other pertinent data in the 1,000 square mile study area. During a series of meetings with the BHRJPB, a preferred well site near the Town of Greybull was selected
TEST WELL DRILLING AND TESTING PROGRAMS
BHRJPB Test Well No. 1 was drilled and tested during the summer of 2008. However, insufficient flow from the well did not warrant placing the well into the existing water supply system. A new location approximately one mile southeast of the original test well was drilled in 2009 and testing was completed in 2010. The well is expected to produce 1,200 gpm.
BURLINGTON-OTTO RURAL WATER USERS STUDY
WESTON contacted area water users in the Burlington-Otto area to determine the level of interest and need by rural residents in joining the BHRJPB system. The project was completed under budget in May of 2011.