On Monday, March 27 the Laramie Planning and Zoning Commission voted against proposed changes to the Casper Aquifer Protection Plan, which would have opened doors for construction on land near the Casper Aquifer.
Derek Teini, Planning Manager for the City of Laramie, said that the city looked closely at the current prohibited activity list and considered changes that would allow for various building projects.
“I think that in [the city council meeting] they noted the fact of increased risk to the aquifer and long-term protection goals,” Teini said. “The Planning Commission agreed.”
Teini said that changes were proposed because the protected area is appealing to businesses and home developers.
“That is what drives these sorts of issues,” Teini said.
Some of the proposed development included businesses that use and store hazardous materials that have the potential to contaminate drinking water.
“We have to find a reasonable balance with the city which will allow certain types of development while protecting our groundwater,” Teini said.
Darren Parkin, the Water Resources Administrator for the City of Laramie, said that the protection of Laramie’s water is the prominent concern.
“The Environmental Advisory Committee takes a pretty conservative approach to water issues,” Parkin said. “There was a lot of concern and they weren’t comfortable about certain aspects of development. The EAC voted unanimously against changing.”
Teini said the next step is for this decision to be sent to the city council.
Parkin said the protection of Laramie’s water will continue to be the EAC’s primary concern.
“The number one thing is that the city of Laramie takes its water source and quality seriously,” Parkin said. “We’re going to continue to make efforts to protect that long term. That’s where the beginning of this plan, all the way from 2001, started. That same principle is present today.”
