Council approves first reading of Casper Aquifer Protection overlay text amendments

The Laramie City Council approved Original Ordinance No. 2,099 on first reading Feb. 18, adopting text amendments to the Casper Aquifer Protection overlay zone in Title 15 that staff said implement the jointly adopted city–county aquifer protection plan.

Director Tini summarized the history: the city and Albany County have adopted three aquifer protection plans over nearly 30 years and most recently adopted a unified protection plan in February 2023. The ordinance updates definitions, the overlay-zone boundary references, the prohibited-use table, site-specific investigation procedures and design standards for on-site wastewater. Tini said on-site septic systems will be prohibited inside the Casper Aquifer protection area within city limits because sewer service is available; any unknown septic systems must be removed within two years.

The staff report also removed references to a previous 201 wastewater agreement between city and county that is no longer in effect. Tini said the Planning Commission recommended approval with five primarily wordsmithing amendments; staff agreed and incorporated those changes into the ordinance.

Councilor Lockhart made the motion on first reading; Councilor O’Doherty seconded. The roll call vote was 9-0. Councilors and staff emphasized the ordinance reflects substantial third-party science used to define the protection boundary and that the city and county now share the same boundary and similar regulatory language.

No public comment was recorded at the hearing.