Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local residents urge caution on Seminole pumped‑storage project; council to consider work session
Summary
A Casper resident told council Oct. 7 that the Seminole pumped‑storage proposal in Carbon County could harm fisheries, wildlife habitat and tourism if the project proceeds as described in developer documents and the federal draft environmental impact statement.
John Masterson told the Casper City Council on Oct. 7 that the proposed Seminole pumped‑storage project in Carbon County could have downstream impacts on fisheries, recreation and wildlife, and urged awareness as the federal draft environmental impact statement is reviewed.
Why it matters: The project — developed by R plus hydro and described by the commenter as a non‑closed‑loop pumped reservoir connected by a large tunnel near the Seminole Dam — could change river flows, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen, all of which affect trout and other fisheries that support tourism and local recreation.
What the commenter said
John Masterson (speaking as a private citizen) said the Seminole project would create an upper reservoir of about 10,800 acre‑feet, tunnel water more than 1,000 feet downhill through a 30‑foot diameter conduit, and discharge water at rates up to 10,000 cubic feet per second. Reading developer materials he said the company projected about 500 direct construction jobs and 30–35 permanent jobs if the project proceeds. Masterson also cited the developer’s “entrainment” estimate, saying the developer estimated as many as 24,000 walleye could be entrained annually by pumping operations and contrasted that with a 2015 creel count of 4,100 walleye caught by anglers at Seminole.
Council and staff response
Council members asked staff whether state agencies had taken a formal position. A city staff member at the meeting said the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is engaged in the process. City attorney/staff (Eric) told council the city has been monitoring the project for more than a year and noted the draft environmental impact statement was issued Sept. 26; he said the DEIS comment deadline is Jan. 2, 2026 and several federal permits remain unrequested by the developer. He also said the city will have multiple opportunities to weigh in if council desires.
Council direction
Council members expressed interest in more information and one councilor suggested scheduling a work session so staff can present details before the city considers advocacy or testimony. Council agreed to consider a future work session to learn more and coordinate possible actions before the DEIS comment deadline.
Ending: The draft environmental impact statement is open for public comment through Jan. 2, 2026; councilors and staff said they will evaluate whether to pursue a formal position or participate in the federal review process after a staff briefing.
