Board approves Thompson springwater hauling special-use permit with conditions and permit contingencies

Park County commissioners approved a special-use permit for a commercial bulk spring-water transportation and distribution operation on a 160-acre property known as Bruner Spring, contingent on a set of pre-commencement conditions including state and federal permit requirements.

Planning staff described the proposal as drawing spring water into a spring house, piping it to two 5,000-gallon tanks housed in a barndominium where filtration, UV treatment and metering would occur, and then transporting that water in FDA-approved stainless-steel trailers to an off-site co-packing facility. The applicant, Bobby Thompson, told the board the operation would not include bottling on-site; instead water would be hauled 1to 4 hours to licensed co-packers.

The county posed conditions before any water-hauling use begins: proof of any DEQ or EPA permits required if the system is considered a public water supply; a formal response from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about potential fill or jurisdictional waters; any required DEQ/Corps permits related to dredge/fill or stormwater; proof of a bulk-water-hauling license from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture; an approved long-term noxious-weed-management plan prior to ground disturbance; proof of a state wiring permit; a geotechnical report and approved building and small-wastewater permits for the residence/structure; and compliance with county regulations.

Commissioners discussed parking requirements from county regulations and confirmed the condition that the applicant must comply with all applicable standards. The board approved the SUP by voice vote; staff said they expect the applicant to secure DEQ/EPA/Army Corps determinations before operations commence.