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After tests show radionuclides and limited yield, commission recommends selling Sheep Mountain No. 2 well to Douglas
Summary
Testing of a newly drilled well revealed elevated radiological constituents and limited potable yield after blending; staff recommended the City of Douglas purchase the well for direct drilling costs and the commission voted to request enabling legislation to complete the transfer.
The Wyoming Water Development Commission voted Jan. 20 to recommend allowing the City of Douglas to acquire Sheep Mountain No. 2, a test well drilled under a Level‑2 study, after testing showed the hole contains elevated radionuclide levels and a lower usable potable yield than hoped.
George Mosier of the Water Development Office summarized the study and pump tests: the borehole is approximately 1,350 feet deep and open‑hole below 455 feet; geochemical testing identified exceedances of primary drinking water standards for gross alpha and radium‑226/228. Mosier said an on‑site treatment system or long transmission pipelines to blend the source with other supplies would be costly — estimates ranged from about $4 million (ion exchange plus upsized transmission) to more than $15 million for longer blends — and the consultant concluded the source is not economically feasible to develop as a principal municipal supply.
Because the well sits on private ground and staff had secured access and drilling under an easement, staff outlined four possible dispositions (leave idle, convey to the landowner at the easement price, plug and abandon at the commission’s cost, or transfer the well to the sponsor). Douglas City staff and council expressed interest in acquiring the borehole as an aquifer‑monitoring site and potentially as a contingent source with treatment. The city prepared a council resolution offering to purchase the well for direct drilling costs charged to the commission ($610,838). Mosier said the office’s recommended path is that Douglas purchase the borehole at that amount and assume ongoing responsibilities.
Commission action and next steps Commissioners voted to accept the City of Douglas proposal and asked staff to include enabling language in the 2026 omnibus construction bill to allow the commission to convey the well and related easement. The motion directs staff to draft a contract that will specify that Douglas assumes operation, maintenance, and any future plug/abandon responsibilities.
Excerpts from the record • “When we look at how much capacity could be in this well…we're really only able to realize a benefit of about 36 gallons per minute out of this Sheep Mountain No. 2,” George Mosier said, summarizing pump‑test blending calculations. • Mosier explained the recommended sale price: “That option…would result in a net positive to the Water Development Commission accounts on the order of $610,838,” reflecting direct drilling costs.
Why it matters: Transferring this well avoids the commission incurring ongoing maintenance obligations for a low‑yield, radionuclide‑impacted source while allowing the city to retain a monitoring point and decide whether to invest in treatment or alternative uses. If the city assumes ownership, staff will draft a formal conveyance contract and include legislative authority in the construction omnibus bill for the session.
Speakers (at first reference): George Mosier, staff, Wyoming Water Development Office; City of Douglas council resolution authorizing purchase.
