Town agrees to low-dose chlorination after positive coliform tests; EPA Level 2 assessment expected

The Town of Star Valley Ranch moved to begin voluntary low-dose chlorination of its water system after tests found Total coliform-positive (TC+) samples in the Canyon Pines Way area. Administrator Aitken said a TC+ sample was detected Sept. 2 and follow-up testing on Sept. 4 also returned positive results.

Administrator Aitken said he "immediately contacted Jamie Harris, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specialist" and described the EPA's response. The EPA placed the town under a Level 2 assessment, which will bring a contractor to review the entire water system and issue recommendations. To be proactive, Aitken "proposed the Town begin voluntary water system chlorination as soon as possible" at "half of the previously mandated dosage (0.1mg/ppm level)." Mayor Rok said that approach "may satisfy EPA requirements while minimizing impacts on the residents." The council agreed to move forward with 0.1 mg/ppm chlorination on the condition that the town provide clear communication to residents before implementation.

Council members also flagged infrastructure concerns: Aitken noted the town's spring delivery line is "very old and may be contributing to the contamination," and Mayor Rok recommended notifying the EPA for retesting once the Green Canyon Water Storage Tank lining and the water project are complete. The council did not record a formal roll-call vote in the minutes but documented consensus to proceed.