Wyoming's Water: A Pollution Crisis?

Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardizes human health. In Wyoming, there have been concerns about water contamination from various sources, including coal mining, fracking, and agricultural activities. Residents of Wyoming County have reported coal toxins in their water supply, leading to a lawsuit against coal companies. Additionally, scientists have found dangerous levels of chemicals in the underground water supply of Pavillion, a small town in central Wyoming, linked to fracking operations. The state's drinking water has also been found to contain hundreds of harmful contaminants, posing health risks to residents. Wyoming's Water Quality Division works to monitor and protect surface and groundwater, while also providing resources and guidelines for water quality improvement.

Fracking and shallow drilling

Wyoming is a significant player in the U.S. energy sector, with fracking being a common method for extracting oil and natural gas from underground formations. Fracking, growing coalbed methane production, and the build-out of the Rocky Mountain pipeline capacity helped Wyoming's gas production grow from 1.84 bcf/day in 1995 to 6.4 bcf/day by 2009. The Powder River Basin in northeastern Wyoming is one of the most active regions for fracking in the state.

The process of fracking involves injecting high-pressure fluids composed of water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations to create fractures, allowing oil and gas to flow more freely to the wellbore. However, fracking has also been associated with water contamination in Wyoming. In 2016, scientists Dominic DiGiulio and Robert Jackson found that fracking had contaminated the water supply in Pavillion, a small town in central Wyoming. Their research revealed that workers were drilling at very shallow depths, as little as 700 feet underground, which placed the fracking operation dangerously close to the drinking water aquifer that supplied the town's wells. The contamination was further exacerbated by questionable practices, such as the dumping of waste into unlined pits and the use of inadequate cement barriers to protect groundwater.

The Pavillion case is not an isolated incident, as fracking operations in Wyoming have also been linked to air and noise pollution, accidents and spills, and the release of methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and affecting public health. Environmental groups in Wyoming have actively advocated for stricter regulations and enforcement to address the health, safety, and environmental concerns associated with fracking.

While fracking has been a major contributor to Wyoming's economy, providing jobs and substantial revenue, the state and federal regulators must carefully consider the potential impacts on water, air, and public health when approving and regulating fracking operations. This includes ensuring that drilling depths are safe and that proper measures are taken to protect groundwater and surface water sources from contamination.

Coal mining

In Wyoming County, residents have reported that coal toxins have contaminated their water supply, killing livestock and pets and causing sickness in the community. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) attributed the issue to the flooded Pinnacle Mining Complex, which caused water to gush from holes in the ground, flowing into Indian Creek. Despite orders to stop the flooding and seal mine shafts, coal companies have evaded responsibility, and the DEP has been criticised for not doing enough to address the issue.

The EPA has taken some action, issuing new regulations in 2024 to extend cleanup requirements to older coal ash dumpsites and ponds. However, no Wyoming company has initiated a plant-wide cleanup to restore groundwater, despite legal requirements. Coal ash, the hazardous substance left after burning coal, has historically been disposed of in unlined ponds and landfills, posing a significant risk to nearby drinking water sources.

The decline of the coal industry has exacerbated the problem, with courts allowing bankrupt coal companies to avoid restoring damaged lands. Groups advocating for clean water have criticised state officials for not allocating funds for abandoned mine cleanups. The impact of coal mining on water pollution in Wyoming highlights the need for stricter regulations, enforcement, and proactive measures to protect and restore affected water sources.

Agriculture and livestock

Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms are significant sources of water contamination. When it rains, these substances are washed into rivers, streams, and lakes, leading to nutrient pollution. This type of pollution is the number-one threat to water quality worldwide. Additionally, stormwater runoff from agricultural areas can carry pollutants such as bacteria, phosphorus, nitrogen, pathogens, and heavy metals into nearby water bodies.

Wyoming has implemented guidelines for water reuse in agriculture to address water pollution. The state approves the use of municipal wastewater, which includes treated sewage, for irrigation of crops intended for human consumption. Different classes of wastewater have specific treatment requirements, such as secondary or advanced treatment and disinfection to meet fecal coliform levels.

To minimize the impact of livestock operations on water quality, proper management of animal waste is crucial. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality recommends several practices to prevent nonpoint source pollution, including managing animal waste to avoid mixing with stormwater runoff, properly disposing of pet waste, and cleaning up spilled fluids such as oil, antifreeze, and brake fluids.

While Wyoming may not be as well-known for agriculture as some other states, its agricultural activities still contribute to nutrient pollution. The state has recognized the issue and is taking proactive steps to reduce nutrient pollution through initiatives like the Wyoming Nutrient Strategy. This strategy involves setting numeric nutrient standards, improving wastewater treatment facilities, and educating the public about the importance of protecting surface waters.

Water treatment and filtration

Treatment and filtration methods can vary depending on the source of water and the specific pollutants present. In the case of coal mining pollution, as experienced in Wyoming County, treatment processes may include the following steps:

• Filtration: Physical filtration methods can remove solid particles and contaminants, such as coal residues and sediments, from the water. Different types of filters with varying pore sizes can be used depending on the size of the particles to be removed.
• Chemical Treatment: Chemical processes can be employed to neutralize or precipitate out toxic substances. For example, chemicals like alum or iron salts can be added to the water to coagulate and flocculate suspended particles, making them easier to remove.
• Adsorption: This process involves using activated carbon or other adsorbent materials to attract and bind contaminants, including organic compounds and heavy metals, onto their surfaces, thereby removing them from the water.
• Disinfection: To eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be present due to agricultural or sewage runoff, disinfection methods such as chlorination or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment can be utilized.
• Reverse Osmosis: In cases of severe pollution, reverse osmosis can be employed to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively removing a wide range of contaminants, including ions, molecules, and larger particles.

It is important to note that each treatment and filtration method has its advantages and limitations, and often, a combination of these processes is used to ensure effective water purification. Regular monitoring and compliance with health-based water quality standards, as conducted by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are crucial to identify specific pollutants and determine the appropriate treatment methods.

Government regulation

Water pollution is a widespread problem that jeopardizes human health. In recognition of this, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented various regulations and initiatives to monitor and improve water quality in Wyoming.

The EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database collects compliance and enforcement-related information for drinking water utilities across the country. ECHO water quality violation scores are based on federal health-based water quality standards, monitoring, reporting, and other drinking water quality requirements. Points are assigned based on specific issues, with violations of health-based drinking water standards receiving higher scores than monitoring and reporting infractions. The Environmental Protection Agency uses these scores to track the correction timeline for violations.

Wyoming's water quality standards are outlined in the Clean Water Act and apply to all waters within the state, excluding those within Indian Country as defined in 18 U.S.C. Section 1151. The EPA has approved these standards, which are available on their website for reference. Additionally, the state has implemented the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and regulations for the application of biosolids and the reuse of treated non-domestic wastewater.

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plays a crucial role in enforcing these regulations and ensuring water quality. The DEQ's Water Quality Division (WQD) is responsible for monitoring and protecting surface and groundwater in the state. They provide resources, permitting information, and guidelines to help residents and businesses understand and comply with the regulations. The WQD also accepts comments on permits authorized under a general permit for a specified period and handles enforcement actions related to water quality violations.

While these government regulations and initiatives are in place to protect water quality in Wyoming, challenges may arise from various sources, including agricultural practices, coal mining, and wastewater treatment. It is important for residents to stay informed about their water quality and engage with the relevant authorities to address any concerns or violations.

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