• Preparing for long-term environmental oversight in the Salt River Basin

Lincoln County Chief of Staff Stephen Allen shared in an interview on the Weekday Wake-up that the county is pursuing a two-track strategy to address ongoing septic needs: expanding local capacity so residents can dispose of septic closer to home, and launching a longer-term scientific study aimed at understanding potential environmental impacts in the Salt River area.

Allen said the county recognizes how disruptive septic shortfalls can be for residents and local services. He pointed to steps already taken to keep septic disposal within the valley, including work credited to Leisure Valley Recreation, which expanded a private pond-based septic system so valley residents had an additional option without needing to go outside the area.

RELATED: RADIO INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN ALLEN PART 1 –

RELATED: RADIO INTERVIEW WITH STEPHEN ALLEN PART 2 –

He said this approach supports a practical goal: keeping septic local while communities manage growth and service demands.

Allen also highlighted progress in Cokeville, where upgrades are being planned to allow the community’s sewage plant to accept septic. He described the move as part of a longer-term effort to increase capacity and reduce strain during peak needs.

Turning to county efforts, Allen said Lincoln County is installing septic infrastructure south of Kemmerer to expand usage and accommodate the growth of homes in the area.

He added that the county plans to accept septic at the Kemmerer site as part of this project.

Allen emphasized that the county’s plan is supported by financing designed to limit local expenses. He stated the project is being backed by a $4.4 million Wyoming Business Council loan, alongside $1.2 million drawn from the county’s related Dry Piney funding component—while noting that the county is paying $0 for that portion.

Allen said septic efforts aren’t limited to disposal capacity. The county is also beginning a two-year study connected to migration concerns referenced in an earlier 2015 Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) study.

He explained the study will use the same testing locations as the earlier effort, add several additional testing spots, and include DNA testing to help determine whether any detected migration is likely linked to human-related sources or animal agriculture.

Allen said the study’s findings are expected to be released in 2028.