City seeks AML funding for water project

The City of Sundance is looking to secure Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) funding for the next project on its list to upgrade and improve the water system. At an estimated cost of $1.6 million, the project would replace two tanks and upgrade two existing lines that travel from them under the interstate, improving water pressure in the south zone.

The project was identified as part of the level one master study performed in 2013 in conjunction with Wyoming Water Development. Other projects from the study that have already been tackled include the Cole Main Water Transmission Line and upgrades to pump stations that will be completed as part of the project to replace the water tank in Sundance West.

The main goal of this new project will be to install a new 180,000-gallon tank to replace the underground reservoir and Sundance Kid tank on the south side of the interstate, which collectively hold 160,000 gallons. At the same time, the project would replace a four-inch pipe from the Sundance Kid tank and a six-inch pipe from the blue tank that feeds the south zone.

Both new pipes will run from their respective tanks, under the interstate and all the way to Alden Street. The two will be replaced at the same time so that only one bore under I-90 is required.

According to Karla Greaser of Trihydro, the cost estimate of approximately $1,599,000 includes the new tanks, foundations, excavation, site restoration for the existing pumps, pressure valves, bores and the upsized pipes, as well as a 20 percent contingency because the project is currently very conceptual in nature and 20 percent for design and engineering.

As well as appearing on the city’s list of needed upgrades, the project is also necessary because the two tanks in question are experiencing issues. The Sundance Kid tank, for example, has issues with seams and vents, said Public Works Director Mac Erickson.

Mayor Pro Tem Brad Marchant commented that the area of town in question has always been identified as less than optimal for water flow. Erickson explained that this is because the tanks fill through the distribution system, which is slower, but tanks are needed in that location to move water through the zones.

AML funding of around $20 million has recently been released, said Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz. It does not require a match, although the chances of being approved increase if you offer one, she added.

Other points in the city’s favor are that the project is part of the master plan and that the city currently has a deficiency with the EPA, Lenz said. She informed the council that she prepared the application to include a 10 percent match, which would be taken from user fees and the one percent specific purpose tax, and asked for approval to submit it in that form.

The council approved a resolution to move ahead with the AML application to include a ten percent match from the city.