- Wyoming DEQ granted a categorical exclusion.
- Casper’s reservoir replacement moves forward.
- Funding sources include state loans and local revenues.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 — Last week, on October 28, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, issued a “categorical exclusion” for the City of Casper’s City Reservoir Replacement Project
. This means the project is exempt from preparing an Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact or a full Environmental Impact Statement under the State Environmental Review Process. The agency stated that the work is not anticipated to have significant environmental impacts and that moving ahead without further review will not result in adverse impacts to residents or the area in Casper and Natrona County.
What the project involves.
Casper plans to replace the existing City Reservoir, which the state describes as being at the end of its serviceable life. Replacement is intended to keep the system reliable, not to expand service area or change operations in ways that add new environmental risk. The Department of Environmental Quality said those facts support the exclusion from deeper review.
Cost and who pays.
The total project cost is estimated at $15,607,572.50. Funding is expected from a State Revolving Fund loan, a grant from the Wyoming Water Development Commission, and City of Casper water revenues. Loan repayments will be funded by funds collected from water sales to Casper customers. According to the state’s notice, repayments are not anticipated to affect planned water rate increases.
Construction safeguards and compliance.
The City of Casper remains responsible for standard mitigations tied to construction and demolition. These include asbestos abatement, stormwater runoff and erosion control, protection of archaeological or historic artifacts, and measures to address air quality. Such conditions are part of the State Revolving Funds Program’s contract requirements.
Public file and possible re-evaluation.
The determination becomes effective upon distribution, but the Department of Environmental Quality may re-evaluate and change it if adverse information emerges. Supporting documentation is on file at the agency’s Cheyenne office and is available for public review upon request. The public notice also lists a state project manager as a point of contact for copies or questions.
FAQ
What is a categorical exclusion in Wyoming’s process?
It is a decision that a proposed action fits a category of projects that do not individually or cumulatively have significant environmental effects, so neither an Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact nor a full Environmental Impact Statement is required under the State Environmental Review Process.
Does this mean there is no environmental oversight?
No. The exclusion reflects the agency’s finding that the project does not present significant impacts and that standard contractual safeguards still apply. The Department of Environmental Quality noted requirements for asbestos handling, stormwater and erosion control, cultural resources, and air quality compliance.
Will water rates change because of the loan?
The notice states that loan repayment will be made from water sales and that repayments are not anticipated to affect planned water rate increases. Any future rate action would follow the city’s normal processes.
Can the decision be revisited?
Yes. The Department of Environmental Quality said the determination may be re-evaluated and changed if new adverse information becomes available.
Where can the public view the record?
The supporting file is kept at the Department of Environmental Quality’s Cheyenne office and is available upon request. The public notice lists contact information for the State Revolving Fund project manager.
How does this fit with Wyoming’s State Revolving Fund program?
The State Revolving Fund provides low-interest financing for drinking water and wastewater projects. Routine replacement or rehabilitation projects that avoid new environmental effects are often eligible for a categorical exclusion, as reflected in recent state public notices.
Who is the listed contact for this project?
The public notice identifies Greg Crocker, State Revolving Fund Project Manager, at the Department of Environmental Quality in Cheyenne, with mailing address, telephone, and email provided for records requests.
