Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) Announcement of Extension of Public Comment Period and Public Meetings on the Proposed Moneta Divide Gas Field Discharge Permit

The WDEQ’s Wyoming Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WYPDES) Program regulates the discharge of pollutants from point sources to ensure the protection of Wyoming’s surface waters. Operators of point source discharges are required to receive coverage under WYPDES discharge permits. Prior to issuing a permit, the WYPDES Program issues a 30-day public notice to inform interested parties of the proposed permit, and offers an opportunity to the public to provide written comments regarding the proposed permit.

On March 15, 2019 WDEQ’s Water Quality Division (WQD) issued a 30-day public notice requesting public comments on its proposed renewal of WYPDES permit WY0002062 for expanding the discharge of produced water from the Moneta Divide Gas Field operated by Aethon Energy. Because of the complexity of the proposed permit and level of public interest the WQD received numerous requests to extend the public comment period and offer public meetings.

As a result, WDEQ is extending the comment period to the end of business on July 5, 2019.

Also, the WQD will hold informational public meetings in Riverton and Thermopolis, Wyoming on May 20 and 21, respectively. The public meeting schedule is as follows:

Place Date & Time Address Central Wyoming College ITEC Bldg., Room 116 Monday, May 20, 2019 5:30 – 7:30 PM 2660 Peck Avenue Riverton, WY 82501 Thermopolis High School Auditorium Tuesday, May 21, 2019 5:30 – 7:30 PM 231 Park St, Thermopolis, WY 82443

During these meetings WQD staff will present information regarding the proposed permit. Following the presentation attendees will be offered an opportunity to provide comment to assist the department in formulating its final decision.

The proposed permit, permit application, and modeling study of the proposed discharge are available on WQD’s website at:

http://deq.state.wy.us/wqd/WYPDES_Permitting/WYPDES_PNs_and_appr_permits/WYPDES_PNs/WYPDES_PNs_2019/2019-003/PN-19-003.html

Click here to view: WYPDES PROPOSED Discharge Permit Public Notices for March 2019