The Short Version

We do not yet know whether the project will use local groundwater or how much water it may need. We want an independent hydrogeologist to determine whether industrial pumping could affect the reliability of nearby residential wells.

Why It Matters

There is no public water system serving our homes. If a private well loses production, there is no simple backup connection waiting at the property line.

What We Know So Far

  • Rocking Star Ranch covenants require potable wells to reach at least 650 feet and be screened within the confined zone of the High Plains aquifer.

  • One neighborhood completion record shows a 650-foot well with a reported static water level near 270 feet and production around seven gallons per minute.

  • USGS information shows that the High Plains aquifer system is made of different units with varying thickness and water-producing ability.

  • A formal State Engineer water supply and yield analysis is required through the cited Industrial Siting process when proposed annual use reaches 800 acre-feet, approximately 260.7 million gallons.

  • Black Hills Energy has not publicly disclosed the Horse Creek water source or expected use.

What We Still Need to Know

  • Will the project use groundwater?

  • Which aquifer would supply it?

  • How much water would be used each day and each year?

  • Where would industrial wells be drilled?

  • How deep would they be, and how quickly would they pump?

  • What would happen during drought or heavy summer residential use?

  • What monitoring and well-replacement protections would be offered?

  • Can baseline water levels be measured before project pumping begins?

Key Documents

  • State Engineer Explains the 800 Acre-Foot Water Yield Review Threshold — Explains when the formal state analysis applies.

  • USGS High Plains Aquifer System — Laramie County, Wyoming — Provides regional aquifer information.

  • Example Rocking Star Ranch Domestic Well — State Engineer Completion Record — Shows conditions reported for one neighborhood well.

  • Recorded Protective Covenants — Rocking Star Ranch — Contains the subdivision’s well-construction requirements.

  • Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station — Water Demand & Reclaimed Water Planning — Shows how another local gas plant was supplied with reclaimed water.

  • Browse the Full Document Library

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