Protect Our Water Jackson Hole - 2023 Annual Report

Letter From The Executive Director

POWJH has been on an absolute tear in our mission to raise awareness and spur action for water quality! We wasted no time diving headfirst into action by urging the Teton County Commissioners to take ownership of crucial infrastructure. And guess what? It was a resounding success! With unanimous approval, the County staff sprang into action and swiftly tapped into the State Revolving Funds earmarked for Wyoming in the Infrastructure Bill – a monumental investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. Teton County is now moving forward on infrastructure projects both north and south of town.

But that’s not all! Our outreach efforts have been bustling with activity, from hosting drinking water well-testing events to ensuring clean drinking water reaches every corner of Hoback. We hosted a Rally for Clean Water, bringing the community together, and even launched our inaugural Water Symposium Jackson Hole - a monumental achievement!

We are immensely thankful for your unwavering support. The residents of Teton County have witnessed our dedication and celebrated our triumphs. With your continued backing, we can forge ahead with our steadfast commitment to safeguarding and enhancing water quality in Teton County. After all, clean water is the lifeblood of our community. Together, we’ll keep spreading awareness, igniting passion, and driving meaningful change.

With so much gratitude, Meghan

Quinn Executive Director

About Us

Board Members

Brad Nielson

Valerie Brown

Les Gibson

Reynolds Pomeroy

Kristin Revill

Perk Perkins

Aaron Pruzan

Kerri Ratcliffe

Anne Ladd

Dan Heilig

Robert Frodeman

Kathryn Steele

Kay Modi

Bill Mulligan

Lisa Franzen

Lisa Nesbitt

Ken Taylor

Bob Paulson

Chair Secretary, Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director Director Director

Director

Director Director Director Director Director Director

Bob Peters Emeritus Board Members

Staff Members

Meghan Quinn

Kevin Regan

Wendy Hagedorn

Matt Bambach

Dan Oas

Executive Director

Law & Policy Advisor

Communications & Marketing Director

Water Resources Program Manager

Development Assistant

Clean water now and for future generations.

Vision Mission

To serve as a powerful advocate for protecting and restoring the surface waters and groundwater in Teton County, Wyoming.

Values

Science-B ased

We rely on facts and make science accessible and understandable to all.

We are effective and result-focused, knowing that we must all work together to ensure clean water.

Dedic ated

Our only priority is to protect and restore water quality in Teton County.

We stay up to date on current research and offer innovative solutions.

We educate the public and electeds about best practices for water quality protection and restoration.

Water Quality Management Plan

POWJH’s initial investment of $250,000 catalyzed a $1.3MM, 20-year Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) to identify threats to water quality in Teton County and recommend actions to protect surface and groundwater. It is now imperative that we continue to push the County and Town to take the actions recommended in the plan.

Working with Teton County, Protect Our Water Jackson Hole, the Town of Jackson, Teton Conservation District, and stakeholder groups, technical consultant Trihydro Corporation developed the WQMP to assess water quality on private lands using existing data and made recommendations about which public infrastructure and water quality projects to prioritize.

The resulting plan, expected to be finalized in May 2024, contains the most comprehensive analysis to date. While it is a significant first step, much work remains to fund and build the critical infrastructure necessary to protect human health and Jackson Hole’s precious water.

A highlight of the plan is a proposed Water Quality Protection Overlay, a land use tool that adds additional regulatory requirements for development in the most sensitive areas. The plan also:

• Recommends priority areas for establishing sewer connections to wastewater treatment plants

• Proposes to strengthen septic system regulations in Teton County for areas where sewer connection is not feasible

• Recommends steps to protect drinking water, including identifying aquifer protection zones and implementing source water protection measures

• Hiring additional county staff to implement the plan

It is crucial to look down the road to the needs of the community to keep sewage in the sewer and out of drinking water and creeks. The Town of Jackson wastewater treatment plant, which services many areas in Jackson Hole, needs monitoring, maintenance, and, ultimately, replacement. Upgraded infrastructure and appropriate monitoring will better protect and restore the Snake River watershed from nutrient pollution.

The County should consider additional options with the Town regarding economies of scale and once-in-ageneration funding opportunities for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects available through 2026.

We will continue to advocate for these critical issues as the County and Town decide which actions to take to protect our water resources.

Hoback Junction Water & Sewer District

In Teton County, the Hoback area exhibits the poorest water quality with nitrate concentrations reaching levels hazardous to human health. POWJH board member Robert Frodeman is chair of the Hoback Junction Water & Sewer District, formed under his leadership in March 2023. POWJH, with a supporting grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, provided $25,000 for the Water & Sewer District formation and engineering studies. The District will receive an engineering report in May 2024 from a Level II study that details options and cost estimates for creating a municipal drinking water system for Hoback residents. The District has already begun raising the estimated $7MM in funds needed to build this system. Construction of the municipal drinking water system is scheduled to begin in 2025, with a completion date of 2026. The District will then turn to its next task of creating a wastewater system to eliminate the use of septic systems in the Hoback area.

Hoback Clean Water Initiative

Over time, exposure to nitrates and other contaminants in drinking water can lead to adverse health impacts. POWJH launched the Hoback Clean Water Initiative in 2022 to provide Hoback residents with free, clean drinking water as a short-term solution to the area’s water quality problems. Throughout 2023, POWJH has funded and facilitated filtered water delivery to Hoback residents until a long-term solution unfolds through the Hoback Junction Water & Sewer District. Since its onset, the program has grown from 8 to 38 households, receiving over 10,000 gallons of clean drinking water.

Participating households can receive up to 20 gallons of free water per month, and financial assistance towards purchasing a water dispenser for their home. This program was initially funded by POWJH and a grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. The program now has continued support from a Partners in Conservation grant from Teton Conservation District.

Water Quality Monitoring

Fish Creek and parts of Flat Creek have been listed on Wyoming’s Impaired Waters list since 2020 for elevated E. coli bacteria. Despite this, regular monitoring of bacteria levels in these waterbodies has not occurred.

POWJH launched a collaborative water quality monitoring program in Spring 2023 to provide data critical to safe recreation and informed management of each creek. To launch the program, POWJH advocated for and raised over $100,000 from community partners, including Teton County, the Town of Jackson, Teton Conservation District (TCD), Trout Unlimited, and a private charitable organization, which funded the collection of E. coli and microbial source tracking samples from 5 locations on each creek from May to September.

Samples were collected by Alder Environmental LLC and submitted to TCD for Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and then to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality for use-support determination. Results were returned to Teton County Health Department to inform the placement of Water Quality Awareness or Waterborne Pathogen Caution signs at public access sites on each creek. A caution sign was placed on Fish Creek at the U.S. Forest Service access site at Hunt Bridge from July 19–August 18, 2023 due to elevated E. coli bacteria levels exceeding recreational standards.

Collaborative Networks

POWJH staff joined the Systems of Conservation (SysCon) Steering Committee in January 2023. Funded by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, this group consists of more than two dozen conservation nonprofits and agencies across Teton County. POWJH is providing a key voice to guide the group toward implementing the Teton County Comprehensive Plan, the Jackson Hole Climate Action Roadmap, the Sustainable Destination Management Plan, and the Water Quality Management Plan.

In addition, POWJH staff and board members are participating in the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group. The group consists of over 50 organizations, including water managers, scientists from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private businesses, water users, and other participants committed to coming together to better communicate the environmental, municipal, agricultural, recreational, and climate-related water needs to community stakeholders.

Wyoming State Lands: Glamping Septic Facility Litigation

While many have raised various objections to the “glamping” geodesic domes on WY State Trust Land on Teton Village Road, POWJH has been leading the legal charge against the facility septic system that threatens human health and Fish Creek.

The Fish Creek watershed is a critical aquatic ecosystem that contains Class 1 waters, which have the highest level of protection under Wyoming law. But Fish Creek is already suffering a death of a thousand cuts by contamination from septic tanks. Fish Creek is already listed as impaired for E. coli, a potentially dangerous human pathogen, and will likely be listed as impaired for nutrient pollutants that disrupt the balance of natural systems.

POWJH’s first legal challenge of the septic facility permit in 2022 forced the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to revoke the initial fast-tracked approval for a 156-foot raised mound septic system for the glamping facility and to require a full permitting process. In June 2023, POWJH submitted extensive comments suggesting improvements to the proposed septic permit. At least 70 concerned residents gathered in Wilson at a public meeting with DEQ, where public comments were unanimously in opposition to the permit. When DEQ failed to make key changes to the draft permit, POWJH took renewed legal action.

POWJH continues pursuing legal options simultaneously at the agency level and in Wyoming state court to require DEQ to fulfill its legal duty to adequately consider the septic system’s environmental impacts and prevent further harm to water quality in the Fish Creek watershed.

Geodesic dome hotel complex on state trust lands near Teton Village in Teton County, WY. (August 2023)

Water Symposium Jackson Hole

In September 2023, POWJH hosted our first WATER SYMPOSIUM JACKSON HOLE to catalyze the future of Jackson Hole’s water. This dynamic gathering brought together elected officials, business leaders, philanthropists, and other thought leaders who attended the invitation-only event and explored how various communities are successfully addressing their significant water quality concerns. We hosted local, regional, and national speakers – including a globally recognized expert who shed light on infrastructure finance options for our community. We also explored innovative technologies and their role in enhancing our resilience to climate change impacts. Attendees actively engaged in thought-provoking discussions and gained insights from presentations focused on the hurdles and solutions about our water resources in Jackson Hole. This event was considered an overwhelming success, and we appreciate the generosity of the Stoltz Family Foundation in underwriting this incredibly important symposium.

Watch recordings of the presentations at: POWJH.ORG/WATER-SYMPOSIUM

Water Symposium

Jackson Hole

Comments and Input on Government Decisions

POWJH regularly provides public comments and other input to improve the government decisions that shape the future of Jackson Hole’s water quality. These efforts include submitting written and spoken comments on proposed County Commission land use decisions, proposed permits in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and proposed actions at other levels of government, such as the Town of Jackson and water and sewer districts.

Notably, POWJH advocated for Teton County to hire essential water quality staff. In July 2023, Teton County announced the hiring of a water quality specialist to implement the Water Quality Management Plan recommendations.

Other advocacy highlights include:

• Providing comments to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to strengthen the Wyoming rules governing filling of wetlands

• Advocating for the connection of the Northern South Park planned development to the Town of Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant

• Submitting a letter of support to the Wyoming DEQ in favor of listing Fish Creek as impaired due to nutrient pollution and obtaining a letter from the Teton County Board of County Commissioners in support of the listing

• Advocating for the maintenance of riparian buffers for a proposed large-scale outdoor concert

• Objecting to a Forest Service decision to allow ski resort development, which succeeded in requiring additional Forest Service analysis for specific projects affecting wetlands

• Requesting support from the Jackson Town Council for monitoring efforts and for hiring a water infrastructure specialist to augment the Water Quality Management Plan

• Commenting on proposed wastewater systems within Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, including Gros Ventre Campground and a proposed 75,000 gallon per day wastewater system in the Norris Area

• Engaging in numerous meetings with individual County Commissioners and Town Councilors

POWJH remains at the forefront of shaping water quality policy to protect and restore surface and groundwater quality in Teton County.

Rally For Clean Water

In September 2023, POWJH held our second RALLY FOR CLEAN WATER at the Center for the Arts. This free event brought the community together to raise awareness, discuss solutions, and inspire action for the water quality issues facing Teton County. It featured more than a dozen fun, interactive, science-based exhibits and activities for the whole family focused on different factors affecting water quality issues in our community.

In the theater, POWJH Executive Director Meghan Quinn presented “The State of Water in Teton County.” Keynote speaker Erica Gies, author of “Water Always Wins,” spoke about the ‘Slow Water’ movement, which is detailed in her book, where practitioners aim to collaborate with water rather than try to control it.

Protect Our Water

Jackson Hole

Tap Into Science

In 2023, POWJH hosted the second year of TAP INTO SCIENCE, a free education event series in partnership with Snake River Brewing featuring presentations by local scientists and professionals related to our community’s water resources. Since its launch, the program has provided over a dozen seasonally appropriate presentations. From measuring the snowpack to water use on agricultural lands, the threat of toxic algal blooms in our watershed, and the importance of clean water in brewing a great tap beer, we will continue to provide a variety of engaging topics for attendees to enjoy in a relaxed environment. And, if you choose, with an award-winning beer in hand!

You don’t have to be a science geek — all you need is a thirst for

EPA Environmental Education Grant

POWJH received a nearly $100,000 EPA Environmental Education 2-year grant in 2022 and a $26,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. During 2023, POWJH staff used these funds to teach lessons about our community’s unique watershed ecology and water quality issues to over 200 6th-grade students and 100 Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Integrated Science high school students. The 6th-grade students participated in an on-site field science day focused on water quality testing and examined algae samples under a microscope. The high school students took a tour of the Town of Jackson Wastewater Treatment Plant and participated in hosting a drinking water well testing event, during which they provided free test kits and instructed community members how to do their testing.

Additional Youth Watershed Education Programs

During 2023, POWJH was fortunate to be able to teach a variety of educational lessons focused on watershed ecology and local water quality issues. We taught 7th-grade students about water chemistry at the Trout Unlimited Adopt-A-Trout program at Spread Creek Campground, discussed environmental racism and water rights with students from Washington D.C. on a City Kids visit to Jackson as a part of Astoria Hot Springs Park and Conservancy Camp Astoria program, introduced elementary students to the importance of stormwater control at the Jackson Hole Jewish Community afterschool program, and talked about trout, rivers, lakes, and snow with preschool kids at Teton Science School Mountain Academy in Victor, ID.

Drinking Water Well Testing

In May 2023, POWJH hosted its first drinking water well testing event. We provided free test kits containing a bacteriological sample bottle for total coliform and E. coli from the Teton County Health Department, and a nitrate test strip. Teton County residents picked up test kits from Advanced Placement Environmental Science students and POWJH staff at Jackson Hole High School and received guidance on collecting their water samples. Over 150 test kits were distributed. It was clear that our community wants more opportunities to better understand their drinking water quality. This program is funded by our EPA

Support POWJH

We hope you will consider continuing to support POWJH as we move full-speed ahead! To make a tax-deductible contribution, visit our website: POWJH.ORG/DONATE or mail to: P.O. Box 1014, Wilson, WY 83014

The Road Ahead: 2024

After two years of POWJH collaboration with the County, Town, and Teton Conservation District, the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) is set to launch in early 2024. Teton County has now established Aquifer Protection Overlays to guide efforts in protecting and restoring water quality. While POWJH may not agree with every aspect of the WQMP, the project team has a collective enthusiasm to start taking action.

Our recent Water Symposium Jackson Hole featured several outstanding speakers, with the Keynote Speaker bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. We aim to encourage intergovernmental coordination between the County and Town, particularly focusing on leveraging federal funding opportunities for critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These funds are expected to all be allocated by the end of 2026, emphasizing the urgency of accessing them. POWJH is committed to expediting processes and initiating actions to safeguard and enhance water quality.

In 2022, Teton County residents demonstrated a strong commitment to water quality, as evidenced by the overwhelming support for the $10MM Water Quality Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET) Measure, making it the most supported SPET measure in County history. With ongoing population growth and development, there’s an urgent need for action to address our water quality challenges. Prior to the local 2024 election, POWJH will be certain candidates are informed about and continue to prioritize action for our water quality, alongside other community needs.

POWJH has taken a leading role in a comprehensive monitoring program for the Snake River and its tributaries to better understand pollutants. This significant initiative involves multiple partners, and we’re proud to spearhead establishing this crucial monitoring program for Teton County.

Education remains a top priority for POWJH. Our efforts to educate the community on water quality issues have proven impactful. Thanks to a substantial grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, we’ve developed a water awareness curriculum tailored for 6th-grade and high school students. Furthermore, we’re empowering the Advanced Placement Environmental Science high school class to advocate and educate the community on water quality, including conducting community outreach for a drinking water well testing program.

With the progress on the Water Quality Management Plan, our monitoring program, and education initiatives, POWJH is primed to take significant action in 2024. Our objective is to serve as a valuable resource for the community regarding water quality issues and work collaboratively towards protecting and restoring our vital water resources.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!