WILSON, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced Friday that it has issued Basecamp Teton WYSPV LLC a permit to construct a small wastewater facility at its “glamping” resort south of Teton Village.
The DEQ stated in a press release that the sand mound pressure distribution septic system “will provide a high level of treatment before the wastewater leaves the system. Based on the design and proven performance of these types of systems, no adverse impacts to groundwater or surface water quality are anticipated.”
The project has faced criticism for its proximity to Fish Creek. In November 2022, local nonprofit Protect Our Water Jackson Hole (POWJH) filed a petition challenging the authorization of the site’s wastewater permit, which lead to a construction halt in February.
Basecamp then resubmitted its application this April, which was followed by a period of public comment.
“DEQ appreciates the public’s feedback on the permit,” the press release said. “While the DEQ determined that the facility as proposed in the application met DEQ rules and would be protective of water quality, the comments led to further consultation between DEQ and Basecamp. The consultation resulted in Basecamp incorporating additional water quality protection measures that exceed DEQ’s requirements into the facility’s design in order to help address public concerns.”
Fish Creek is already considered impaired due to its concentration of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli).
POWJH responded to the permit news with disappointment.
“Unfortunately, the Wyoming DEQ is giving a glamping operation permission to pollute the headwaters of Fish Creek,” POWJH Law and Policy Advisor Kevin Regan said in a statement to Buckrail. “Fish Creek is already listed as impaired for E. coli, and DEQ agrees that there are nutrient pollution issues in the watershed. A commercial-scale septic system only adds to the problem.”
“The Fish Creek watershed is recognized as a Class 1 water resource by DEQ, which means it is entitled to the highest level of protection,” Regan added. “Allowing operation of a commercial motel septic facility will only add to the E. coli and nutrient degradation. The well-attended public meeting on June 9 and the numerous comments in opposition demonstrate the community’s concern about the health of Fish Creek. Unfortunately, DEQ is not listening to the voice of the community.”
Basecamp’s construction on state trust lands has also led to its involvement in land development regulation (LDR) squabbles. In December, the State of Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners filed a complaint against Teton County over the county’s attempt to require development projects on state trust land to comply with county LDRs.
