Animal Waste & Storm Water Management Project
July 24th, 2009
The Department of Environmental Quality contacted the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in 2004 about better ways to manage animal waste. From that, the Animal Waste Management Project was born. The project is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and support from the City of Casper, Natrona County Commissioners, Natrona County Fair Board, Casper College, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Historic Trails Resource Conservation and Development, and the Natrona County Conservation District. The project is almost complete. Everyone has worked tirelessly to be sure that the end result would be one that would serve the community now and into the future.
The most visible change at the Fairgrounds this summer are the new covered concrete bunkers that attach to the ends of the barns. These bunkers are for temporary storage of animal waste. Another new addition is the five 30 cubic yard cable roll-off dumpsters used to haul the animal waste to the City of Casper balefill for composting. Take note of the new “no dumping” signs posted on the fences around the parking lots. Stop and look down one of the many storm drains in the paved parking lots and see the new catch basins that have been installed to filter hydro-carbons.
One of the most noticeable changes is the beautiful tree line that will be planted along 13th Street just outside the fence. These trees and shrubs will have a drip line for water coming right off of the irrigation ditch at the Fairgrounds. The trees will serve as a biofiltration barrier between the Fairgrounds and the North Platte River.
Some changes that spectators won’t see are the spill kit in the maintenance area, the storm water plan and nutrient management plan and many education and training materials written by and for the Fairgrounds facility and staff.
The improvements made at the Fairgrounds will enable the Fairgrounds to better serve the community into the future. The project sponsors encourage everyone to visit the facility to learn more about the improvements made and the services provided by the Fairgrounds.
