History

In 1886,the Union Pacific started to treat the wooden railroad ties with dangerous chemicals that leeched into the ground. Because the treatment was close to the water, the chemicals from the ground flowed in to the Laramie River.

In 1958, 4 pools that had gravel bottoms where built to hold creosote, which was the chemical the put on the ties.

In 1980, the U.P. got a R.C.R.A (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) permit application for the creosote pools.

In 1981, Wyoming sued U.P under the R.C.R.A.

In 1982, no fishing or no swimming signs where put up.

In 1982, trout and other fish where tested for chemicals.

In 1983, people found a visible creosote oil seep and samples of the creosote where taken.

Also in 1983, the EPA ('Environmental Protection Agency) files action under the CERCLA

In 1983 as well The U.P stops treating wood at the site

In 1984 samples with mini piezometers, and strikes creosote and/or oil

In 1985, the U.P Tie Treatment Plant Relocates to avoid creosote and/or oil seeps.

In 1986, U.P installs a soil/bentonite wall surrounding the new site down to bedrock to prevent even the slightest amount of creosote and/or oil from escaping.

In 1986 the government held a clean up program to clean the contaminated water in the Laramie river.

In 2009-2011, Laramie Rivers Conservation District led the community in a large river restoration project along the Laramie River Greenbelt.

Today in our school

We, some of the U.W Lab School Students are working to help clean up the rest of the Laramie River, and those who drink the water from it.

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