"EPA OKs Aquifer Exemption for Linc's Coal Gasification Test Project"

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved an aquifer exemption for a coal gasification pilot project in Campbell County [Wyoming] this week, drawing criticism from landowners worried that the facility could contaminate a potential source of drinking water.

The decision affirms a ruling by the Wyoming Department of Environment Quality, which gave its blessing to Linc Energy's request for an aquifer exemption last year.

"WDEQ and Linc have demonstrated that the aquifer proposed for exemption does not currently serve as a source of drinking water and that it cannot now and will not in the future serve as a source of drinking water," the EPA said in a statement, noting that the coal deposit at the proposed location is large enough to warrant commercial production.

A local landowners group criticized the move, saying the EPA considered only existing water wells in the area and the adequacy of the company's plans to protect drinking water supplies."

Benjamin Storrow reports for the Casper Star-Tribune September 11, 2014.