Volunteer public health officials are examining special rules intended to protect residents from nitrate pollution in drinking water, but theyâre developing those rules in closed sessions that are off limits to some interested parties.
The policy proposal that the Teton District Board of Health is considering would increase surveillance and create a system to warn when nitrates climb above natural levels, which can indicate contamination of an aquifer from septic systems or other causes. Thatâs an idea proposed by Wyoming Outdoor Council senior conservation advocate and attorney Dan Heilig, who wishes the special protections werenât being discussed behind closed doors.