Sewer Line Installation Protects Lander Wetlands and Neighborhood Health

In Lander, a biodiverse wetland sits between two neighborhoods near the Popo Agie River, but one neighborhood was built before the land was annexed into the city and never connected to the municipal sewer system. Without proper drainage, sewage has been flowing directly into this important habitat, creating an unhealthy swamp instead of a thriving ecosystem with clean water—impacting both the wetland and the river that runs through Lander. After years of exploring potential solutions that each had significant problems, the city’s community development coordinator reached out to LOR with a cost-effective, permanent approach. Installing piping along the wetland’s edge will redirect sewage away from the habitat and connect to existing city infrastructure, allowing residents to tie into the new main line instead of relying on failing septic systems. This solution avoids the expense of tearing up a local street while still achieving project goals. The city will provide all labor through its public works department plus rock bedding for the pipes. LOR’s funding will help purchase piping materials and four sealed concrete manholes designed to prevent groundwater seepage, protecting both neighborhood health and wetland biodiversity.