FRIDAY, May 8, 2026 |
Photo – 12 parcel lot formerly known as Dan’s Trucking – Bigfoot99 file photo
Saratoga’s newest property purchase requires further environmental study.
In December, Saratoga Public Works Director Emery Penner recommended moving his department out of the deteriorating and outdated former water treatment plant and police station on South River Street. Penner proposed buying a 12-lot parcel on North State and East Rochester Streets on the east side of town. The property, formerly the site of Dan’s Trucking, is already zoned for light industrial and suitable for a new public works shop and material staging area.
The town held two public meetings on the proposed sale. Opinions were divided, with some residents opposed to the deal because the town could be taking valuable industrial property off the market, land that could be used for future development. Supporters of the plan said moving the public works department would improve the appearance of the river and allow the area to be opened for public use.
In February, the Saratoga Town Council voted to offer the property owner, Danny McGuire, $800,000 for the parcel.
Knowing the location was a former trucking yard, the town contacted the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to conduct a Phase I study to determine if contamination may be present at the site. A Phase I review includes historical research, regulatory records checks, a visual inspection, and interviews with neighbors and the owner.
Speaking at the May 6th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Penner said DEQ submitted its completed Phase I report and found enough potential concerns to recommend moving on to a Phase II study.
A Phase II study consists of on‑site sampling and laboratory analysis to confirm the existence of any potential contamination, including petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and any other industrial residues linked to the location’s past trucking activity.
Penner said the town isn’t obligated to do any further sampling, but DEQ’s contractor recommended moving ahead with the additional testing.
Penner said he expects Wyoming DEQ to approve the Phase II study by next week. The state’s contractor will begin collecting soil samples soon afterward.
