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1. Why should I care what goes down the drain?

It is important to limit what kinds of things you allow to go down your drain in either the home or  a business.  Sewer lines and treatment systems are not designed to handle certain wastes.  Things that can cause problems include flammables, corrosives, toxins, excessive or incompatible solids, oil, grease, and others.  In many cases, the greatest risk occurs at the point of discharge – the service line through the building and out to the sewer main in the street or alley.  This line belongs to the building, not the Town, so damage or clogs in it are the responsibility of the owner.

2. How do I report a sewer overflow?

To report a sewer overflow during business hours, please call Public Works at (307) 733-3079 or the Wastewater Treatment Plant at (307) 733-4203.  If you notice a sewer overflow or backup after hours or on the weekend, please call Dispatch at (307) 733-2331 and the proper Public Works team will be notified.  Please note that all lateral connections (connections going from a home or business to a sewer main) are the responsibility of the owner.

3. How can I prevent sewer overflows?

Prevention can save you money! Most sewer back-ups occur between the house and the Town's sewer main. If there is a blocked sewer service between the house and the Town's sewer main, the property owner is responsible for correcting the problem. Avoiding blockages means avoiding plumbing bills! When the blockage occurs in the Town's sewer main, the Town will correct the problem.

• Do NOT pour grease, fats, and oils from cooking down the sink drain. Collect grease in a container and dispose of it in the garbage.
• Do NOT use the sewer system as a means to dispose of food scraps. Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with your weekly garbage collection or placed your food scraps in a compost pile.
• Do NOT use the toilet as a wastebasket. Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of garbage. Disposable diapers, condoms, dental floss, rags, and personal hygiene products DO NOT belong in the sewer system!

4. What can happen if I put prohibited items down the drain?

Flammable liquids release vapors that can travel up service lines, through dry floor drains to a source of ignition, such as a water heater, to cause an explosion.  Acids can attack and destroy pipes.  Toxins, along with flammables and acids, can harm the treatment plant bacteria, resulting in poorly cleaned wastewater.  They can also endanger building occupants, the public or Town workers through fume exposure.  Solids and grease will contribute to clogging both service lines and sewer mains to produce backups and can interfere with operations at the treatment plant.  All hazardous material can be taken to the Recycling Center for proper disposal.

5. What’s OK for households to discharge?

Normal domestic wastewater includes bathroom, kitchen, laundry and general cleaning wastewater.  It should not include items like gasoline, solvents, acids, pesticides or herbicides or groundwater sump discharge which should be drained to the ground.  The two biggest problem items discharged from homes are fats, oil, and grease (FOG) and "flushable" wipes. 

6. I have a restaurant. How can I control grease in my wastewater?

Grease traps and interceptors are required for all new and relocated restaurants, bakeries, deli's, and anywhere that washes dishes.  A grease trap (10 - 100 gallon) or an interceptor (750-1500 gallon) collects grease from a restaurant’s kitchen wastewater, preventing it from depositing in sewer piping.  This also prevents sewer backups (grease build up) from happening in restaurants, which would cause the restaurant to be closed during such an event.   Alternately, Best Management Practices (BMP's) may be used to limit the amount of grease released to the sewer.  BMP's include scraping plates to the trash instead of using a grinder, wiping pots with paper towels before washing, screening solids from sink drains, posting signage of these requirements and ongoing employee training.

7. My restaurant has a grease interceptor, what should I do to maintain it?

Grease Traps must be cleaned weekly unless less cleaning (frequency) may be determined upon inspection with Town staff.  Interceptors must be cleaned twice a year, unless less cleaning may be determined by Town staff, when grease and solids reach 25% of the interceptor’s capacity.  Records must be kept by the restaurant to show that regular inspections and cleaning were done.  When pump out is required, you must select a company to completely empty the interceptor/grease trap and properly dispose of the material. Public Works Sewer staff inspects every grease trap and interceptor every year to make sure adequate cleaning is taking place.  During the inspection, staff will be using this form to complete the inspection.  

8. Why is there a sewer odor in my building?

The most common cause of sewer gas smell is a dry water seal.  Each drain contains a u-shaped pipe that traps a small amount of water to form a seal against sewer gasses rising into buildings.  Drains that are seldom used can have this water evaporate over time allowing vapors to enter through the open piping.  Pouring water down drains, including floor drains, can stop this problem.  Non-toxic antifreeze, which is slower to evaporate, can also be used to vapor seal unused drains for longer periods. At time, sewer pipe venting located on a roof may become clogged or block (nests, bee hives, snow, etc) and this may cause sewer odor in a home or business.

9. What causes a sewer back up?

A sewer backup is usually caused by material that builds up inside a sewer pipe eventually slowing and blocking the flow of wastewater.  Roots often grow into older sewer pipes through small cracks.  These roots form a mat that can catch material. Cooking grease will also stick to anything in contact with the wastewater and can eventually build up into large deposits.  These deposits, in turn, catch other material or can break off forming “grease logs” that can block a pipe.  In recent years, the use of “flushable” wipes has proven to be a big problem for sewer operations.  These wipes do not dissolve in water like toilet paper does, so they often collect along with roots and grease to contribute to clogging formation both in sewer pipes and at the treatment plant.

10. Where is the Town's Wastewater Plant located?

The Town's Wastewater Plant is located 5 miles south of town near Melody Ranch.

11. How do wastewater treatment plants work and why are they important?

Cool Video!!!

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1. What animals do you have available for adoption?

To view our available animals, please visit Petfinder.com

2. Do I have to license my pet?

Yes, annual dog and cat pet licenses are required both within Town of Jackson limits and Teton County, WY for animals 4 months and older. 

Fees are $10 for spayed/neutered pets and $25 for intact pets. 

You can get a license from the Teton County Animal Shelter, Jackson Town Hall, or any of the vet clinics in Teton County. 

You will need to bring proof of rabies vaccination and basic contact information with you.

3. What do I do if my pet goes missing?

If, despite proper precautions, you and your pet somehow manage to part ways, a call to the Shelter at 307-733-2139 may help you to become quickly reunited. Please be prepared to: describe your pet - breed, coloration, sex, collar & tags (if any); tell where and when you had it last; and leave your name and phone number for future contact.

We also recommend notifying Teton County Dispatch at 307-733-2331 in case law enforcement or animal control is called directly to pick up the animal.

If your pet is found, it will more than likely be brought to the Shelter for safekeeping. However, this is not always the case. The Shelter also keeps track of lost and found pets that are not brought in. You can still phone in information about your pet and how you can be reached, and if someone calls saying that they found that animal the Shelter will assist in bringing the two of you together.

If your animal is brought to the shelter, there are fees associated with any impoundment. To release an impounded animal will cost $31 for the first offense, $43 for the second, $61 for the third, and $122 for any subsequent offense within a calendar year. In addition, a boarding fee of $18/night will be added after the first night. Cash, check, or credit card are all accepted.

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1. Do I need a building permit to replace my deck?

Maybe.  Please contact the Building Official.

2. Do I need a building permit for solar panels?

Yes

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1. Do I need a Pre-Application meeting with Engineering?

Yes, for projects that require plan level grading permit information on slopes over 15%. See the Town of Jackson Land Development Regulations section 5.7.1 and the Grading Permit Application form for more information.

2. Do I need a grading permit?

No, if you are submitting a building permit for the same project. All the information that is required by a grading permit is required as part of the building permit application.

Yes, if your project involves land disturbing activities that are not exempt per the Town of Jackson Land Development Regulations 5.7.1.D.

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1. How do I contest a parking ticket?

Contesting Parking Tickets

Prior to appearing in court, individuals seeking to contest a parking ticket may write to the Town Prosecutor by email at prosecutor@jacksonwy.gov or by US Postal Service to:
P.O. Box 1687
Jackson, WY 83001

The letter must have ATTN: Town Prosecutor in the address line. Such letter/email must be submitted to the Town Prosecutor within 14 days of the date of issuance. The following information must be included in the letter/email:

• Any supporting documentation
• Citation Number (Going vertically down the side of the ticket-This is NOT the event number)
• Driver’s License Number
• Email Address
• Full Name
• Mailing Address
• Phone Number
• Reason you are seeking the action
• Vehicle License Plate Number
• What action you’d like to see taken

Contesting in Court

**Please visit our Municipal Court  page for information on court operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic**

Initial Appearances for Court are held most Wednesdays at 9:00am in the Clifford P. Hansen Courthouse at 145 E. Simpson Ave. You may confirm that court is in session by calling 307-733-3932 (ext. 1165). Bring your citation and your driver’s license with you to court. You will be advised of the court’s procedures, the nature of the charges against you, and your rights at this initial appearance.  You will be given an opportunity to speak with a member of the Prosecutor’s office to discuss the potential for dismissal, bond reduction, or any alternatives to paying the bond amount, such as community service or traffic school.  If you plead not guilty, the matter will be set for trial at a later date.

 **PLEASE SEE LINK ABOVE FOR INFORMATION REGARDING COURT OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC**

Pay a Parking Ticket

2. How do I watch a Town Council or Planning Commission meeting that has already happened?

To watch a Town Council or Planning Commission meeting that has already happened, go to our Watch a Meeting page by clicking here (also shown below).

From there, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the "Town Council" or "Planning Commission" tab located to the right of the "Live" tab. Scroll through the list of meetings until you see the date of the meeting you are looking for. Click on that date. The video will open in a new window The meeting is organized into clickable sections by agenda items.

3. How do I sign up to receive Town Council meeting notifications?

To sign up to receive notification of Town Council meetings, go to our "Notify Me" page by clicking here.

From there, scroll down to the "Calendar" section of the page and click the envelope icon and/or the phone icon to the left of "Town Council Meetings." This will prompt you to sign in to the website and add either your email address or your mobile phone number (or both) in order to receive alerts for upcoming Town Council meetings by email or text message.

Additionally, from the same "Notify Me" page you can also sign up to be notified when there is a new Town Council agenda available by subscribing to those specific notifications under the Agenda Center heading.

4. How do I search Town Council Meeting Minutes?

To search through past Town Council Meeting Minutes go to http://records.jacksonwy.gov/. This brings up the ZyLAB database.

Click on "Show all indexes."

Then click "Deselect all indexes."

Then click in the box to choose "Minutes."

In the outlines box located below the words "ZyLAB" and "Information Management Platform," enter the keyword you are searching for. Using a specific identifying word will help to narow the search.

Click on "Search."

A list of the meeting minutes will appear that contain the specific keyword. The dates can be sorted by clucking on the date header. 

Click on a meeting to preview the minutes and see the keyword highlighted.

5. How do I switch my water billing?

You can change your water billing information by calling (307) 733-3932 ext. 1100.

6. How do I apply for a business license? Do I need a business license?

How do I apply for a business license?

The business license application can be downloaded here.

Do I need a business license?

The Business License Application Procedures can be viewed here.

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1. How do I contest a parking ticket?

Contesting Parking Tickets:

Prior to appearing in court, individuals seeking to contest a parking ticket can write to the Town Prosecutor via email (prosecutor@jacksonwy.gov) or send a written letter to:
P.O. Box 1687
Jackson, WY 83001

The letter must have ATTN: Town Prosecutor in the address line. Such letter/email must be submitted to the Town Prosecutor within 14 days of the date of issuance. The following information must be included in the letter/email:

• Any supporting documentation
• Citation Number (Going vertically down the side of the ticket-This is NOT the event number)
• Driver’s License Number
• Email Address
• Full Name
• Mailing Address
• Phone Number
• Reason you are seeking the action
• Vehicle License Plate Number
• What action you’d like to see taken

Contesting in Court

 If you cannot come to an agreement with the prosecutor by the court date listed on the citation (14 days after the issue date for parking tickets), or if you have not made a payment or arrangement within that time frame, then you must appear in court or you may face additional fines and charges.

Initial Appearances are held most Wednesdays at 9:00 A.M. in the Clifford P. Hansen Courthouse at 145 E. Simpson Ave. You may confirm that court is in session by calling 307-733-3932 (ext. 1165). 

You will be advised of the court's procedures, the nature of the charges against you, and your rights at this initial appearance.  If you plead not guilty, the matter will be set for trial at a later date.          

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1. How do I calculate affordable workforce housing fees?

Use our Affordable Workforce Housing calculator.

2. Do I need a permit for a fence?

No. Fences do not require a permit, however the Town has standards for height, setbacks and materials.

3. Can I rent my home, apartment, condo or townhome short-term?

Short-term rental, which is considered rental for less than 31 days, is only allowed under the following circumstances:

• Your property must be located within the lodging overlay.
• You must have been approved by the Town through a use permit.
• You must obtain a Town of Jackson short-term rental license.

4. Are there fencing standards, such as height and setback requirements?

Yes. In general, fences within a street setback cannot exceed 4 feet in height and fences beyond the street setback along the side and rear of the property cannot exceed 6 feet in height. Please check with the specific zone to verify height, setbacks and materials.

5. Who needs a business license?

Anyone who conducts business within Town limits, whether you operate out of a commercial space, operate out of your residence, or live in the County but conduct business in Town limits needs a license.

6. How does the town view food trucks?

Currently the town does not have standards to address food trucks and only recognizes permanent food related establishments within a physical building. The reason is that all food related business are reviewed as permanent establishments that must have water and sewer connections, bathrooms, parking and employee housing. Because these requirements are extremely costly and cumbersome for food trucks to meet, food trucks are inadvertently incapable of  meeting the standards for permanent buildings.

With that being said, the Municipal Code (Chapter 5.21) allows temporary or transient merchant businesses to operate on private property for no more than 8 days within 1 calendar year and no more than 4 consecutive days. The Town Finance Department issues the merchant business license permit which would allow food trucks to operate on private property subject to the Municipal Code standards.

7. Can I prep or cook in my food truck when it is stored on private property?

No. The only time and place a food truck may prep, cook and conduct business is at approved special events. Once the food truck/vehicle/equipment is legally stored it must remain in a dormant state.

8. Can I have chickens within the Town of Jackson city limits?

Chapter 7.04 of the Municipal Code prohibits the keeping, maintaining, harboring or boarding of chickens within Town limits.

9. Where can I store a food truck?

Food trucks and related vehicles/equipment may be stored on private property provided the zoning district allows it, however some zones prohibit outdoor storage. Please check with the Planning Department to verify the location you plan to store such vehicles/equipment.

10. When and where can I operate (i.e. prep, cook and conduct business) a food truck?

Within Town limits, the only time and place food trucks may operate is at Town approved special events. In addition, the Municipal Code (Chapter 5.21) allows temporary or transient merchant businesses to operate on private property for no more than 8 days within 1 calendar year and no more than 4 consecutive days. The Town Finance Department issues the merchant business license permit which would allow food trucks to operate on private property subject to the Municipal Code standards.

11. Where can I store my boat, trailer, snowmobiles and/or recreational vehicle?

Outdoor storage of boats, RVs, trailers and the like are permitted in most residential zones provided they are stored beyond the front yard setback. The front yard setback varies depending on the zone. Some zones, however, prohibit outdoor storage and require verifying with Town Planning prior to storage.

12. Can I operate a business from my home or residence?

Yes. The Town allows a two types of home businesses; a home occupation and home business. Home occupation can be obtained by simply applying for a business license and putting your residence as the physical location.

Home occupations are at the residential scale for small businesses where only the person(s) residing at the residence can be employed. A home business requires a conditional use permit, which requires Town Council approval, and allows a business more in line with what would be allowed in a commercial tenant space.

13. If my property is located outside of the lodging overlay, can I rent my home, apartment, condo or townhome month-to-month?

Yes. Month-to-month rental is permitted. Staff recommends that when advertising the rental that you clearly state in the description that the unit can only be rented for an entire month or for 31 days or more. Advertising any other way may result in code enforcement.

14. Who approves temporary banner permits?

Unless the banner is for a one-time grand opening, the Town Council approves all temporary signs/banners.

15. Do I need a building permit to replace my deck?

maybe

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1. Where can I camp in the Town of Jackson?

Answer: The Town of Jackson has an ordinance that does not allow for camping on streets, parking lots, or parking structures in town. 

We encourage visitors to make reservations well in advance of their trip at private or National Park campgrounds, or to camp in designated campsites on public lands outside of the town. 

Stick to numbered campsites and follow the guidelines in place. Be bear aware, follow leave no trace principles, and stay current on fire restrictions. If you have an RV, dump your sump at designated stations only.

2. Can I carry a firearm in Teton County & the Town of Jackson?

Answer: Wyoming has no laws preventing the carrying of firearms “open-carry” style, meaning the firearm must be visible and not concealed. Additionally, effective 07/01/2021 the State of Wyoming now allows any U.S. resident that is legally allowed to possess firearms to carry concealed in the State without a concealed firearms permit. Wyoming also allows for concealed carry of firearms if you are a Wyoming resident for at least 6 months; or have a concealed carry permit issued in Wyoming; or if you have a concealed carry permit from a state recognized by Wyoming (see link for current list); or if you are a current sworn law enforcement officer in the United States; or if you are a qualifying retired law enforcement officer (certain restrictions apply). However, Wyoming does prohibit the carrying of firearms in the following locations: government buildings; law enforcement facilities; court houses; schools; public meetings; school sanctioned athletic events or fields; bars; and religious institutions unless approved by the person in charge of the facility. You should also check current federal laws pertaining to carrying weapons in National Parks. We recommend you contact the proper National Park authorities to confirm current regulations that might be in place.

Out-of-State concealed permit info

3. Why can’t I park my car on the city streets during the winter time?

Answer: Jackson, being a ski destination, receives a great deal of snow each year, which challenges our public works crews with keeping the roadways open and safe for motorists to travel on. Jackson also has many streets which are very narrow and the accumulation of snow can cause the streets to become impassable and unsafe for motorists. To ensure that our roadways are free of snow the TOJ has an ordinance that requires all vehicles to be removed from the public streets and parking lots from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. November 1 through April 15^th. The TOJ does however allow parking within our parking structure located at Milward/Simpson Streets for up to 48 hours, which makes for an ideal location to park your car overnight. You can also park on private property with permission from the owner of the property.

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1. What is it?

The winter parking ban is a seasonal status change on town streets and lots that prohibits parking on the public right of way to facilitate snow removal and winter street maintenance operations. Even a few illegally parked cars slows down the snow removal or cleaning process and ultimately costs us all more money.

2. When is it in effect?

The winter parking ban is in effect from November 1 through April 15, from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. of every year. The ban is in effect regardless of weather conditions.

3. Why do we need it?

The winter parking ban is in place because of the potential for snowfall in the region. Snow can only efficiently and cost effectively be cleared at night from lots and streets that are empty of cars. After a storm, public works crews spend up to a week hauling snow and laying gravel to keep our streets in good condition. It is neither safe nor efficient for cars to be parked on the street while this work is being completed.

4. Are there any solutions?

Please park off of the street or in the town parking structure on Millward Avenue between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. 

Note: The parking structure has a 48 hour limit.

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1. Where can I find more information on short -term rentals?

Information regarding residential short-term rentals can be found on the Short-Term Rentals Page.

2. Where can I find a residential short-term application?

Applications are available on the Short-Term Rentals Page or at the Town of Jackson Town Hall.

3. How long does the application process take?

The  application  process  takes  4 to 6  business  weeks to process. For further details, please contact Town Hall.

4. Where can I find the Ordinance for residential short -term rentals?

Please find a copy of the Ordinance (PDF). Visit the Short-Term Rentals Page to find more useful documents.

5. Is there a map that shows where short -term rentals are allowed?

Yes, her is a Map (PDF) that shows where short -term rentals are allowed.

6. Can I rent my property if I don’t have my short -term rental license?

 No. Effective January 1, 2016 all short-term rental properties must have an approved license. Please visit our Short-Term Rental Page to view a list of approved rental properties.

7. What information will I need for the application?

Please visit the Short-term Rentals Page for the complete application requirements. Specific items also include:

• Copy of Wyoming sales tax certificate is attached to the application
• Letter from homeowner’s association confirming that residential short-term rentals are
• neighbors is included with the application
• Notice to Neighbors within 300 feet has been mailed and a copy of letter and list of
• permitted
• Wyoming Sales Tax number

8. How do I get the list of neighbors within 300 feet for the Neighbor Notice?

Please see the Neighbor Notice Template (PDF) for step by step instructions. Visit Short-Term Rentals Page for more information.

9. How much is the residential short-term license fee?

The residential short-term license fee is $100. Please contact Town hall for further inquiries.

10. what do I do if I have some concerns regarding a short -term rental in my neighborhood?

 All neighbors within 300 feet should receive a notice that includes 24 / 7 contact information for the rental property. You may also report a concern by calling 435-STR-HELP, ext. 435-787 or the Host Compliance Website.

11. What do I need for my building and/or fire inspection?

Please Review the Fire and / or Building Inspection Checklist (PDF) prior to your inspection of your property. Please contact Town Hall for further questions.

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1. Shouldn’t Walgreens Pay to Fix This Slide?

It should be noted that, if passed, this SPET would only fund restoration of public infrastructure (the western portion of the slide path). No public funding will be used to subsidize commercial property owners. These property owners will be responsible for mitigation of slide impacts on private property. The funds collected would be used to restore the Town’s road up to the neighborhood on the hillside, restoration of public water systems up to hillside residents, mitigate potential damage to the Town’s main water line and sewer line near West Broadway, and take measures to protect West Broadway.

Development on the Landslide

The development on the north side of Broadway between Scott Lane and WY 22 sits on the remnants of a colluvium mass wasting and ancient landslides that occurred approximately 150,000 years ago. During this event the volcanic basaltic andesite, which overlaid the sedimentary layers, slid down to what would 150,000 years later become West Broadway.

The Landslide Was Reactivated

Through a series of events over the past 60 years, this ancient landslide was reactivated. Between the dates of 1967 and 1968 WYDOT quarried approximately 52,000 cubic yards of materials to pave the roads which most residents and visitors now rely on throughout Jackson. In addition, during the years of 1963 until 1980 there were an additional 15,000 cubic yards of materials quarried through private operations. The Hillside building and Budge Drive Reconstruction removed 10,000 cubic yards of materials from the hillside during the years of 1998 and 1999. The Walgreens development removed approximately 6,500 cubic yards of materials from the site.

Walgreens

It should be noted that funds collected from the SPET initiative, if passed, would not be used to mitigate the eastern portion (Walgreens side) of the landslide. The Town of Jackson continues to work with Walgreens in an effort to develop a plan which will mitigate the eastern portion of the slide.

2. Is the Slide Still Moving?

The landslide engineers, geotechnical engineers, and geologists have all said that there is a possibility that the West Broadway Landslide could move given the right conditions. The landslide is still moving as evident from the monitoring of inclinometers in the bore holes, extensometers at the scarp, and topographic surveys.

Survey & Technology Letters

If there was a condition where there was rain on frozen ground that allowed significant water to flow into the scarp and the slide slip plane, as occurred in 2014, a very raining period and/or an earthquake that disrupted the friction that is resisting the slide movement there could be substantial movement of the slide. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Letter (PDF) predicted that slide debris form a secondary slide would flow onto Broadway. The Landslide Technology Letter (PDF) stated that the possibility of debris flow from a secondary slide reaching Broadway was low probability, but high consequences.

Landslide Movement

Given the relative risks and potential consequences, the Town through its consultants are monitoring the slide with instruments and periodic site inspections to manage safety concerns. Over the past one and a half years, the slide has been creeping at rates between 0.1 and 0.2 inches per month with occasional increases to 0.5 inches during wet periods. These rates and magnitudes of movement are relatively small and indicate a very low risk to safety. The probability of the slide failing catastrophically is very low due to the granular nature of the slide materials and that the slide movement in April 2014 resulted in a more stable geometry.

3. What Has Been Done to Stop This Slide?

The Town has taken temporary emergency actions to mitigate and/or reduce the possibility of slide movement by stock piling soil at the toe of the slide to add a resistive force, and they have constructed temporary drainage facilities above the slide to divert surface runoff away from the slide head scarp.

Town Interventions

During the first two weeks of the landslide movement the Town installed 2 isolation valves on the 12-inch water main, one on the east end and one on the west end of the effective landslide area, which will help shut down 12-inch main water flow through the landslide area. We also installed 2 fire hydrants at the same locations which allows us to jumper/reconnect with a temporary above ground temporary water hose from the east fire hydrant to west fire hydrant through the affected landslide area. This only restores some domestic water pressure and flow but will not provide critical fire flow. The Town also continues to perform video surveillance of the sewer mains.

Water Main Concerns

The Town recognizes if the slide is not mitigated in the next few years, that the accumulation of movement may over-stress buried utilities, including the water main. This is why the Town is actively pursuing mitigation of the slide and the funding in order to accomplish it. The Town mentions the risk of future water main problems because this is one of the risk factors for needing to construct permanent long-term slide mitigations. At the current rates of slide movement, it is our engineer’s assessment that it would take more than a few years to over-stress the buried water main. Therefore, in the short term, this risk is manageable with monitoring and pipeline inspections.

Water Damage

If there was substantial movement of the slide it could break the 12-inch diameter ductile iron water line on the north side of Broadway, similar to how the slide broke the 8 inch ductile iron pipes in Budge Drive. It could also break the 8 inch diameter PVC sewer main on the north side of Broadway. The broken 12-inch water line could discharge up to 6,400 gallons per minute of water, flooding Broadway and disrupting traffic. The Town maintenance staff may not be able to close the two isolation valves to prevent complete draining of the tank however there would be substantial damage to Broadway, loss of water supply to the area this 12-inch main supplies water to in Jackson. This could contaminate the water system from the sewage leaking from the broken sewer line.

4. What Might Happen if the Slide Reached the Town’s Water Main Line?

There is an automatic valve that monitor’s pipeline velocity and automatically closes if there is a major break in the line, in fact there was an automatic valve installed at the base on the 2 million gallon tank in 1979 and 1980. The problem is that the valve cannot differentiate between a broken pipe and high fire flow demand. If there is a large fire the valve may close thus shutting off the water supply for firefighting purposes.

Maximum Discharge

Our calculation indicate the maximum discharge from an open 12-inch pipe with the pressure created by a full tank is about 6,400 gallons per minute. In 30 minutes that would be 192,000 gallons. In reality the leak would start smaller and the Town would shut off the valves on both sides of the main before that much water was discharged.

Steps to Reduce Complete Loss

The Town has taken several steps to help reduce the complete loss of the 2 million gallons of water as noted above, we have an automatic valve at the base of the 2 million gallon tank and we have installed 2 isolation valves and 2 fire hydrants on each side of the landslide area as means to help shut off the 12 inch waterline main. Please be aware if the 12-inch waterline main is damaged and with the water pressure between 80 and 90 pounds it will leak 6,400 gallons per minute and will damage a large area in Broadway travel lanes. There are a few variables that also could have impacts to this area:

• Major water infiltration into the scrap
• Earthquakes
• How full the 2 million gallon tank is
• How quickly Town crews can respond and shut down the broken 12-inch water main with the 2 isolation valves

5. What Are the Potential Risks if the Slide Reaches Broadway and the Main Water Line?

Our biggest threat to the safety of Broadway travel lanes, our water and sewer mains is the instability and weakened state of landslide area. The new valves and periodic monitoring and inspection are reasonable measures to manage the landslide risks in the short-term. Constructing permanent landslide mitigation soon is important to alleviating the risks to the public, utilities and private property. The Town through its consultants is developing designs for permanent mitigation and seeking the funds to accomplish it. The actions the Town is conducting demonstrates concern and a reasoned approach to resolving these risks.

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1. Are dogs allowed on the bus?

Service animals are allowed on the START bus.  Pets are not allowed.

2. Are skis/ski boots allowed on the bus?

Yes.  Passenger are allowed to wear ski boots on the bus and carry skis.

3. Are bikes allowed on the bus?

Bikes are allowed to be placed on the bike racks on the outside of the bus.  Bikes are not allowed within the town shuttles.  Bikes are allowed within our Teton Village and commuter lines based on space, safety, and driver discretion.