Skip to Content

Wyoming State Lands: Glamping Septic Facility Litigation

Date: 2022-2025
Status: Completed

Facility septic system threatens human health and Fish Creek. 

While many raised various objections to the “glamping” geodesic domes on Wyoming State Trust Land on Teton Village Road, since 2022, POWJH led legal efforts against the septic system at the Tammah Jackson Hole glamping resort (formerly Basecamp). POWJH opposed the development, fearing its septic system could harm the highly sensitive Class 1 Fish Creek watershed already listed as impaired for E. coli, an indicator of fecal contamination, and nutrient pollution.

Basecamp/Tammah Litigation Dismissed and Withdrawn

In March 2025, the Wyoming Supreme Court dismissed POWJH’s case, ruling the organization lacked legal standing. POWJH disagrees with the court’s decision and believes we presented sufficient facts to establish standing in this matter.

In May 2025, POWJH voluntarily withdrew its remaining challenge before the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council, formally ending litigation.

Case Closed, but Advocacy Continues

Although our legal efforts to block the Basecamp/Tammah wastewater system have concluded, POWJH remains committed to safeguarding Fish Creek and ensuring any future development in this sensitive watershed is held to the highest environmental standards.

Background Context

The Fish Creek watershed is a critical aquatic ecosystem that contains Class 1 waters, which are afforded the highest level of protection under Wyoming law, and state law prohibits further degradation. But Fish Creek is already suffering a death of a thousand cuts by contamination from septic tanks. Fish Creek is already listed as impaired for E. coli, a potentially dangerous human pathogen, and will soon be listed as impaired for nutrient pollutants that disrupt the balance of natural systems.

Litigation Timeline

June 2022

The Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI) issued a temporary use permit to Basecamp Hospitality, LLC (Basecamp) to develop a geodesic dome glamping hotel complex—including a commercial wastewater system—on state trust lands near Fish Creek.

October 2022

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approves the wastewater permit and authorizes the construction and operation of a commercial septic system.



November 2022

POWJH filed a petition with the District Court of Teton County, WY for review of agency action challenging that DEQ unlawfully authorized the construction of the wastewater facility under an expired general permit.

January 2023

The court grants a stay, halting the construction of the wastewater system.

May–June 2023

DEQ issues a new individual wastewater permit to build a commercial sewage facility, triggering strong public opposition, a public meeting, and comment process. POWJH continues to advocate for wetland protections and Clean Water Act compliance.

August 2023

POWJH filed an appeal to the WY Supreme Court, arguing that DEQ lacked permitting authority & failed to assess critical wetlands near the site. Under a municipal delegation agreement, all septic system permitting authority belongs to Teton County—not DEQ.

August 2023

POWJH simultaneously pursues a case before the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council (EQC) to fulfill its legal duty to adequately consider the septic system's environmental impacts and prevent further harm to water quality in the Fish Creek watershed.

March 2025

The Wyoming Supreme Court dismissed POWJH’s case, ruling the organization lacked legal standing. POWJH disagrees with the court’s decision and believes we presented sufficient facts to establish standing in this matter.

April 2025

The Supreme Court also rules that Teton County cannot enforce its land-use regulations on state lands—further narrowing local oversight.

May 2025

POWJH voluntarily withdraws its remaining challenge before the EQC, formally ending litigation.

Case Closed, but Advocacy Continues

Although our legal efforts to block the wastewater system are concluded, POWJH remains committed to safeguarding Fish Creek and ensuring any future development in this sensitive watershed is held to the highest environmental standards.

Litigation News

Related News

Related Information

Related Projects

Community Solutions

Water Quality Monitoring

Date: Ongoing
Status: Current

Fish Creek and parts of Flat Creek have been listed on Wyoming’s Impaired Waters list since 2020 for elevated E. coli bacteria. Despite this, regular monitoring of bacteria levels in these waterbodies has not occurred. POWJH launched a collaborative water quality monitoring program in Spring 2023 to provide data critical to safe recreation and informed management of each creek.

Community Solutions

Teton County Water Quality Management Plan

Date: Ongoing
Status: Current

POWJH has been a driving force behind Teton County's unprecedented comprehensive water quality planning project that will improve our surface and groundwater resources and protect them from future degradation.

The time to act is now.
Donate Volunteer

Support Protect Our Water Jackson Hole today to help us preserve and protect the Snake River watershed for future generations. Take action through volunteering, donating, putting best-practices in place, and raising awareness among community members.

Get Involved