Planning commission approves $125M expansion of East Canyon Water Reclamation Facility, citing capacity needs and conditions

The Snyderville Basin Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for a major expansion of the East Canyon Water Reclamation Facility, a project staff and the plant operator said is intended to meet projected wastewater demand through mid‑century.

Senior planner Northrop Robinson told the commission the existing plant currently processes about 5,000,000 gallons per day and the proposed expansion would "bump that up to about 6,400,000 gallons." The project covers roughly 24.9 acres behind Jeremy Ranch Elementary, will demolish several existing structures and build 13 new facilities including a new bioreactor, clarifier, advanced treatment building and a maintenance building, and will reconfigure parking.

Robinson said the application incorporated special exceptions previously granted by County Council for wetland and stream setbacks, several building height exceptions tailored to industrial structures, and an architectural‑standards exception appropriate to an industrial campus. He noted some environmental criteria would be met "as conditioned," particularly stormwater management measures staff and engineering consultants had worked on with the applicant.

Commissioners asked technical questions during the public hearing. On odor control, plant superintendent Chad Burrell and design engineers from Claro Engineers explained that portions of the bioreactor with odor potential would be covered and the off‑gases would be treated for foul air using activated carbon systems. "We've had air treatment for odors for 22 years now," Burrell said, describing the activated carbon approach as effective.

Commissioners also asked about long‑term capacity modeling and schedule. Plant staff said the current design should serve projected growth roughly into the 2040s depending on growth rates and that sequencing and construction is complex: "These are very complex construction projects" and the current cost estimate is about $125,000,000.

After questions and discussion, Commissioner Carmichael moved to approve the expansion "for the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and conditions of approval outlined in the staff report." The motion was seconded and, on roll call, commissioners voted aye; the motion passed 6–0.

The approval includes the conditions and findings in the staff report and references the prior Council‑granted exceptions. Staff indicated environmental compliance items, including stormwater controls, would remain conditions of approval and be addressed through engineering and permit reviews.

What comes next: staff will track permit compliance and building‑permit submittals, and the plant will proceed with the sequencing and construction planning required for a multi‑year, multi‑phase capital project.