County weighs temporary 'lay‑flat' waterline plan after developers seek crossings of county roads

Duchesne County commissioners on March 16 discussed a proposed temporary "lay‑flat" waterline that would cross county roads and private property to bring water from Apollo Hollow for a multi‑week project planned for mid‑August into September.

A project representative (speaker 1) told the commission the route would be used for about a two‑to‑three week period and that water would be trucked from Apollo Hollow. The representative said the project team had contacted many landowners and expected to reduce the number of impacted owners as negotiations continued. "If we sometime mid August until October 1, currently is what the schedule is," the speaker said, adding that the project team wants written access agreements and would not block private access.

Commission and staff discussion focused on what the county should require before approving road crossings. Staff explained current county practice asks for certified letters from landowners, evidence of insurance and specific signage; staff also said extensions beyond an initial 30–60 day window would require commission approval. One staff member (speaker 11) urged project‑specific written agreements and a permit application with a route map attached, rather than a single ordinance intended to cover every situation: "I would rather see agreements drafted specific to the project," the staff member said, arguing contracts make it easier to address topography, timeline and mitigation for each site.

Commissioners debated an ordinance versus a permitting/contract approach. Several commissioners supported a streamlined permit and a standard, short written agreement tied to that permit, with the commission retaining approval authority for each project. One commissioner suggested the county recover staff time with a fee; another stressed the need to avoid blocking private gates or home access.

Technical concerns surfaced about culvert sizing and equipment security. Commissioners asked whether fittings could be locked and whether crossings might wash out shoulders; the project representative said some fittings are not cam‑lock style and emphasized careful routing and signage to reduce impacts.

What happens next: staff requested copies of any agreements the proposer already has with landowners and said they would draft a short agreement template and a permit application for the commission to review. The commission did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting and directed staff to return with draft language and recommended procedures.