Duchesne County reviews draft lay-flat pipe ordinance ahead of April 13 public hearing

The Duchesne County Commission reviewed a rough-draft ordinance on March 30 that would regulate temporary lay-flat pipe used for water conveyance associated with industrial operations. Deputy Attorney Grant Charles summarized the planned permit and approval process—modeled on the county’s approach-permit process—and highlighted sections on liability and inspection requirements.

Commission discussion focused on whether the ordinance should require proof of insurance, daily inspections of lay-flat lines to detect malfunctions, and pressure-monitoring systems that Jeff Crozier said can provide earlier warnings of failures. Commissioners discussed operational contingencies such as deflating and turning off lay-flat lines during heavy rainfall and the need to define "clean water" consistently with the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM).

Charles said the ordinance is a draft and that the county will distribute it publicly before a scheduled public hearing on April 13. No formal vote was taken on the ordinance during this meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue refining the draft and circulating it for public comment.