Draft lay-flat pipe ordinance reviewed; commissioners and operators debate liability and definitions

Deputy Attorney Grant Charles presented a rough draft of a proposed lay-flat pipe ordinance on March 30 and outlined a permit process similar to the county's approach permit.

The Commission and staff discussed liability protections and whether to require proof of insurance for operators. Commissioners and attendees emphasized daily inspections of lay-flat lines to detect malfunctions; Jeff Crozier noted that pressure is also monitored to detect issues earlier. Participants debated whether to require deflating pipes during heavy rainfall events and discussed adopting DOGM’s definition of "clean water" within the ordinance.

Charles said he is preparing a permit and intends to distribute the draft ordinance to the public ahead of the April 13 public hearing to allow for review and comment. No formal vote or ordinance adoption occurred at the meeting; the item remains in the draft stage for additional review and public input.