Commission continues hearing on lay-flat line easements after industry asks for clarity on bonding and maintenance

During a public hearing on April 13, Deputy Attorney Grant Charles presented Ordinance 26-430, a proposed amendment to Title 6, Chapter 1 to allow temporary easements in county rights-of-way and to permit the use of culverts for temporary lay-flat-line crossings.

Industry representatives raised specific concerns. Zane Lay of FourPoint Resources asked to see the draft permit language and questioned whether the county would accept a blanket bond or require a bond per project and whether culvert maintenance for two years would apply when a culvert is used only for an installed line rather than drainage. Jake Woodland of WEM asked whether multiple lines would require separate permits; Scott Duncan of SM Energy noted existing lines on Pole Line Road and urged the commission to consider engineered crossings that meet flow standards. Rikki Hrenko-Browning of the Utah Petroleum Association asked for more time to review the ordinance and permit application on behalf of industry members.

Commissioners discussed protections for the county and landowners, with particular emphasis on requiring bonds where paved roads would be saw-cut and allowing permittees to repair damage before the county draws on a bond. After discussion, Commissioner Tracy Killian moved to continue the public hearing until May 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.; Commissioner Jeff Chugg seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Separately, the commission approved encroachment permit R26-019 for Crescent Uinta, LLC; Commissioner Jeff Chugg moved to approve and authorize the chair to sign, and the motion passed unanimously.