available BFE data shall also be used when evaluating new subdivisions and mobile home parks greater than 50 lots or 5 acres in size (whichever is less).
The proposed ordinance amendment was reviewed during a public hearing conducted by the County Planning Commission on April 3, 2024. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of Ordinance #24-405.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Commissioner Miles made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.
Discussion & Consideration of Ordinance #24-405; An Ordinance Amending Title 8, Chapter 7 of the Duchesne County Zoning Ordinance Regarding Flood Plain Management
Community Development Director Mike Hyde presented Ordinance #24-405; An Ordinance Amending Title 8, Chapter 7 of the Duchesne County Zoning Ordinance Regarding Flood Plain Management. The parties discussed the ordinance. Commissioner Miles made a motion to adopt the findings recommended by the Planning Commission and approve Ordinance #24-405, amending the Flood Damage Prevention chapter of the Duchesne County Zoning Ordinance. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Miles voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.
Public Hearing 1:15 p.m. – Ordinance Amending the Duchesne County Zoning Ordinance Provisions for Oil and Gas Drilling and Production Facilities
Commissioner Killian made a motion to go into a public hearing. Commissioner Miles seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Miles voted aye, and Commissioner Hansen voted aye. The motion passed.
Community Development Director Mike Hyde explained that the County Planning Commission opened a public hearing on April 3, 2024, to consider an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance provisions associated with oil and gas drilling, production, and labor camps and establishing a new code associated with flare gas power generation.
The Planning Commission received several verbal and written requests to recess the public hearing and honored those requests by recessing it until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 26.
The Planning Commission also directed staff to separate the ordinance topics into three separate ordinances: one for oil and gas drilling and production, one for labor camps, and one for flare gas power generation.
Finally, the Planning Commission appointed three of its members (Tom Winterton, Shon McKinnon, and Terry Nelson) to serve on a subcommittee that will meet with stakeholders in the industry and community to review, discuss, and fine-tune the proposed ordinances prior to the June 26th hearing.
In light of these developments, it is recommended that the County Commissioners recess their public hearing until at least July 8, 2024.
Public Comments
Fred Goodrich and Hobart Willis, neighbors in Ioka, Duchesne County, introduced themselves. Hobart Willis stated he lives 500 yards from a BitCoin Mine facility. The noise from the facility has been measured and hits between 50 and 80 hertz. The noise is not his primary concern; he said the vibrations from the facility are extreme. He had to stop hatching pheasants because of the birth defects that he thought were caused by the vibrations. The micro-vibrations negatively affect his lifestyle, livestock, and the local wildlife.
Fred Goodrich said this started in November 2023. They met with the company to address their concerns. A sound barrier wall was installed, but no improvements were made to the sound or vibrations. He has asked for the data the company is collecting, but they have not provided it. He is concerned about his property value; who would buy the property with the hash pad as a neighbor? He suggested that if more BitCoin Mine facilities come into the County, they should be placed away from residential areas.