In a recent government meeting, Ken Harper, legal representative for the City of Pasco, firmly stated that the city did not endorse a conditional use permit (CUP) application for a proposed 200-acre surface mine. Harper emphasized that the city neither signed the application nor participated in its development, highlighting a significant procedural issue under Franklin County Code, which mandates that all applications must be signed by the property owner or an authorized representative.

The contentious application, submitted by purported mineral rights owners, seeks to establish a mining operation adjacent to Pasco's 1,900-acre Process Water Reuse Facility (PWRF). Harper expressed concerns that the mining project could disrupt the carefully engineered operations of the PWRF, which is designed to manage the agronomic uptake of process water for agricultural use. He underscored the complexity and regulatory oversight of the PWRF, noting that it has been in development for years prior to the city’s awareness of the CUP application.

Harper's remarks were aimed at clarifying the city's position and ensuring that property owners are informed about applications that could impact their rights and operations. The meeting highlighted the importance of adherence to local codes and the need for transparency in land use decisions, particularly when they involve significant infrastructure like the PWRF.