Council discusses permitted channel work, whirling disease limits and short‑term dredge options for river channel

Bicknell, UT — The council discussed plans to clear a silted river channel and the constraints that come from fish‑health rules and permitting during the June 5 meeting.

Town staff said the Division of Drinking Water told the town permit processing typically takes 20 to 30 days for channel equipment. Town members said they cannot remove mud from the river channel because of concerns about whirling disease in the sediment and that, under current restrictions, they may move sediment to the opposite bank but not remove it from the channel.

Council members discussed renting a small excavator for a short period (a council member estimated work could be one day and several hundred dollars a day in rental cost) instead of deploying town equipment that could be damaged. They also discussed the availability of mats/pads (noted to be available from DWR in other projects) to provide a temporary work platform and to reduce damage. Council members emphasized the need for appropriate insurance and environmental safeguards before placing machinery into the channel.

How this matters: The channel has accumulated debris and silt after recent high flows; restrictions on sediment movement and disease constraints require careful permitting and methods to avoid spreading aquatic disease. The council asked staff to continue coordination with state agencies, to secure insurance for any rented equipment and to return with a plan and cost estimate.