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Utah County commissioners continue resolution on Snowbird proposal after hours of public testimony
Summary
After multi-hour public comment on water quality, public access and private property rights, Utah County commissioners voted to continue a proposed resolution about Snowbird Resort's American Fork Canyon plans for one week to revise wording and seek more input.
Utah County commissioners on Jan. 26 continued consideration of a resolution addressing Snowbird Resort's proposed development in American Fork Canyon after more than three hours of public comment and a lengthy exchange among commissioners about process and wording.
The resolution, introduced by Commissioner (speaker 6), would reaffirm three points: support for private property rights consistent with county land-use rules; recognition of environmental stewardship and the county's responsibility for health and safety; and protection of public use easements and access. After hearing from dozens of residents, city officials and Snowbird representatives, commissioners agreed to take another week to refine language and coordinate with stakeholders before a final vote.
Why it matters: The county's position could shape public expectations and clarify the commission's stance as Snowbird pursues permits and conditional-use processes administered by the Board of Adjustments. Speakers raised concerns about mine tailings, watershed impacts, public access and the proper role of the commission versus the Board of Adjustments.
Opponents pressed the county to demand new, contemporary studies and broader oversight. Marissa Wright of Cedar Hills said the language was too weak and demanded evidence: “Show me the studies where the Yankee Mine is clean,” she said, warning that a breach could "pollute Cedar Hills, American Fork, Highland, Alpine, Lehi and then go into Utah Lake." Several residents described visible mine tailings, questioned the comprehensiveness of prior cleanup work and urged the county to limit disturbance of sensitive soils and hydrology.
Supporters, including Snowbird representatives and water professionals, said prior work and monitoring have reduced risks. Bob Bonar, general manager of Snowbird, said the company had participated in cleanup efforts and stood by its studies: “I sleep at night well because I know that our proposal will not impact water quality,” Bonar said, adding that some cleanups and monitoring have been conducted by the state Department of Environmental Quality and federal agencies.
Salt Lake County's Keith Hanson, general manager of Service Area 3, told the commission that his agency has tested and monitored Little Cottonwood and American Fork Canyon waters for decades and described Snowbird as a partner in remediation efforts. Other technical speakers described mine remediation steps (bulkheads, collection systems, treatment) and the costs and complexities of treating mine-related discharges.
Process and next steps: Commissioners debated whether a county resolution risks appearing to interfere with the Board of Adjustments, which oversees conditional-use permits. Commissioner (speaker 1) cautioned that the Board of Adjustments'independence should be respected; Commissioner (speaker 6) said the resolution simply reaffirms values (property rights, stewardship, public access) and asked for more collaborative edits. On a motion by Commissioner (speaker 6), seconded by Chair (speaker 1), the commission voted to continue the item for one week so staff and commissioners can redraft the language and consult stakeholders.
The commission did not adopt final policy; the Board of Adjustments process and any permit applications remain the formal venues for project approvals.
