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County approves shared‑use agreement for Parowan gravel pit to support managed aquifer recharge
Summary
The commission approved a three‑party shared‑use agreement to allow managed recharge at a Parowan gravel pit, including a berm and diversion strategy to capture runoff into a triangular recharge basin north of the baseball fields; design will include geotechnical review, a maintenance plan, and an easement for conveyance.
County and city staff presented a shared‑use agreement to permit managed stormwater recharge at a Parowan gravel pit and adjacent small triangular basin. Presenters described the intent to capture runoff, direct it through a designed inlet and conveyance (pipe or open ditch), and allow the sandy/gravel substrate to rapidly percolate water to the aquifer.
Engineering work is underway (a geotechnical engineer has made preliminary observations; the final report was not yet provided to the commission), and the design contemplates a berm and emergency overflow to the larger pit. Presenters said the city would be responsible for pit maintenance, with the county retaining final authority over pit use should conflicts arise. The project team discussed routing the inlet down an old ditch, obtaining an easement from a private property owner, possible upsizing of pipe near fairgrounds drainage, and oil/settling separations if runoff from developed lots is included.
Commissioners noted prior recharge successes elsewhere in the valley and approved the shared‑use agreement, directing staff to continue detailed design and permit steps and to ensure county input on final outlet design to avoid erosion.
