The Cache County Planning Commission voted Jan. 8 to approve a conditional use permit allowing the Blacksmith Fork Irrigation Company to enclose about 775 feet of the existing Hollow Road canal in 36‑inch corrugated pipe.

Staff recommended approval with conditions and the canal company’s representatives — president Brandon Parker and secretary Floyd Burnett — said the project aims to conserve water and improve safety. Parker said operations will not include on‑site employees except for periodic maintenance and no waste or signage is anticipated.

Multiple nearby residents spoke against the project during the meeting. Kohn/Khan Smith, Gary Smith and others described the Hollow Road corridor as a functioning greenbelt with large trees, abundant wildlife and springs that currently seep into the canal and groundwater. Resident testimony cited a Utah State study and local observations to argue piping could reduce seepage that sustains trees and springs. “If you were to pipe that canal, that you would actually lose water,” one resident said, citing the university study and local springs.

Canal company representatives said they had informed water users, engineers had measured spring flows over several years and the design accounts for springs and stormwater mitigation. Company secretary Floyd Burnett said the project had been discussed at annual meetings and with engineers and water users.

Commissioners noted legal constraints: canal companies hold rights to use water and to operate their systems, and conditional use permits generally must be approved unless a clear safety hazard exists. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the CUP with listed conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission voted to approve.

What’s next: The canal company will proceed with design details required by the conditions (stormwater report, geotech if moderate slopes are affected and coordination on vegetation management). Residents may raise concerns to county council or other forums if they pursue appeals or additional reviews.