Planning commission recommends ordinance change to allow government-run storage and sale of Class A biosolids

The Utah County Planning Commission on Jan. 20 recommended approval of a countywide text amendment that would allow government-owned public-facility sites to store and sell Class A biosolids, a nutrient-rich byproduct of wastewater treatment.

Greg Robinson, planning staff, told commissioners the change would be a text amendment only — no zone changes are requested now — and would allow only Class A biosolids at government-run facilities. "This ordinance allows for class a biosolids to be stored on us and sold from a site, that is a, site owned and operated by a government, entity," Robinson said, noting the draft includes new conditions added after earlier public comment.

The draft ordinance adds two specific conditions to address resident concerns: biosolids must be stored on an impervious surface to prevent leaching and must be covered to minimize wind dispersion. Robinson said those provisions respond to public input from a 2024 application the applicant withdrew for revisions.

The Timpanogos Special Service District (TSSD) district manager, identified only by title in the record, described the district’s service area and intent. "We would like to take our dried class a biosolids, which is the highest classification for biosolids and have that as a nutrient, implement for soil amendment," the district manager said, adding the district purchased property on the Alberta side of the lake and is coordinating with county road plans for the canyon access.

Way Stinson of Aqua Engineering, who said his firm is working with TSSD, addressed the public hearing in support, saying the project team listened to local concerns and adjusted the proposal accordingly: "Timpanogos has been very passionate about trying to make this applicable and beneficial for all around."

Commissioners and staff emphasized the difference between a countywide text amendment and a site-specific proposal. Bryce Armstrong, staff, warned that if an applicant later seeks a zone change to place a facility on a particular property, that rezoning or conditional-use permit would return to the commission for review and would be the time to test site-specific traffic, proximity and public-safety impacts.

On operational details discussed in the hearing, the applicant said Class A biosolids meet EPA guidance for exceptional-quality biosolids (contaminants below detectable limits) and can be sold for agricultural and bulk uses rather than small retail bagging. The district estimated the operation could involve up to seven truck trips per week and described the product density at roughly 15–20 pounds per cubic foot; staff said specific traffic impacts would be reviewed with any subsequent site application.

After the public comment period (aqua engineering’s Way Stinson spoke in support and there were no speakers opposed), an unnamed commissioner moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the proposed amendments to Sections 2.08 and 12.56 of the Utah County Land Use Ordinance, with any applicable renumbering. The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

The recommendation does not itself authorize construction or operation at a specific location. Any future proposal to site a facility or change zoning would require further public hearings and review of site-specific impacts, including traffic and proximity to residences and municipalities.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will go forward to the county body that considers ordinance amendments; a specific application to place a facility on a particular parcel would trigger additional public hearings and environmental/traffic review.