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Duchesne County Commission approves two commercial approach permits as officials warn of unpaid road costs
Summary
The commission approved two commercial approach permits tied to energy development while several commissioners pressed industry to pay road costs and urged planning for emergency access and staging; one permit passed 2–1 and the other passed unanimously.
The Duchesne County Commission on Sept. 29 approved two commercial approach permits tied to energy-site activity and used the hearing to press producers on paying for road impacts and staging heavy trucks.
Commissioners voted to approve commercial approach permit 25-041 after discussion about who would fund construction and how long applicants have to meet conditions. The roll call for 25-041 recorded Commissioner Chug voting “Aye,” Commissioner Miles voting “Aye,” and Commissioner Killian voting “Nay,” and the permit was approved.
A second commercial approach permit, 25-046, was then approved after staff said the applicant agreed to help pave up to the approach. The motion was seconded and the commissioners voted in favor; the record shows unanimous support from those voting.
Commissioner Killian used the discussion to criticize some producers for not living up to commitments to maintain roads. “It’s unfair to the taxpayers of our county to have to put the bill to maintain infrastructure leading to developments like this,” Killian said, urging the county to seek stronger agreements. The commission also noted a state fee tied to oil and gas that will not produce local receipts until January, delaying additional county revenue.
County staff and commissioners discussed operational steps to reduce roadside truck stacking, including staging trucks on lease or county roads and coordinating with the sheriff’s office on traffic control. Staff reminded the commission that approach permits include one-year conditions and that applicants who do not meet permit requirements within that period can lose the permit.
The approvals allow the applicants to begin work on access that leads to active well pads, subject to follow-up inspections and permit conditions. Commissioners said they would press for better enforcement and clearer conditions so heavy traffic and gravel tracked onto county roads are addressed before the county assumes long-term maintenance responsibilities.
