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Agency briefs: ag water grants, prescribed‑fire work, SUFCO drilling, carbon sequestration update and battery‑fire training
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Summary
At the council meeting, Utah Department of Agriculture opened applications Jan.1–Feb.28 for an Agriculture Water Optimization Program covering up to 50% of irrigation‑upgrade costs; the Forest Service reported prescribed burns and pile burning; BLM and county staff updated on erosion control, Buckhorn road work and SUFCO exploratory drilling (about 11 wells planned); oil‑gas division noted a Class VI carbon sequestration hearing and preliminary lithium tests near Green River; county announced Jan.17 lithium battery training.
Several agency representatives briefed the Emery County Public Lands Council on programs and projects the county may see in the coming year.
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food: Ryan Jones said the Agriculture Water Optimization Program will accept applications Jan. 1–Feb. 28 and can fund up to 50 percent of irrigation or pivot upgrades on farms. He also promoted the Soil Health in the West conference in St. George in February and offered handouts on both items.
Manti‑La Salle National Forest: Darren reviewed recent prescribed burns, treated thousands of acres and described ongoing pile burning operations this week; crews are prioritizing pile burning while weather and snow allow. He also outlined a proposed land‑trade concept at Cleveland Reservoir (see separate story).
BLM and land management: BLM staff described erosion control projects in the Mounds and Desert Lake areas, a county‑submitted application for Buckhorn Wash road work (signature hoped for in January), and local gypsum exploration south of the Moore Cutoff Road. Staff said SUFCO plans exploratory drilling north of the Muddy (about 11 wells over two years) with BLM as the lead on access and approvals.
Division of Oil, Gas and Mining: A representative said a public comment period for Class VI carbon sequestration applications ends the following Monday and the division will proceed if no substantial objections arise; preliminary lithium testing near Green River showed potentially economic concentrations, and some proposed injection wells are in process.
Public safety and training: County emergency management announced lithium‑battery‑fire training set for Jan. 17, 9 a.m.–11 a.m., at the sheriff's office Metal Building; state marshal's office staff expected to attend and present.
What's next: Agencies offered to provide additional details to county staff on project timing, permitting and public outreach.