Utah County Planning Commission approves backup-fuel option for power plant, with conditions

The Utah County Planning Commission on May 20 approved a conditional-use permit allowing a proposed power-generation facility to keep on-site backup fuel — either liquefied natural gas (LNG) or diesel — to maintain power if the site's connection to the natural-gas pipeline is interrupted.

Staff presented the application as a separate conditional use (CU2025-02) tied to an earlier approval for the same facility, and emphasized it was not an amendment to the previous permit. The staff recommendation clarified that the backup fuels would be permitted only as an emergency or interruption contingency, not for routine use.

Greg Probst, representing the applicant, told commissioners the backup tanks would only be used in the event of a maintenance or forced outage on the Kern River pipeline. “It may not ever happen,” Probst said, adding that LNG is the developer’s preferred backup because it “would be the cleaner burning fuel.” He described typical LNG “bullet” tanks as insulated storage that can range roughly from 25,000 to 75,000 gallons and said precise tank sizing will depend on how many hours of backup the project must cover.

Public comment included concerns from Fairfield resident Holly McKinney, who said the site more closely borders Fairfield than Eagle Mountain and urged the commission to require clearer permit language and address road impacts and annexation questions. “I think that it would be beneficial for Fairfield to annex this in,” McKinney said, and asked that the permit specify which fuels would be allowed rather than using the term “alternative fuels.”

Staff said the county met its notice requirements and mailed notices to adjacent property owners; staff also noted coordination is ongoing with the fire marshal, public works and the applicant to ensure hydrant placement and water storage meet code. The staff recommendation included conditions requiring compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations and enforcement of road-improvement and access-route conditions that were part of the prior approval.

Commissioners asked questions about water supply and hydrant pressure, potential truck traffic for fuel deliveries, and whether the county can regulate routes through incorporated cities. Staff and the county attorney said the county’s jurisdiction ends at city limits and that, while the county can provide notice and recommend coordination, it cannot regulate activities inside an incorporated city.

After deliberation, a commissioner moved to approve CU2025-02 subject to the staff findings and conditions; another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission recorded a unanimous aye vote and approved the permit. Staff said the conditional-use decision is final at this body and will be enforced through the stipulated conditions, including coordination with the fire marshal on hydrants and fire-flow requirements.

What’s next: The applicant and county staff will continue design-level coordination with the fire marshal and public-works staff to finalize hydrant placement, water storage sizing, road access conditions and any required permits.