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Commission tables Enbridge easement request, asks staff to renegotiate terms and compensation
Summary
The commission paused action on a proposed Enbridge (Questar) gas easement crossing a county channel amid concerns that the easement language would limit county channel maintenance and offered only $500; staff were directed to redline terms and negotiate higher compensation.
The Iron County Commission on Monday declined to accept Enbridge’s offered easement as-is for a pipeline crossing near Westview Drive and Highway 56, directing staff to seek revised language and better compensation.
County staff and the county attorney reviewed the document’s provisions. Commissioners and staff objected to clauses that would prohibit the county from constructing footings, armoring the channel or otherwise taking measures to maintain and protect the storm channel without the grantee’s prior written consent. The easement also contained an indemnity clause and an offered payment of $500 for approximately 1,500 square feet of interest in county property.
"The offer was $500," the county attorney said during discussion, prompting commissioners to question whether that sum adequately compensated the county for permanent restrictions on channel management. Engineers and road staff also raised concerns about language that might preclude future channel improvements such as a hardened flume to protect downstream property.
Legal counsel told commissioners staff could redline the document and seek alternative language that preserves the county’s ability to perform emergency and long-term maintenance (including handback provisions and clarified indemnity for acts of nature). Commissioners asked the county attorney and staff to negotiate terms, consider fair‑market compensation (staff cited a recent appraisal on a Belt route parcel at roughly $21,500/acre as a reference), and return with a revised easement. A motion to table the item pending county attorney and engineering review passed by voice vote.
No final easement was approved; commissioners said they were open to granting the pipeline crossing under different terms and with compensation reflecting appraisal guidance.
