On KVNU’s monthly Speak to the Mayor program last week, she explained that because of local growth, the state requires the city to have a certain amount of water storage capacity, and the city has been out of compliance for several years.
But, Daines said the state has been working with them while they secure a location, fund the project and design the project.
“This project that is coming up is a 10-million gallon storage tank for culinary water, and then it will involve a 42-inch water transmission line that will go from the tank, which is in on the east side of town, partly because our water comes out of the canyon from Dewitt Spring. So, the tank needs to be close to that source. And it will go all the way across town to about 300 West,” explained Daines.
Unfortunately, the transmission path goes down Canyon Road and will impact a group of about 17 old ash trees.
Daines said that some nearby residents who have enjoyed the trees over the years have asked about putting the line on the south side of the road.
“Well, there’s already a sewer line there, and state code prohibits you from putting water and sewer lines within 10 feet of each other for obvious reasons. So, there just is only a certain amount of width where we can put that 42-inch line.”
Also on the program was Logan City Public Works director Paul Lindhardt. He said these decisions are never easy.
“The biggest thing I like to highlight in that (is) every project that we do has difficulties, has tradeoffs, all the low hanging fruit is gone. So, we do these large infrastructure projects and it’s never easy to figure out what is the right solution to get this project done.
“In this case, we took a lot of time looking into it and try to come up with what is the recommended solution, and we’ve made that and the mayor highlighted that well,” Lindhardt said.
Those opposed to the move by the city said on the change.org website that “these trees are vital to our community’s character and the unique identity of the Island. Their removal would significantly diminish our neighborhood’s aesthetic and cultural value.”
Also stating that the trees are vital to the community’s character and the unique identity of the Island. And that their removal would significantly diminish the neighborhood’s aesthetic and cultural value.
Daines said an information meeting will be held for area residents and the public on Thursday, December 5th at 530p.m. at Logan City Hall. So, those needing their questions answered can hopefully accomplish that.