Duchesne County has issued a final decision approving a conditional use permit for WEM Operating to operate an oil and gas drilling and production site on Parcel #00-0009-8164, according to a September 25, 2026, letter from the Community Development Department.
The approval covers three specific wells on the Horse 2 Pad: Pinto 4-4-8-11-6H, Pinto 4-4-8-11-4H, and Pinto 4-4-8-11-45H.
The approval followed an administrative hearing held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Duchesne County Administrative Building. During that meeting, two property owners stated the applicant did not comply with Duchesne County Code 8-13-5-4-H Staking, which requires surface owners to be notified of survey staking operations affecting their property before they occur.
In response to a request from Duchesne County for verification of compliance with the staking ordinance, WEM Operating submitted responses on August 14 and August 26, 2026. The county has since accepted this verification.
The conditional use permit includes several requirements for the site. The applicant must maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding oil and gas drilling and production sites. Additionally, the applicant must limit surface disturbances, such as damage to agricultural lands, irrigation systems, or crops, to what is reasonably necessary for mineral extraction.
Other requirements include painting equipment in environmental colors with owner concurrence, installing shielded lighting to reduce glare on roads or residential lands, and following dust control measures in accordance with the Utah Administrative Code Fugitive Dust Rule. The applicant must also provide sanitary facilities for employees and contractors during the drilling and completion phase.
The permit outlines specific protocols for noise and hazardous materials. Motors located within 660 feet of a primary or secondary dwelling or a building open to the public must be powered by electricity if the power company has the capacity and availability of easements. If not powered by electricity, engines within that radius must be muffled or situated to mitigate noise impacts.
Furthermore, the applicant must notify those around the site if H2S gas is likely to be encountered or is actually encountered, following Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration requirements.
Any person with standing may appeal this administrative decision to the Duchesne County Planning Commission. To file an appeal, a $200.00 fee and a completed land use application form must be received by the Duchesne County Planning Division within ten days of the September 25, 2026, letter date.
