CLEARWATER TRIBUNE HOME

MAY 13, 2010

Clearwater County Commissioners news

Specialized oil processing modules’ transportation discussed

   The Clearwater County Commissioners met with R.J. (Reg) McClellan and Harry Lillo with Imperial Oil Resources, and Bruce Brockmann with Fluor at the May 3 meeting. The group met with the Commissioners for an update on the transportation of specialized oil processing modules that will be going through Idaho, eventually ending up in Alberta, Canada.

   These preassembled process units that are manufactured in Korea will be shipped to the Port of Lewiston where they will be loaded onto specialized load trailers. The majority of the modules will be transported on steerable hydraulic platform trailers.

   They gave an overview of the movement of equipment for the Kearl Project Module for ExxonMobil. The units measure 24 feet wide by 26 feet tall and 120 feet long. Plans are to move one module per day and no more than two. There will be approximately 200 units that will be transported through Idaho, Montana, then up to Canada over a period of one year.

    In a previous briefing it was revealed that to move the modules safely and efficiently, the Kearl project requires raising or burying utility lines, modifying traffic signals, signs or street lights and modifying some road structures. This has all been completed in time for the transport process to start this fall. The improvements have all been paid for by Imperial Oil at no cost to the State. This will be a one time movement of manufacturing equipment.

   The information from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) highway and bridge engineers recommended the guidelines for the route. This included data for vehicle travel revealing the best possible travel window being from the fall 2010 to the fall 2011, with the peak volume of travel being in 2011. The group reported that all the travel in the heavier traffic areas will occur at nighttime to avoid conflicts with local traffic. The best travel time for all three stages will be on Sunday night through Thursday night, 11 p.m. through 5 a.m.

 The transport company Mammoet will comply with the ITD guidelines of 15 minute traffic delays. This company has worldwide experience with moving extensive large loads, specializing in the type of load moving equipment and personnel necessary for the Kearl Project. Idaho State Patrol (ISP) will escort the trucks and trailers throughout the route.

   They have an emergency response plan with an emphasis on emergency vehicle clearance. ISP and ITD have in place a dedicated communications channel for the route. With the services of two medical transport helicopters for the area, emergency services will not be disrupted.

   The Imperial Oil representatives are planning a public meeting and open house event in the four counties in June, with one being in Orofino. The public will be notified of the time and place.

Electronic payments

   The Board approved and signed expense claims. A motion was passed and the Board signed the service level agreement for electronic transaction and access for electronic payments at point of sale for the Clearwater County Sheriff.

Planning & Zoning

   The Board held an open public hearing to consider the information and recommendations from the April 19 Planning & Zoning (P&Z) meeting for the following zoning applications:

   A Class S Subdivision Simple Subdivision request by Carol King to divide 40.44 acres into 2 lots. Lot A 33.84 acres, Lot B 6.60 acres. This property is located in Section 11, Township 37 North, Range 01 West, located at 463 Freeman Creek Road; zoned low density rural district F-1. Lot B with an existing residence will be sold and Lot A will remain in farming.

   The lots are accessed off of Freeman Creek Road. There is an existing residence on B. The lots meet the minimum lot width, depth and area as required. The P&Z Commission recommends the Boards approval since it appears to meet the minimum ordinance requirements. Upon review of staff report, findings and public comment, the Board unanimously approved the application since it met the county ordinance requirements.

   A report was given on a zoning variance request by Cary Newman to vary the lot depth from two hundred fifty (250) feet to one hundred seventy (170) feet and vary the lot area from five (5.00) acres to one (1.00) acre as required by the Clearwater County Zoning Ordinance Article IV § 404.3 a & c. This property is located in Section 27, Township 37 North, Range 01 West, and is the timbered area across from the United Brethren Church at 132 Cream Ridge Road.; zoned low density rural district F-1.

   The P&Z Commission have the decision making powers on the variance applications. The P&Z Commission approved the application submitted by Cary Newman for a variance in lot size.

   There were three executive sessions held to discuss personnel, contract negotiations and indigent matters. Present for the meeting was Chairman Don Ebert and Commissioner John Allen and Commissioner Stan Leach.