The Cache County Planning Commission voted to continue consideration of a proposed ordinance amendment that would allow alternative on‑site wastewater systems in Zone 2 source‑water protection areas for up to 90 days, after extensive public testimony and commissioner concern.

Staff described the amendment as a targeted change that would continue to prohibit conventional septic systems in Zone 2 but permit certain alternative systems that meet Division of Water Quality and Bear River Health Department requirements, operate under renewable permits, and include pollutant‑loading monitoring. The change was requested by a developer with a project within a Zone 2 area.

Public opposition: Speakers from Lewiston and surrounding communities urged denial. Roy Hall, a Lewiston resident, said the county should "hold the line" to protect municipal wells and warned that once contaminants enter an aquifer they are difficult or impossible to remediate. Jeff Hall, mayor of Lewiston, said protections put in place in the mid‑1990s should be maintained or strengthened and raised concerns about limited testing requirements in the proposed text.

Regulatory citations referenced in public comment included Utah drinking water source protection rule R309‑600 and references to other state rules (R317) and federal statutes such as the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Water operators and local officials warned that the proposed change could create county‑wide precedent and complicate long‑term oversight.

Commission deliberations: Commissioners said new information and recent public comments warranted further study, including additional coordination with state agencies and Bear River Health Department. Several commissioners suggested possible narrowly tailored flexibility for specific cases but emphasized the need for clearer enforcement, monitoring, and input from affected municipalities before changing county code.

Outcome: The commission voted to continue the item for up to 90 days, with the option to extend if outstanding questions remain. Commissioners asked staff to schedule additional meetings with state and health officials and to solicit technical details from applicants about proposed treatment technologies and monitoring systems.

Next steps: Staff will convene follow‑up sessions with state agencies and Bear River Health Department, gather technical documentation on the alternative wastewater technologies cited by applicants, and return to the commission within the continuation period for further consideration.