Many cities worry about public access to the mountains because of increasing residential development, but Kaysville is more concerned about future public access to the Great Salt Lake.
The City Council envisions a 25-foot-wide trail that begins near Shepard Lane. The problem is that the path would run along the north side of Central Davis Sewer District property.Sewer district manager Leland Myers has some concerns about the trail relating to liability and maintenance. He said federal laws aren't clear, but he doesn't want people walking through bio-solids (sludge).
Besides a possible health danger to such exposure, Myers isn't sure the trail's presence won't eventually increase the cost of bio-solid disposal. Such an increase could raise sewer rates for all members of the district from Kaysville to Farmington.
Bio-solid disposal costs for the district are currently about $20 a ton on site. Myers said if the district had to haul the bio-solids somewhere else, the costs per ton could soar to between $160-$240.
An interlocal agreement is being proposed for the city and sewer district to clear up some of the questions. The city would provide warning signs and cover liability for the trail. It would also maintain the trail, though it only may be a dirt trail - not a paved surface.
Councilman Reed Nelson is the main supporter of the trail, and he believes it is needed for hunting and other recreational access, such as jogging and hiking.