San Juan County, Utah
The San Juan County, Utah BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘BB’.
Rating Issue Date: November 25, 2024.
'BB' ratings indicate moderate prospects for Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure (FS&I) with an elevated vulnerability to risk over time, particularly in the event of adverse business or economic conditions.
San Juan County, UT, BDO Zone Overview
Feedstock quantities are expressed in bone dry tons per year (bdt/yr), while feedstock costs are expressed in USD ($). Maximum transport distance is based on a 75-mile driving distance from the centre point (Monticello, UT).
BDO Zone Assets
- Sufficient logging capacity to ensure recovery of the rated quantities.
- Regional forest residue supply experience.
- Limited current competition for roundwood and forest residue sourced from the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah.
- Three project development sites ranging in size from 3 to 20 acres with streamlined permitting and access to inexpensive utilities.
BDO Zone Liabilities
- Significant wood supply uncertainty from the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
- Limited forested area is susceptible to wildfire and insect infestation over the long term.
- Possible future competition for roundwood supplies with two large wood processing facilities in Colorado.
- Bio-projects located in San Juan County, UT, would have to source feedstock from distances of over 65 miles, increasing susceptibility to transportation cost volatility.
Infrastructure
- Location: 0.8 miles east of Hwy 191, 0.25 miles north of Hwy 491, Monticello, San Juan County, UT
- Site Size: 28 acres on two parcels (20 acres / 8 acres), county-owned
- Availability: No lease available; the two sites can be combined or acquired separately
- Overview: Two buildable industrial sites, both owned by San Juan County. Greenfield former agricultural land, leveled, with graded/loose-dirt topography and basic utilities at the southern edge. Zoned M-Industrial; no building on site.
- Infrastructure:
- Electric: Empire Electric Association (co-op) — service available up to 15 kV at the site; nearest substation adjacent; all utilities extend to site. (970-565-4444)
- Natural Gas: Utah Gas Services / Enbridge Gas (privately owned) — 4″ main available 0.4 miles east at 50 psi; primary 26″ pipeline 11 miles to the north. (800-323-5517)
- Water: Monticello City Services (municipal) — 12″ main, peak capacity 1,000,000 gallons/day, piped for industrial volumes. (435-587-2271)
- Wastewater: Monticello City Services (municipal) — 6–12″ main, capacity 1,000,000 gallons/day. (435-587-2271)
- Telecommunications: Hughesnet (private) — primary wireless and fiber optics available. (877-916-5850)
- Transportation Access:
- Nearest highway: Highway 491/191; nearest interstate: I-70 (81 miles).
- Rail served nearby (<2 miles); rail accessible transmodal via Western New York and Penn Railroad.
- Nearest airport: Monticello (3 miles), no air infrastructure in place.
- Nearest commercial airport: Moab, UT (55 miles) with direct service to Denver and Phoenix.
- Site Contacts:
- Mack McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, San Juan County, UT, 117 South Main Street, Monticello, UT 84535, mmcdonald@sanjuancounty.org
- Location: 1.6 miles east of Hwy 191, 0.25 miles south of Hwy 491, Monticello, San Juan County, UT
- Site Size: 3 acres, city-owned
- Availability: No lease available
- Overview: A 3-acre site less than 2 miles from Monticello, owned by the City of Monticello, with easy access from Highway 491. The site is adjacent to a primary power substation yard. Zoned M-Industrial; graded/loose-dirt topography; no building on site.
- Infrastructure:
- Electric: Empire Electric Association (co-op) — service available up to 15 kV at the site; nearest substation adjacent; all utilities extend to site. (970-565-4444)
- Natural Gas: Utah Gas Services / Enbridge Gas (privately owned) — 4″ main available 0.4 miles east at 50 psi; primary 26″ pipeline 11 miles to the north. (800-323-5517)
- Water: Monticello City Services (municipal) — 12″ main, peak capacity 1,000,000 gallons/day, piped for industrial volumes. (435-587-2271)
- Wastewater: Monticello City Services (municipal) — 6–12″ main, capacity 1,000,000 gallons/day. (435-587-2271)
- Telecommunications: Hughesnet (private) — primary wireless and fiber optics available. (877-916-5850)
- Transportation Access:
- Nearest highway: Highway 491/191; nearest interstate: I-70 (81 miles).
- Rail served nearby (<2 miles); rail accessible transmodal via Western New York and Penn Railroad.
- Nearest airport: Monticello (3 miles), no air infrastructure in place.
- Nearest commercial airport: Moab, UT (55 miles) with direct service to Denver and Phoenix.
- Site Contacts:
- Mack McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer, San Juan County, UT, 117 South Main Street, Monticello, UT 84535, mmcdonald@sanjuancounty.org
Local Grants and Incentives
San Juan County offers a range of local, state, and federal programs to support industrial and biomass-based development:
Utah Rural County Grant Program (RCGP)San Juan County actively participates in this state program, which provides funding for business expansion, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development.
Custom Fit Training Program (via Utah State University)Offers tailored training solutions to help businesses upskill employees and support emerging industries in the region.
Collaboration with the Utah Inland Port AuthorityThe County is exploring potential infrastructure and logistics projects to enhance regional connectivity and reduce operational costs, especially for biomass and industrial sectors.
USDA Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee ProgramAvailable to eligible businesses in San Juan County to support facility construction, equipment purchases, and working capital.
EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment AssistanceFederal grants available for infrastructure development and economic diversification, including support for industrial parks and workforce expansion.
DOE Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO)San Juan County may be eligible for pilot funding from BETO to support bio-based facility development and technology deployment.
