Residents of a senior living complex are making their concerns known about a neighboring business. The elderly residents of Daniels Crossing presented to the Uintah County Commission last week claiming that residents are experiencing health effects due to the presence of the pet crematorium located next door. Dorothy Lallatin represented the group and made the claims to the Commission that emissions are entering the units through the vents and waking residents up due to the smell as well as the respiratory effects. The residents said people have developed allergies and been put on oxygen since the crematorium was put in. They also made it clear they don’t have a problem with the business itself, simply its location in a residential area. Planning and Zoning Director Matt Cazier stated that the crematorium’s original application for a rezone was denied and the Commission decided instead to add pet crematoriums as a permitted use in residential zones. Cazier and his staff also explained that they have made multiple trips on site, responding to complaints but have not observed emissions or detected a strong odor. Alyssa Groves, owner of the pet crematorium, answered questions of the Commission stating that she was previously running the machine one day every two weeks but now runs it 3 days for about 3 hours a day, every two weeks. She also noted the machine is quiet and that there have only been a handful of times the machine has had a problem and she called the manufacturer to get it fixed right away. The Daniels Crossing residents were upset and spoke out, making it clear they disagreed and one commented he would move out of the facility if something is not done . Commissioner Bill Stringer asked the Planning and Zoning staff to conduct a more thorough investigation of the situation so the Commission has solid information before considering any options.
