Vernal City Police Department is actively investigating a case of vandalism on the new piping of Kids Canal in Uintah County. With the project in the final stages, crews began pressure testing on the section from 500 North to 400 North, leading to the discovery of large holes drilled into the covered black pipeline in multiple places. The damaged pipeline will have to be removed and replaced. In addition to the expense, BHI’s Brett Haslem reports that this was especially harmful due to the wasted water during this drought season. He said BHI crews are working overtime to complete the repairs to ensure irrigation water can be delivered to farmers serviced by the canal. A $10,000 reward is being offered by BHI and the Central Canal Company for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals involved. “What a shame it is to have the canal finished and the construction product, then have to tear it all back up,” shares Wayne Simper, President of the Central Canal Company. “It will never look as good the second time.” Simper says around 1.5 million gallons of water had to be dumped down the creek due to the vandalism. Crews will continue pressure testing the canal the remaining stretch down to 500 South, and if more drilled holes are discovered, those sections will have to be removed and replaced as well. For any information related to the vandalism, please contact the Vernal City Police Department at 435-789-5835.
