In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the reconsideration of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a proposed storage facility in McCall. Initially denied by the PNZ board in a two-to-one vote due to failure to meet twelve specific requirements, the applicants sought a second hearing, prompting a review of their submission.

The board's decision to reconsider has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the adequacy and accuracy of the data provided by the applicants. The original data on traffic and groundwater impacts was criticized for being flawed and based on irrelevant national statistics rather than local conditions. This raised questions about potential bias in the data, suggesting it was tailored to favor the applicant's case.

In a surprising turn, the applicants submitted a new CUP application accompanied by 353 pages of additional data, followed by another 45 pages just before the hearing. Concerns were voiced by local residents about the lack of transparency surrounding this data. One neighbor reported repeated unsuccessful attempts to access the new information, raising alarms about its availability and the timing of its release.

Further investigation by another concerned resident revealed that much of the data was collected under conditions that did not accurately reflect the typical traffic and groundwater scenarios expected if the facility were to be built. The last-minute submission of additional data left little time for affected residents to review and respond, prompting fears that the process was being manipulated.

The meeting underscored a growing sentiment among community members that the reconsideration of the CUP could lead to long-term negative consequences for the McCall environment. Residents urged the board to adhere to its initial decision and halt the process, expressing a strong desire for transparency and thorough evaluation of the proposed project.