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Planning commission approves rezoning and conditional use permit for Nevada Southwest Energy explosives testing site
Summary
The commission approved a zone change and conditional use permit allowing Nevada Southwest Energy to rezone 40 acres for product-testing of explosives and to conduct daytime detonations subject to county conditions including road improvements and daytime-only testing hours.
The Elko County Planning Commission approved a zoning change (COZ25-7) and a conditional use permit (CUP25-1) for Nevada Southwest Energy, LLC to allow explosives product testing on a 40-acre portion of APN 005060001 in Section 3, Township 33 North, Range 52 East (Mount Diablo Basin Meridian).
Planning staff (Corey) told the commission that the company requested rezoning of a 40-acre corner of a larger 640-acre section to M-1 (General Industrial and Extractor District) to support a nearby emulsions plant used for explosive products. Staff recommended approval with conditions requiring compliance with Nevada Revised Statutes, Elko County Code development criteria and local building requirements. Staff also recommended that access roads be improved to the Elko County Code 5.4.1 standard: a 32-foot gravel rural industrial travelway with a minimum of 9 inches of aggregate base surface.
Corey told commissioners that the conditional use permit included limits on hours and ownership transfer: "Explosive testings will be conducted only during the daytime between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Friday," and if the property is sold and a new owner wishes to continue explosive testing they must apply for a new conditional use permit within six months after purchase. On the question of nuisance and noise standards, Corey said nuisance determinations would depend on evidence presented and that "until someone presents some sort of substantial evidence, it's just kind of speculation at the moment." The staff report also reiterated that any development must comply with Nevada Revised Statutes and Elko County Code.
No members of the public spoke on the applications. Commissioner Dina moved to approve the rezoning (COZ25-7) with staff findings and conditions; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Gensil and carried on a voice vote. The commission then heard and approved the conditional use permit (CUP25-1) with staff recommendations by voice vote; a motion to approve was moved and seconded and the chair announced the motion carried.
The approval is subject to the stated staff conditions, including compliance with Nevada law and county code, road improvements per Elko County Code 5.4.1, deed restriction language to carry conditions forward on any conveyance, daytime-only testing hours and the six-month reapplication requirement if the property changes ownership.
