Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment And Transport topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents complain about Knox operations, Sunrise Pass access and air‑quality permits during public comment
Summary
Multiple residents raised concerns during public comment about Knox Mining operations, alleged unauthorized hauling on Sunrise Pass Road, dust and possible hot‑mix asphalt or concrete plant activity under an NDEP class‑2 air permit, and asked county staff to enforce conditions in the Knox agreement.
Residents used the public‑comment period to press county leaders about quarry operations associated with Knox (Painted Rock mine), alleging unauthorized use of Sunrise Pass Road, heavy hauling near private property, fugitive dust and questions about a Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) Class‑2 air permit that commenters said allows on‑site hot‑mix asphalt and concrete operations not described in prior environmental analyses.
Main public concerns: Stacy Clark (Protect Johnson Lane) told the board she had counted heavy trucks and haul rigs using Sunrise Pass Road in apparent violation of an agreement that limited the road’s use to emergencies. She provided photographic records and said trucks and drilling rigs now rattle past her pasture, affecting livestock and quality of life. Clark also raised concerns about fugitive dust and NDEP rules that prohibit handling or storing materials in a way that allows controllable particulate matter to become airborne.
Other comments: Ron Conway and Jim Jackson urged the board to enforce road‑use restrictions and review any air permits; Conway suggested residents unhappy with administrative enforcement should organize and Mr. Jackson asked county staff to confirm whether the company’s construction‑related equipment (concrete/asphalt) was authorized in the project EA.
County staff response: During public comment Commissioner Harals said the county manager had reached out to Knox and reported that the operator indicated Sunrise Pass would not be used except for emergencies. County staff later noted that enforcement complaints had been routed to the county manager and the manager had investigated and contacted the operator.
Ending: Commenters urged continued enforcement of road‑use limits and permit conditions, and asked the county to confirm NDEP permitting and whether on‑site asphalt/concrete plants were consistent with prior approvals. The board did not take immediate enforcement action during the meeting; concerns were entered on the public record for staff follow‑up.
