Resident alleges Knox mine permit violations; county says it is monitoring and will pursue enforcement steps

A Douglas County resident asked commissioners to enforce an agreement with Knox pertaining to the Peyton Ryan (Painted Rock) mine, saying the operator continues to violate terms by sending uncovered trucks onto county roads and not watering access roads.

Charles Heffernan of Johnson Lane told the board that last fall the county declined to stop the mine but entered an agreement with Knox. Heffernan said Tuesday morning between about 6:30 and 7 a.m. at least eight trucks accessed the mine site and left the site uncovered, in violation of county and state rules, and that dust conditions persist. He said he has reported the conduct to county and state regulators and asked the board to enforce the agreement in full.

Chairwoman and other commissioners responded that county staff and commissioners have been monitoring the situation and communicating with the county manager and state agencies. Commissioner Tarkanian said the county has discussed truck covers and that state or local code does not universally require covers but does prohibit debris leaving trucks. He said the board plans to place an agenda item soon to discuss enforcement options.

The county manager later confirmed the county is actively engaged and said staff will provide more information and follow-up; commissioners acknowledged limits on what the county can do and emphasized the need for operator cooperation.

No enforcement action was taken at the meeting; commissioners said staff will return with options for enforcing the agreement.