About $7,500 needed to study landfill in Smith Valley

YERINGTON - Approximately $7,500 will be needed to determine if there will be a county-operated landfill in Smith Valley.

Following a nine-month study, the Smith Valley Township Advisory Council picked a site on Hudson Way as the only one worthy of further study and recommended three exploratory wells be drilled to determine soil suitability. Commissioners Thursday will consider the merits of funding the drilling at a cost of $7,500.

SRK was originally contracted to complete an Environmental Assessment and site drilling at an area approximately one-quarter mile north of the existing Smith Valley landfill. The site proved to be unfeasible and the county asked the advisory council to work with SRK in exploring other options.

If the test results at the Hudson Way site meet environmental requirements, the advisory council recommends it be considered for a Class II (household garbage) and Class III (construction/demolitions debris) landfill, unlined, unmonitored, with a recycling program.

If test results show requirements cannot be met, the committee recommends the search for a landfill site end and a transfer station be built.

The current landfill is the only one remaining in Lyon County. It has been used for nearly 100 years and has been found unsuitable by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

Other agenda items include:

- Possible approval of a contract with Walker & Associates for governmental lobbying. The $18,000 contract for fiscal year 2000-01 is an increase of $3,000 over fiscal year 1998-99.

- Possible adoption of Guiding Principles for the Carson River Watershed as presented by the Carson Water Subconservancy District.

The Lyon County Commissioners meet in the Courthouse Annex, 31 South Main Street, Yerington,at 9 a.m. Call 577-5037 (Dayton/Silver Springs) or 463-6531.