Carson City planning officials will consider approving a plan today to expand a rock, sand and gravel extraction pit on Goni Road about two miles north of the city airport.
Cinderlite is asking to expand its operation by 57 acres over the next 25 years. The new pit would produce 10 million tons of aggregate during that time, the company estimates.
The company wants to use 28 acres of Bureau of Land Management property currently designated as conservation reserve lands. BLM has completed an environmental analysis of the project and will hold a public open house Aug. 12 to gather comments.
Cinderlite began mining aggregate at the current pit on 40 acres off Goni Road in 1991. It operates with a city-issued special permit and is seeking another permit to operate the expanded site.
Some concern has surfaced about the plan, mainly associated with the possibility more trucks would drive in the neighboring area. About 12 homes are situated 1/4 mile from the site.
To decrease the effect on area streets, the city has asked Cinderlite to pay about $10,000 a year over the next 12 years to help pay to repave Goni Road north of Arrowhead. The company proposes the money be taken directly from sales tax and vehicle registration funds already paid to the city.
In the permit, the city is allowing the company to operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Operating on Sundays would be on an emergency basis only.
The company will also be required to apply water or a "wetting agent" on the stock-piled material to minimize dust.
Cinderlite will also be required to submit a bond to ensure the land is graded and replanted when the company finishes operations in 25 years.
If you go:
What: Carson City Planning Commission meeting
When: 3:30 p.m. today
Where: Sierra Room, 851 E. William St.
What: BLM environmental assessment open house
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12
Where: Carson City Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City
Contact: Dan Erbes or Desna Young, 885-6000
Comments: Written comments will be accepted if postmarked or faxed by Aug. 20. Send to BLM-Carson City Field Office, Attn. Dan Erbes, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701 or fax to 885-6147.
Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
