Painted Rock Mine under scrutiny

Painted Rock Mine is in operation above Johnson Lane.

Painted Rock Mine is in operation above Johnson Lane.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.

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License plate readers will be installed at the top of Johnson Lane to help monitor the number of trucks entering and leaving the Painted Rock Mine, residents were told in a letter sent out last week by the county.

The letter, signed by County Manager Jenifer Davidson, indicates that the county’s code enforcement officers will be patrolling the neighborhoods to ensure compliance by mine operator Knox Excavating.

Residents sought to have the county prevent Knox from using Johnson Lane entirely. On Thursday, Protect Johnson Lane met at Life Point Church to update residents on their efforts.

According to an update obtained by The Record-Courier, residents have alerted the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection, which made a surprise visit.

In her letter, Davidson said the agreement between the county and Knox was aimed at reducing the impact on residents, including restricting the hours and days of operation and number of daily trips.

Signs went up after Douglas County commissioners approved an ordinance to prevent truck traffic on side streets north of Johnson Lane and preventing the use of engine brakes.

“If you observe actions inconsistent with this agreement’s provisions, we encourage you to share the details with Douglas County Code Enforcement,” Davidson wrote.

Residents may email prm@douglasnv.us or call a hotline at 775-782-9890 or 775-782-5126 for traffic safety and law enforcement issues.

Residents are seeking an ordinance for streets south of the route, including those that provide an alternate access to the mine.

“Sunrise Pass needs clear signage along Fremont that it is under electronic surveillance and is to be used as an emergency closure road,” according to the update.

Davidson said it’s possible under “unusual and unanticipated” circumstances that Knox might conduct blasting. Under those circumstances, she said that the company will notify the county, which will post signs in the area, updates to the dedicated web site and social media.

Group members are asking residents to report uncovered loads, speeding or anything else to the state.

The Record-Courier has reached out to the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection for comment.

“The purpose of our group is to promote the common good and general welfare of the community, assisting the county to come up with safe and effective solutions,” said resident Suzy Musil.

Knox has been working with the owners of the tribal allotment above the Johnson Lane neighborhood for four years to obtain approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Residents indicated opposition to the use of East Valley Road for what are termed local deliveries.

Knox is one of the contractors on the Douglas County Justice Center project.