WINNEMUCCA - Jungo Landfill developer Recology has a substantial interest in any appeals of its final operating permit, so it must be allowed to intervene in any pending state hearings on them, the Nevada State Environmental Commission ruled Friday.
Nevada State Engineer and Commissioner Jason King granted Recology attorney Debbie Leonard's request to take part in the proceedings, citing the impacts that the board's decision could have on the company.
Altogether, the commission received three appeals challenging the Nevada Bureau of Waste Management's recent decision to approve a Class I permit for the project, which is located on private lands 25 to 28 miles west of Winnemucca.
The lengthiest plea came from the Clean Desert Foundation, a local non-profit environmental education group.
Winnemucca attorney Bob Dolan, who filed the appeal on behalf of the group, estimates that he will need up to two days to make his case. Paradise Ranchos resident Richard Cook and Robert Hannum of Mountain View, Calif., have also asked the board to reverse the state's decision.
Recology's attorneys plan to participate in every aspect of the proceedings, as well, based on the company's direct and substantial interest in the matter.
"Should the appeal be granted, Recology will be adversely affected because the properly-issued permit granted for Recology to operate the Jungo landfill could be overturned," Leonard said in her amended petition for leave to intervene.
As of press time, the commission had not scheduled a date or meeting location for the proceedings. However, it generally tries to hold its hearings within 20 days of the date that it receives an appeal, barring any extenuating circumstances.
Typically, a three-person panel presides over each hearing, according to the commission's website.
In addition to King, the overall board includes five other high-ranking state officials: Nevada State Forester Pete Anderson, Nevada Department of Wildlife Director Ken Mayer, Nevada Division of Minerals Administrator Alan Coyner and Nevada Department of Agriculture Director Jim Barbee. Commissioner M. Frances Barron also represents the Nevada State Board of Health.
Three other commissioners serve on behalf of the conservation, mining-reclamation and development communities. The general public is represented by two members, although one of those - Commissioner Cary Richardson - is a vice president of business operations for Miles Construction of Carson City.
Area residents and other members of the public will be welcome to attend the upcoming hearing, or hearings. But the proceedings are not subject to Nevada's Open Meeting Law, so be aware that the board might not allow audience members to comment on the appeals.
To learn more, go to: http://sec.nv.gov/main/jungo_landfill.htm. For additional information about the appeals, see the March 16-19 edition of the Humboldt Sun.[[In-content Ad]]
