SMITH VALLEY - The future of a dump site in Smith Valley could hinge on the results of three exploratory drill tests.
The Smith Valley Township Advisory Council is seeking a spot for a new landfill after the site used for nearly 100 years was found unsuitable by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.
According to council chairman Paula Rosaschi, the nine-month effort has led to a site at Hudson Way off Highway 208 west of Smith.
The only alternative would be to close the landfill and build a transfer station so trash can be hauled away.
"If the results show the Hudson Way site does not meet state site requirements, the Smith Valley Advisory Council recommends the option of a transfer station operated by a private waste management contractor," Rosaschi said. "According to our telephone survey, this is the least popular option with residents, but the council believes it is the only financially responsible one remaining."
Rosaschi asked Lyon County commissioners for help studying the site at a recent meeting. Commissioners would have to approve funding for the test holes before they could be dug.
Commissioner Phyllis Hunewill supported the continued study of the Hudson Way site.
"It is very important to look at the mileage involved for residents to get to a landfill to get rid of construction debris," she said. "We have spent a lot of money, but can we not go in there and drill three more wells?"
On July 15, 1999, the Lyon County commissioners referred the Smith Valley/Lyon County landfill and solid waste management issue to the Smith Valley Township Advisory Council for its recommendations.
After studying options at sites on Delphi Road and Hudson Way, the Delphi Road site was eliminated for any solid waste options due to non-compliance with Nevada Department of Environmental Protection requirements, excessive cost and limited use. The committee found the Hudson Way site merited further investigation and the expense of three exploratory drill holes.
If the test results show this site meets environmental site requirements, the Advisory Council recommends it be considered for a Class II (household garbage) and Class III (construction/demolition 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 be ended.
The Smith Valley landfill has been used for close to 100 years. It is currently county operated, unlined, and unmonitored with a septic dumping area and dead animal pit.
It does not meet the basic requirements mandated by the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection. Recent test drills of ground water monitoring wells have confirmed the soil is unsuitable.
County Engineer Dan O'Brien said he would work out costs and a schedule for the proposal to present for consideration at a future commissioner meeting.
Operations and management of the county's transfer stations in Dayton, Yerington and Fernley are contracted with Refuse Inc. of Reno.