Silver Springs youth center tops list for grant

The Community Development Block Grant advisory board has recommended the Silver Springs Entertainment and Arts Association receive $20,000 to begin building a youth center, according to Lyon County CDBG liaison Maureen Willis.

The funds will go to install water and sewer lines, and prepare for the eventual construction of a place for youth on the Stockton Wells property.

The Rural Nevada Continuum of Care, a group that helps the rural homeless, was recommended for $43,666.

Willis, who attended the recent advisory board meetings, said Lyon County has received about $3 million from the CDBG program since 1982.

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Lyon County will try to use Question One funds to acquire 44 acres of land adjacent to Dayton State Park.

The land, owned by Michael Walker, is in the flood plain of the Carson River, and the commissioners would like to see it left undeveloped.

Ed James of the Carson Water Subconservancy District said the acquisition was "a critical element when you look at the flood plain in your area. We have very little storage on the Carson River. The best way to protect the community is to let it do what it always does, let it go on the flood plain."

James said encroaching on the flood plain has caused the worst flooding in the area.

Commissioner Bob Milz said there is a 25 percent match on the Question One funds, and he hopes the property owner will be willing to donate part so the county "doesn't have to pay a nickel."

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The Lyon County Building Department will give out brochures warning of possible mercury residue on lots along the Carson River.

Building Director Nick Malarchik said anyone living in developments near the river should get the brochure before they do any digging in their back yards.

He said anyone planning to dig more than 2 feet should contact the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection before they began to see what kind of testing could be done.

"We don't want to start a panic," he said. "We're talking about mercury left over from the mining of the 1800s."

Malarchik said someone would have to eat a handful of dirt for it to have an effect.

He added the advisory brochure was designed for someone who wants to dig a big hole for a swimming pool.

He also said NDEP is working with developers to put deed restrictions that would require the homeowner to accept responsibility if they were going to excavate more than 2 feet.

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Also approved were rules for the Silver Springs General Improvement District sewer plant that brings them more in line with Lyon Utilities.

At the second public hearing on the issue, Mike Workman said the new rules clearly state that fees are set by resolution of the board, as requested by a Silver Springs resident at the first hearing.

Workman said he had not received any calls or letters from residents on the subject.

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A spill of hydraulic fluid from a Nevada Department of Transportation street sweeper last week was cleaned up in the correct manner, but the crew should have notified other authorities, said NDOT public information officer Scott Magruder.

The spill of about 50 gallons occurred in the early morning hours of March 21, in the north end of town, near the rest stop, according to a complaining resident.

Magruder said the crew took the necessary steps to contain the spill; they put down a floor sweep, or grease sweep, a product that absorbs grease or other fluids, they took proper measures to ensure the spill didn't spread.

But they are supposed to notify NDEP and local authorities when there's a spill of 25 gallons or more, and Magruder confirmed NDOT was not notified.

Storey County Fire Chief Gary Hames said he had no record of notification of the incident.

Magruder said they will make sure crews notify the proper authorities in the future.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.