Recyclers left hanging as regulations put on hold

Art Nadler

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1998 | 10:48 a.m.

The Clark County Health District's decision to postpone a ruling on whether to regulate three trash recyclers has left company executives dumbfounded.

The board originally approved the companies' requests last month, which would have given the Health District, for the first time, authority to regulate recycling operations. But board member Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny immediately called for a motion to reconsider the decision after the vote. It was to have been voted on again at Thursday's meeting.

Kenny said she wanted more assurance that the companies had their operational plans in order. The recyclers are: Nevada Construction Cleanup Inc., 2745 N. Nellis Blvd.; Evergreen Corp., 5491 Accurate Drive; and Lunas Construction Clean Up Inc., 4830 E. Cartier Ave.

All three have been in business for years operating transfer stations, which process discarded construction materials.

Robert Dorinson, president of Evergreen Corp., only heard about the decision on Monday.

"Coming out at the 11th hour, I'm very disappointed," Dorinson said. "We've been through a long process (of examination). For what are not major items, this will be continued for another 60 days."

Chairwoman Sherry Colquitt said the board will probably reconsider the regulation request at its December meeting.

Clare Schmutz, environmental health director, said his staff recommended approval based on 16 points the companies met. He said all the companies answered questions correctly.

The answers, however, didn't satisfy board member Amanda Cyphers. In a letter to Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief health officer, she wrote:

"A quick review is all that is necessary to see that a description of how the transfer station will comply with the operating standards set forth in Section 7 of the regulations cannot be answered by a one- or two-line blanket statement."

Cyphers requested that each company submit a detailed operational plan for the transfer of solid waste materials. She also raised concerns about how long waste would be stored at the recycling sites.

Republic-Silver State Disposal Services Inc., which has an exclusive right to handle solid waste in the county, has raised opposition to the recyclers. Company attorney Robert Groesbeck said the firms aren't licensed to handle solid waste.

"This is pure disappointment," Larry Hannon, sales manager with Nevada Construction Cleanup, said. "We just found out today (Monday). We are upset that the meeting has now been postponed until December."

Dorinson said he just wants to get this all behind him. He said the delay is causing him to divert his attention away from his business.

"This is just cautionary," Kwalick said. "This doesn't affect them at all, as far as operating. Everything should be resolved in the near future."

The three companies weren't required to obtain the Health District's approval to stay in operation. Instead, they volunteered to come forward on their own.