Pollution program to be investigated

Friday, Aug. 4, 2000 | 11:21 a.m.

The Clark County Health District announced today that it has requested an investigation of a controversial air pollution mitigation program.

The district's top administrator, Dr. Donald Kwalick, requested the investigation by the Clark County District Attorney's office in order to answer questions about alleged improprieties at the agency, officials said.

Several whistleblowers have pointed to the air pollution credit program as a source of trouble at the agency, which has authority over air quality in the Las Vegas Valley. Companies use the credits to manage emissions -- reduction of a polluting source at one point gives a company credits, which can be used to allow pollution at another source or the credits can be sold to another company.

Air Pollution Control Director Michael Naylor said the investigation will look at allegations concerning a specific company, but declined to identify the firm because the investigation is ongoing.

"We certainly welcome that investigation," Naylor said.

The health district also announced Naylor's resignation, although that won't take effect until June 2001. Naylor said his resignation is not connected to the investigation.

Naylor said his resignation is based on the fact that a new unified air pollution agency is being formed. He said the new leadership should be able to pick new lieutenants.