Fines loom for owners of illegal Las Vegas dump

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001 | 10:39 a.m.

The owners of an illegal dump could face up to $1.2 million in fines if they fail to clean up a Las Vegas site, according to a municipal court order.

Absolute Technologies Inc. already has been fined $10,000, the largest judgment for an illegal solid waste operation and the first time a Clark County Health District case has been tried in court.

In addition to 30,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, the junk contained chromium, a metal considered toxic.

The dump, on a lot at 2900 Betty Lane near Nellis Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue, was stacked up to 30 feet high, health officials said.

The chromium does not pose a public health threat at this time, officials said on Monday.

"When a facility such as this operates outside of our regulations there could be a variety of adverse health consequences," Chief Health Officer Donald Kwalick said. "These health effects can range from minor nuisances, such as odor, to more serious problems."

Those problems include potential fires, pests and even surface water pollution, Kwalick said.

On Jan. 5 Justices of the Peace Tony Abbatangelo and Jennifer Togliatti issued the record-setting $10,000 fines.

Absolute Technologies Inc. owners Jerry Finney Sr. and Jerry Finney Jr. are liable for $5,000 per day dating back to April 26 if they fail to clear away 30,000 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, Glenn Savage, in charge of the Clark County Health District's solid waste program, said.

The health district began investigating the property after the operation opened in spring 1999, Savage said. A warning, two conferences and a notice of violation from the health district failed to stop the dumping, he said. A cease and desist order was issued in July 1999.

The company continued to operate the facility.

The health district has the responsibility of enforcing landfills, Savage said.