April 16 date set for talks on hazardous materials law

Thursday, April 3, 2003 | 9:14 a.m.

Clark County Commissioners introduced a new ordinance Wednesday that would tighten regulations for the use and storage of hazardous materials.

The ordinance, which is scheduled for public discussion and possible adoption April 16, comes as a result of the AeroTech rocket factory disaster in October 2001. An explosion and fire at the plant in eastern Las Vegas killed one person and seriously injured two others. It also destroyed five nearby businesses.

County Manager Thom Reilly said in February that the fire has led to improved fire investigations, training and prevention and inspections by county staff, including the county fire department. In February, county officials said problems with the investigation forced them to drop a criminal case against AeroTech; a suit by the company against the county continues.

The proposed ordinance would bring the county's zoning codes into agreement with state and local regulations for businesses that store, manufacture or use hazardous materials. The law also would require anyone who intends to use such materials to disclose that to the county and to meet with county staff.

The ordinance would apply to businesses that have large piles of flammable materials, use dangerous chemicals, operate with medical gases or have tanks of flammable gas or liquids. Any of those uses would require a special county permit, according to the ordinance.

Chuck Pulsipher, county assistant planning director, said the ordinance was developed by county planners with Development Services working with the fire department, air quality management and other departments.