Bill advances to block proposed Sloan gravel pit

By Erin Dostal

Published Wednesday, July 21, 2010 | 12:26 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, July 21, 2010 | 2:38 p.m.

The U.S. Senate Energy Committee passed a bill today that will block a proposed Sloan Mine gravel pit near Sun City Anthem in Henderson.

The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in May, would block 800 acres of land from being used as a gravel pit.

Mexico-based Cemex and Service Rock Products of California have applied to use the sand and rock from the quarry to make concrete during the next 20 years.

In a statement, Reid said he had received comments from thousands of Southern Nevadans who opposed the pit. Many residents expressed fears about the noise, dust, traffic and possible decline in property values they said the pit might cause.

“This bill is vital to protect families in Henderson and I am pleased that it is moving quickly through the Senate,” Reid said in a statement.

Republican Rep. Dean Heller and Democrats Rep. Shelley Berkley and Rep. Dina Titus have also backed the proposal to block the gravel pit.

“Blocking the Sloan Mine gravel pit is critical to protecting the quality of life in the community,” Titus said in a statement. “It will prevent an increase in traffic, noise and air pollution that would come with the operation of a gravel pit.”

Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak traveled to Washington, D.C., in June to testify before the U.S. Senate to show his support for the bill. Sisolak said he spoke before the committee alongside Reid during his visit.

Sisolak said he has received thousands of letters against the open-pit mine and only three in favor of its development. He said he was encouraged by the recent developments.

“This goes to show you what happens when a community works behind an issue,” he said. “I’m hopeful we can do something quickly and move forward.”

Henderson city spokeswoman Kathleen Richards said the city has not been involved with the bill and had no comment.