Cancer Causing Dust Storm?
Imagine this dust storm coming toward your house, filled with possible carcinogens, AKA cancer-causing, and other mined materials. This is a reality in the summer of 2009 if we do not take action. And if you live in Southwest Meadows, this could literally be what you see.
This is NOT a Scare Tactic
If you look at the Material Safety Data Sheet for Raw Pozzolan on the Documents page, you will see that it includes no less than 2%, by weight, crystalline silica. Roughly 4% by volume is what is in the bags of raw pozzolan. This is a competitive product by Western Pozzolan. If you read through the information, you will see that crystalline silica causes silicosis.
How much crystalline silica is in the pozzolan deposit? Only Nevada Cement knows. They procured samples last summer and had them tested. How much crystalline silica is in the deposit? We simply don't know.
However, it is a fact that dust created from the mine WILL have crystalline silica in it. Nevada Cement does not dispute this. They simply say they will be sure to keep the dust down.
This is Happening
On February 11th, 2009, the Fernley Planning Commission just recommended the City Council approve a Special Use Permit for Nevada Cement to begin mining near your neighborhood for the next 25 years.
The Next 25 Years
Yes, the special permit being requested will be in effect for 25 years. I do not expect the Fernley hills to be developed in the next 5 years, possibly not the next 10. Within 15 years? Very likely. Within 25 years? Definitely.
What is the mine?
The mine is proposed by Nevada Cement to acquire 100,000 tons per year of pozzolan deposits they will use in their manufacture of Portland Cement and also for a new product. Pozzolan is a replacement for fly-ash in concrete and is used to strengthen concrete.
Pozzolan are primarily vitreous siliceous materials, meaning non-cancer causing. However, there is also crystalline silica, which is listed as a carcinogen and causes silicosis.
For information on pozzolan, download the Material Safety Data Sheet for pozzolan on the Documents page.
Why Here?
According to the Nevada Cement representative, the deposit was found while an employee was walking their dog. Perhaps Nevada Cement could look around just a little bit more and find a deposit not so close to current and proposed residential areas.
The proposed mine site needs no rezoning because it is in a 'rural' area. If you look at the map you will see the mine will be immediately adjacent to a high density residential area.
Nevada Cement wants to mine here, accepting the liability for the dust and trucks, because it is easy access.
Environmental Study or Assessment
According to the BLM, no Environmental Impact Study or assessment has been conducted. Crystalline silica is a known carcinogen that causes silicosis and occurs naturally in pozzalan deposits. The prevailing winds would carry any fugitive dust directly over Southwest Meadows, Fernley High School and beyond.
Trucks
Beyond the mine itself, 40 ton trucks will be driving through current and future residential neighborhoods. Imagine a 40 ton truck driving past your house 30 times per day. That is what is expected during the summer.
Read through the site, examine the map, read through the positive aspects Nevada Cement is saying will occur and then Take Action.
This is not a scare tactic.
Besides the possible carcinogens, there are numerous good reasons to oppose the mine. Please see the page, Why this Mine is a BAD Idea.
We are NOT against Nevada Cement.
We recognize their contribution to the community and believe that, so far, they have had a good relationship with the community. We just want them to recognize that this is a bad idea that will damage that relationship beyond repair.
