Henderson: Calico Ridge, gravel firm plan mine meeting

A Las Vegas company's plan to open a gravel pit in an abandoned mine used during both world wars has 1,000 nearby residents concerned about what may drift into their homes.

Homeowners living a mile from a proposed gravel operation and landfill plan to meet with the Las Vegas company proposing the project. The meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday at Mahlon Brown Middle School, 307 N. Cannes St. in Henderson.

Calico Ridge homeowners protested in force at a meeting March 3 at which the County Commission considered a plan by Hollywood Gravel Corp. to recover sand and gravel and fill in the mining pits.

Bob Reynolds, president of the Calico Ridge Homeowners Association, said Hollywood Gravel asked for Wednesday's meeting.

The 300-acre site about five miles east of Boulder Highway near Lake Mead Drive was mined by the Defense Department during World Wars I and II and the Korean War.

Lead, silver, zinc, copper and manganese were extracted from the land for making aircraft parts and weapons. The mine, known as the Three Kids Mine, has never been cleaned up. Its pits are still open, and residents fear those heavy metals and other materials will blow into their neighborhood during construction.

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection has not allowed the gravel project to progress until a reclamation plan is in place.

A state report sent to Hollywood Gravel said contaminated runoff from the mine has the potential to reach the Las Vegas Wash, leading into Lake Mead, or the man-made Lake Las Vegas.

Henderson Councilwoman Amanda Cyphers suggested the abandoned mine be filled and developed into perhaps a golf course.

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