The Dust Problem - A Health Concern

[Ruester Enterprises, LLC]

As a long term resident of Fernley, I also have a concern with dust that is harmful to our children and others with respiratory problems.

I have no affiliation with Nevada Cement, nor any other entity and/or group regarding the Moustache Pozzolan Quarry. This letter represents my 20+ years of experience with pozzolan, my current research of this material, and the effects of what we receive from it.

I will not “sugar coat” any facts to support being for or against the mine. Let the COMPLETE facts, not the partial facts, speak for themselves. As I said, I have worked with pozzolan before.

I have read opinions and articles lately that give “half truths” and present “scare tactics“, even when they state they are NOT presenting scare tactics. Furthermore, these articles contain statements that contradict themselves.

The truth needs no defense. Stating only the part of the truth, that supports your opinion, is called “Lying by Omission”, and therefore is a lie. It is the same as being pregnant, either you are, or you aren’t.

Some people forget that we now have the internet technology to get the real facts about any subject. They rely on our past inability to find the information. Or, they take a gamble that we are too lazy to do the research. I have spent less than 1 hour to gather the real truth.

OK, enough said. Let’s get to it. Specifically, the concern over dust, and the amount of a known carcinogen by the name of crystalline silica contained within the dust at this project.

To be fair, I read all of the documents (even the fine print) section of the website that appears to be against the Moustache Quarry project. I also googled a few other search terms for more information without bias.

Crystalline silica contained within the dust, ANYWHERE in Fernley, when inhaled, can cause silicosis of the lungs, and creates a health risk. For this reason, EPA implements regulations to all developers, construction projects, etc. for dust control measures as part of receiving permits.

Yes, I said ANYWHERE in Fernley. Samples from the dirt lot at Fernley High School, the Intown Park, Fernley Intermediate School, and that development at Hwy 95A and Shadow ALL have the same, or less amounts of possible cancer causing crystalline silica as the Moustache Quarry.

The dust storms existing at the projects next to the intermediate and elementary schools in town should be a higher priority than Nevada Cement’s project. Those developers do nothing to mitigate the severe dust problem that our children breathe while in class or at recess.

We can and should do something about the man made dust problems. We do not, nor should we hold anyone responsible for other dust storm issues that exist here. The dust was here before we were. In other words, welcome to the desert. We grow rocks, fight over water, and give the booze away for free.

Nevada Cement has been, and will continue to be bound by regulations from MSHA and EPA. I would rather be audited by the IRS than by MSHA! What this translates to our Fernley residents is the assurance that dust control from Nevada Cement will be far better than any other project in town, period.

To single out Nevada Cement’s project with “A Cancer Causing Dust Storm?” is not treating them with the respect that they have EARNED here in Fernley since 1965. If you re-read the content from that project opposing website and the letter to the editor from a Sage area resident, you may notice how they were very careful with the words they had chosen. Could it be they were afraid of being sued for malice or defamation?

Because Nevada Cement lives among us as neighbors, they will continue to hear and address any and all concerns from Fernley residents. They will no doubt spend a lot of time and expense to educate us.

If your concern is about truck traffic, bring some ideas forward and let’s talk. Please do not confuse talking with complaining. Whining is a waste of time. I will offer you some cheese to go with your whine. We will go a lot further with suggestions toward good alternatives.

It is up to you as to how you choose to behave. Taking up the “Go Somewhere Else To Get Your Pozzolan” attitude does not agree with what we are about here in Fernley. We welcome you as newer residents, but not at the expense of our long standing community members. You may “Go Back To California” and take your bad attitude with you, OR, join us, as good neighbors, to continue to help create a positive and friendly community that welcomes the responsible growth that is inevitable.

theruester