Storey residents take mine protest to commission

Storey County residents living near the gold mine project by Comstock Mining take their battle to the Storey County Commission today.

They are protesting the planning commission's decision to permit the company to haul ore on State Route 342 through what they describe as "the heart of the Virginia City National Historic Landmark," despite the stipulation in a current special-use permit that prohibits such hauling.

Opponents say the planning commission decision, if approved by county commissioners, would allow up to 14 trips per hour on the roadway for 10 hours a day, five days a week.

They argue that that would result in "a significant negative impact on residents, commuters, tourists, local businesses and emergency vehicles."