Health District to Address Dry Camping with Updated Regulations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 7, 2006

LAS VEGAS – March 8, 2006 – The Southern Nevada Health District met with property owners and representatives from partner agencies to discuss the dry camping issue at Laughlin hotels.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss public health issues, laws, regulations and ordinances pertaining to RV parks and camping spaces. As a result of the meeting the health district will recommend up to a 120-day moratorium to the Board of Health on the “cease and desist” letter sent to the Laughlin hotel properties on January 6, 2006. During this time health district staff will work to update regulations that specifically address dry camping for self-contained recreational vehicles. Draft regulations will go through a public review process and be presented to the Board of Health for approval.

“We had a very productive meeting with all interested parties,” said Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief health officer for the district.

“I feel that everyone has a better understanding of the issues, our responsibility to monitor these activities and our original intent to work with the property owners.”

During the moratorium, officials from the Laughlin hotels agreed to monitor their properties for leaks and spills of solid waste from RV’s, report health related issues to the health district and assure guests have access to services such as potable water, dump stations and solid waste collection facilities.

The health district is committed to ensuring Southern Nevada remains an attractive, healthy and safe destination for all visitors and is working to craft new regulations that are designed to protect both residents and visitors, are applied fairly, consistently and in the best interest of all involved.

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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.