Code change foes assail smelter proposal

NEWPORT — A controversial comprehensive plan amendment some believe is meant to grease the skids for PacWest Silicon’s proposed smelter was greeted Wednesday with gales of opposition from residents in Washington and Idaho.

Pend Oreille County commissioners Karen Skoog, Mike Manus and Steve Kiss took in three hours of testimony at a public hearing but did not deliberate on a decision whether to reclassify parcels zoned public so a broader array of land uses can be utilized. The county’s planning commission recommended against reclassifying public lands following a hearing in Cusick last month.

The vast majority of testimony was in opposition to the comprehensive land use plan amendment out of concern it would facilitate the smelter’s establishment, although a number of Pend Oreille County residents stuck their neck out on Wednesday to support the change so owners of those parcels can develop their lots or to spur badly needed economic development.

John Gentle rhetorically asked if it would be a shame to put a dent in the unemployment rate and stimulate the economy.

“I pray you have the courage to do what needs to be done,” said Gentle, who handles social media for Friends and Allies of the Newport Silicon Smelter.

Smelter supporters also argued that continued economic doldrums in Newport pose a threat to essential public services such as law enforcement and emergency medical services.

“The Great Recession has hit us hard,” said Amber Orr, director of engineering for the Pend Oreille Public Utility District.

But many in the crowd who filled the 300-seat Newport High School room urged commissioners to turn down the plan change and described the smelter as an unthinkable and lasting affront to public health, in addition to air and water quality.

“If this thing does come in, you three will have your names on it. No one will forget it,” said Susan Brown.

Smelter opponents also remain deeply suspicious of county commissioners, who they accused of initially trying to keep the smelter proposal kept from public view and slavishly bending to the will of PacWest.

“All three of you are conflicted in this,” said Michael Naylor, chairman of Citizens Against the Newport Silicon Smelter.

Smelter foes also took exception to Kiss’ involvement in the proceeding because he owns land which would benefit from the comp plan amendment. Kiss said he did not stand to gain any anything from the plan change and didn’t believe his ownership interest would affect his decision-making, which drew hearty scoffs from smelter opponents.

“This is a way for you to cover your promises to PacWest,” said Newport resident Sheryl Miller.

A group of school children from Sandpoint also appealed to commissioners not the allow the smelter into Pend Oreille County, which elicited a standing ovation from project opponents.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.