LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In September 2013, the northwest area of the Las Vegas Valley and the Carpenter One Fire scar area were impacted by a severe rainstorm producing intense rainfall and heavy runoff which washed a large amount of soil  and  debris into the City of North Las Vegas’ detention basin located at Sand Stone Ridge  Park.

As a result of the storm, over 26,000 cubic yards of soil coated the basin floor. The deposited soil was tested and it was determined to be highly enriched soils and was perfect for use as topsoil.

Public Works staff members worked with University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and the Bureau of Land Management to enable the soil to be used by the Research Center and Demonstration Orchard in North Las Vegas. This great  partnership saved the  City,  Regional Flood Control District, and taxpayers an estimated $156,000.

The soil is now available for pick-up from the Research Center on Tuesday, Thursday  or Saturday mornings. The soil is free if loaded by the individual and only $1 per tractor scoop loaded. The Center is located at 4600 Horse Drive, North Las Vegas, Nev. For more information, please contact Jon Chodacki, research center technician, at 702-466-4267.