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An influx of mining activity is poised to impact Eureka County, with Sheriff Miles Umina informing the Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board on Sept. 17 that impending population growth requires careful pre-planning to maintain public safety and manage resources.
His report highlighted a future that could see the town of Eureka’s population double from workers alone, placing unprecedented strain on law enforcement and community infrastructure.
“We’re looking at an explosion over the next five years for the population of Eureka,” Sheriff Umina told the board. “It’s a little bit scary.”
The projections stem from several large-scale mining projects advancing simultaneously. Umina detailed that the new underground Ruby Hill Mine is expected to bring in 120 workers within the next six to twelve months. More significantly, a new pit on Mineral Point, slated to start as early as 2027, will require an estimated 600 to 650 workers. “Which would, in effect, just with workers, double the population of the town of Eureka,” Umina explained.
The growth isn’t limited to one project. McEwin Mining is actively developing near Windfall, and operations at Horse Canyon already host approximately 140 workers at a man camp. When accounting for the families that will inevitably follow the workforce, the sheriff projected the county could see its population grow by several thousand people.
This forecast comes as the Sheriff’s Office is already grappling with a “busy, busy summer.” Umina reported five arrests in the last two weeks alone and noted that his deputies have written over 600 tickets so far this year, a “marked increase over the past couple of years.” He stressed that the nature of crime is also intensifying. “They’re not run-of-the-mill DUI,” Umina said. “They’re arresting people for assault with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon, drugs. So, things are really changing.”
To meet the coming challenge, the Sheriff’s Office is already planning for expansion. “If we continue on this arc,” Umina stated, he anticipates needing to house six more deputies and will “have to reopen the jail.” He described the task as “a little bit daunting,” but emphasized a proactive, piecemeal approach. “If we start now… we can get to the point where we can have this rolling.”
A key part of that plan is ensuring adequate coverage in Crescent Valley, which the sheriff noted “will be taking off” as well. The town is currently short one patrol position, and applications are still open for a civil process position that Umina hopes to have stationed at the Town Hall within a month and a half. “My main goal is keeping what we have within the community, keeping us safe,” he affirmed.
Officials urge public input for hazard mitigation Plan
Echoing the theme of proactive planning, Public Works Director Jeb Rowley, attending remotely, made a forceful appeal for community involvement in a new county-wide hazard mitigation plan. He stressed the importance of an upcoming community awareness meeting on Oct. 22 and an associated online survey designed to gather local knowledge.
“Public involvement is the most important part of a hazard mitigation plan,” Rowley stated. “It’s the hazards that are important to you as a community: natural hazards, man-made hazards, technological hazards: the whole bit.”
Rowley explained that gathering local perspectives helps compare resident knowledge against state-level GIS data, creating a more accurate and robust plan. This data not only serves local emergency responders but also informs the state during major incidents and unlocks opportunities for state and federal mitigation funding.
“We can’t build a plan without having some of that local knowledge come forward and address hazards in your area,” he urged.
The survey, which Rowley estimated takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, is available online. He asked the board and public to “spread the word” to ensure maximum participation for the Oct. 22 meeting.
Town business and community updates
In other town business, the board is moving forward with improvements to the Crescent Valley Town Park. Members are reviewing vendor quotes for new fitness equipment, with a budget not to exceed $30,000. Board Secretary Christina Tucker and Vice Chair Jeremy Rice plan to measure the park space to finalize the installation plans. During public comment, a resident suggested incorporating a retractable tennis net and backboard on the basketball court, sparking a discussion about the popular sport of pickleball. The board agreed to consider the idea during upcoming budget talks.
County Commissioner Mike Schoenwald provided a synopsis of the Sept. 16 County Commission meeting, confirming that commissioners will hold their Nov. 4 meeting in Crescent Valley. He touched upon the county-wide discussion of a four-day, 10-hour work week, noting the new HR director’s experience that such a schedule led to “enormous savings” in a previous role. He also mentioned that Eureka Sentinel publisher Ben Rowley had presented to the commissioners, who expect to work with the local newspaper to ensure “more exposure to the public.”
A point of concern was raised regarding the absence of an active job posting for a second full-time EMT position in Crescent Valley. “It’s something we need to get with our director and find out what’s going on,” said Vice Chair Jeremy Rice, highlighting the town’s reliance on Guardian Flight for emergency transport. The county is currently accepting proposals for emergency ambulance services for northern Eureka County through Oct. 7.
The Crescent Valley Town Advisory Board canceled its meetings on Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, scheduling its next special meeting for Oct. 22 at 5 p.m., which will focus on the community hazard awareness plan.
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