A marijuana grow facility near Basalt will continue to operate. The Pitkin County Commissioners Wednesday (9/24) did not cancel a pair of licenses for High Valley Farms. As Aspen Public Radio’s Marci Krivonen reports, the license renewal was a question mark because of concerns over smell.
For months High Valley Farms tried odor reducing technologies that failed. In the last month however, owner Jordan Lewis says the business finally found a solution — a carbon filtration system that acts as a sponge for odor.
"I’m pleased to come before the board today to let you know we have solved the odor problem. And as we move forward, I’d like to assure the board that this will not repeat itself in the future."
Lewis promised to stagger plant growth, so the smelliest plants — mature adults — don’t fill the entire facility at one time. A third party monitor or “odor ranger” paid for by High Valley Farms, was also offered up, as well as a complaint hotline to take neighborhood concerns.
"We have a lot at stake here and we have for quite some time. And we have literally bet the farm on this solution and our ability to get back into operation."
Members of the public on both sides spoke passionately. Dee Schuler lives in the Holland Hills neighborhood, across Highway 82 from High Valley Farms. She says the marijuana odor is impacting her health.
"The odor from the farm has interfered with our enjoyment. It causes nausea, sinus problems, headaches and sleepless nights. It bothered me so much that I’ve even seen some health care professionals."
Greg DeRosa manages the nearby Roaring Fork Club. Earlier this year he was in favor of shutting down the greenhouse, but his tune has changed.
"I believe right now based on what I have seen, today, that the facility has solved the smell problem."
Several employees of High Valley Farms urged the commissioners to keep the facility running. Larry Jordan works part-time as a bud trimmer.
"One of the things they do that’s very positive is they employ people who otherwise would not be employable. A lot of us, me included, are getting up in years. Others have heart issues. Others, due to medical issues, do use marijuana."
A majority of the commissioners favored renewing the licenses with conditions. Commissioner Rachel Richards:
"I’m going to go forward with this action today, as difficult as it for the neighbors, because I think it’s about where we are today and it’s about moving forward with solutions."
Commissioner George Newman was the lone vote.
"I still stand by the fact that I still strongly believe that this facility is in the wrong place, that it’s too large and I still believe there will be issues down the road," he said.
The renewal carries conditions. The county will design an odor monitoring program and High Valley Farms will pay for it. The business will meet quarterly with the commissioners and, perhaps most importantly, odor is to be adequately mitigated.