DELTA, Colo. - Greg Turner runs a full investigation and canine security company out of Delta.
"We feature law enforcement canines, private security canines for personal protection, narcotics, explosions, search and rescue..." explained Turner, chief of operations of Leadville Tactical K9.
The city's recent zoning change to allow the storage of explosives within city limits also changes the outlook of his business.
"To be able to train in city limits, we have to be able to store explosives," Turner said.
By sending dogs out of the state to be trained, Turner estimates he loses around $200,000 a year in profits, which means the city's loses out on about $30,000 a year in tax revenue.
"What city council is really interested in, is working with business owners; they don't want to be restrictive to the point where they're putting people out of business," said Glen Black, Delta's community development director.
Ordinance 19 adds and regulates the storage of explosives and other non-fuel hazardous materials as a conditional use in the B-3 and I zones of the city.
That means that not just anyone can do it; residents must first apply through the city, notify their neighbors and hold a public hearing.
"All the criteria for safe storage has to be met," Black explained.
The city is using safety guidelines from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as a laundry list of other conditions Turner and others must meet.
If he does, Turner believes that having an explosive dog available will be a huge asset to surrounding communities.
"For a potential terrorist attack, a potential threat to a school, a potential threat to a community, narcotics, explosives, fire; it's a whole big market that we can bring here to Delta County and the Western Slope area," added Turner.
The ordinance will take effect in February. Turner hopes to have his business fully operational by late summer.
