Residents raise water, odor and scale concerns over proposed Seneca Poultry site near County Road 90

Residents who live along County Road 90 and nearby areas told Tiffin City Council on Aug. 4 they are worried about a proposed poultry operation they identified as Seneca Poultry, citing potential impacts on wells, odor and scale. Alan Overmyer told council he met with Ohio Department of Agriculture staff and reported conflicting timelines for review of permit comments. Overmyer said the department's Sam Mullins estimated reviews would take a "couple of months," while local press reported a four-week timeframe. Overmyer said about 300 public comments were filed with the agency and that state agencies typically respond after construction if a problem arises. Chris Kurtz, who lives on West County Road 90, described visiting existing poultry facilities and said they have expanded from two to six or eight buildings at similar sites. Kurtz told council, "These buildings that are proposed for on County Road 90 are 600 feet long, 60 feet wide," and said he and his wife experienced strong odors near a facility in Harpster that took "3 miles" to clear. Why it matters: Residents said the scale and potential environmental and nuisance impacts of a large poultry operation could affect private wells, air quality and recreational uses such as nearby campgrounds used by local youth groups. Several speakers described uncertainty about regulatory oversight. Overmyer summarized discussions with state agencies and said "the Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Ag, and the ODNR basically can't really do anything until after it's built and there's a problem." Council did not take a formal action on the matter during the meeting but thanked residents for the update. Mayor and staff did not announce a city policy change. Other local effects: Boy Scout leaders said the troop uses a campground near the proposed site and that potential odors or noise would jeopardize the camping experience. Kyle Alker, scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 444, said, "We do, actually. We 1 of our leaders family owns the campground that is, next to the chicken farm. And, if that goes in, we'll probably smell it and hear the fans. So it's kind of a big deal for us too." Next steps: Residents said they will continue to monitor actions by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and related state agencies and urged the council and mayor to remain informed on permit progress. Council received the public comments but did not schedule a city-level hearing at the Aug. 4 session. (Ending) Council members thanked the speakers and encouraged ongoing communication with county and state regulators; no municipal vote or directive occurred at the meeting.