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Residents’ complaints about composting facility odor prompt county to tighten oversight
Summary
Commissioners reported repeated public complaints about strong odors from a composting operation on Highway 36 and directed staff to meet with the operator, tighten monitoring and consider nuisance-ordinance enforcement if health impacts continue.
Commissioners told a steady stream of constituent complaints about a composting operation near Highway 36 that the smell has become a frequent problem, with at least one commissioner saying it produces daily calls and texts to the courthouse.
One commissioner summarized constituent experience: "There’s days that it’s horrible, and there are days that it’s... you really get something." Members described the operation taking multiple tractor-trailer loads of food waste and said stagnant water and inconsistent processing have made odor control difficult. County officials reported they have exchanged emails with the operator and with neighboring property managers about mitigation steps.
County staff said they will "tighten up the screws" and require the operator to meet with county officials to explain current practices and mitigation. Commissioners warned that if odors present a health concern for residents or violate the nuisance ordinance, the county would pursue enforcement.
Next steps: staff will arrange a meeting with the operator, review mitigation measures taken to date and consider next enforcement steps if complaints persist.
