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Newberry approves Life Soils composting facility at city environmental park
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Summary
The commission approved a site and development plan allowing Life Soils to operate a composting facility to process biosolids from the new wastewater plant; the agreement includes a 30‑year lease for 5 acres plus a 10‑year term for an additional 10 acres and aims to save the city $100,000–$150,000 annually in biosolid removal costs.
The City of Newberry on April 27 approved a site and development plan (SDP26‑01) allowing Life Soils to operate a composting facility at the City Environmental Park to process biosolids from the new wastewater treatment plant.
Planning staff told commissioners the proposal had been under negotiation for several years and that the project meets the city’s comprehensive plan and land‑development code. City planner/staff presented the site plan and recommended approval.
Ryan McMeekin, founder of Life Soils, described the company’s process and said the finished “compost product that we produce is treated locally” and that the company’s method reduces the need to turn windrows, which lowers odor risk. Tony Simon, who spoke for Life Soils, said the operation will follow Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations and will obtain required ERP and wastewater permits (citing FAC 62‑6‑40, 62‑7‑09 and 62‑7‑01).
City Manager told the commission the partnership will eliminate an annual biosolid removal cost the city currently pays of roughly $100,000–$150,000. After questions about environmental safeguards and lease length, the commission voted to approve the resolution authorizing the site plan; the motion passed unanimously. The city manager later clarified the lease structure: 5 acres on a long‑term lease (30 years) and an additional 10 acres for storage under a 10‑year term.
Life Soils offered a community giveaway of product once operations begin so residents can test the material in home plantings. The commission’s approval allows staff to complete related negotiations and permitting steps required before operations begin.
