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Residents press county on water, odor and regulation if hog farm comes to Ottawa County
Summary
Public commenters urged the commission to use local rules to address water and odor risks from a proposed hog farm, asked for projected revenue and cost figures, and cited state-level nitrate concerns and a new water task force reported by the Kansas Reflector.
At the July 28 meeting of the Ottawa County Board of County Commissioners, residents urged local safeguards if a proposed hog farm is sited near the county.
Brandon Copple told commissioners that "each county is sovereign and can adopt its own resolution," and urged local rules such as double-lining waste pits within five miles of a river, required test wells, increased wastewater testing, and hauling wastewater out of the county rather than allowing on-site disposal. Copple also raised concerns about odor and the tax treatment of equipment kept inside facilities.
Renette Steinbrock cited a July 14 Kansas Reflector report about nitrate-removal challenges in Des Moines, Iowa, and noted the State of Kansas has convened a water task force. Kathy Scharplaz asked the commission to follow up on questions submitted the prior week, specifically requesting projected annual revenue and cost estimates for the facility and expressing concern about potential manure spills; she also noted that some counties are installing reverse-osmosis systems.
Commissioner Carla Grund said appraisers were reluctant to provide specific valuations for proposed structures. The public comments did not result in a formal county directive during the meeting.
