Lyon County tables Emporia annexation for proposed compost facility after residents raise floodplain, odor and water-use concerns

The Lyon County Commission on Nov. 13 tabled a City of Emporia request to annex property at 800 Road 160 after residents and nearby business owners pressed the county for more information about a proposed compost-processing operation.

Sam Seeley of Lyon County Planning and Zoning introduced the annexation as a question of whether the property would be appropriate for the city's growth and noted a small portion of the southwest corner sits in the floodplain. Multiple residents and business owners, including John Alvarado and Mike Scheller, asked for drawings, details about odor controls, and assurances about flood impacts.

Ron McCoy, owner of A-1 Pump and Jet, who described the proposed operation, said "90% of the work will be done inside the buildings" and that a berm would be built around the perimeter to keep compost from washing away. McCoy estimated the operation would use "between 8 and 10 thousand gallons of water" to wet compost and berms, said he anticipated 3–4 buildings using roughly 5 acres for the processing footprint, and estimated about "50–100 tons" of compostable material could be generated per week. He told the Commission no hazardous materials would be involved and said the company currently serves an area of about 150 miles around Emporia.

Residents raised several concerns: whether the site’s floodplain status would allow development or change runoff patterns, whether odors (including ammonia) could travel despite indoor processing and venting, and whether neighboring property owners had been notified. Brad Miller noted past restrictions that had prevented home construction on the site and asked how industrial use would be allowed. Justin Givens with the City of Emporia told the Commission the annexation request was an early step and that detailed project approvals would follow city processes. County Counselor Molly Priest advised commissioners that island annexation requires consideration of likely uses of the property "per the statute." Vice-Chair Chris Bartel said he had received calls urging the commission to "make this happen," but emphasized the commission would not act without more direct information.

After extended discussion, Vice-Chair Chris Bartel moved to table the annexation "until on or before January 22, 2026, when all parties have had a chance to provide all information available, the process, and the idea of the project." The motion passed with Chairman Ken Duft, Vice-Chair Bartel and Commissioner Doug Peck voting aye. Staff said notification will be issued if the matter is scheduled before that date.

The tabling leaves decisions about floodplain mitigation, utility easements and KDHE classification unresolved; the Commission requested additional documentation and outreach from the City, the company and affected property owners before reconsideration.