KDHE to hold public hearing

Kansas Department of Health and Environment will have a public hearing Sept. 23 in Marion regarding a proposed permit to expand K-K Ranch near Marion Reservoir.

The ranch, owned by Steven Krispense, is applying to expand its confined feedlot capacity to up to 565 swine weighing more than 55 pounds, 150 cattle weighing more than 700 pounds, and 650 cattle weighing 700 pounds or less.

The cities of Marion and Hillsboro expressed concerns about possible E. coli contamination of the reservoir. The reservoir is the public water source for Marion, Hillsboro, and Peabody.

A beach at Cottonwood Point, located near the feedlot, was closed about two weeks in mid-July because of E. coli contamination.

The public hearing will be 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Marion City Building, 203 N. Third St. Anyone wishing to comment on the proposed permit may do so at the public hearing or submit written statements to Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Water, Livestock Waste Management Section, 1000 SW Jackson St, Suite 420, Topeka KS 66612-1367.

KDHE recommends anyone wishing to speak at the public hearing provide a written copy of the testimony the day of the hearing to the hearing officer.

Copies of the permit application, proposed KDHE permit, and other documents may be viewed at the KDHE office. Documents may also be requested by phone, (785) 296-6432, or fax, (785) 296-5509.

The agency will make a final permit decision after considering state statutes and regulations and comments received at the hearing.