Residents urge transparency and raise environmental, noise and water concerns about proposed Compass data center

Several residents used the public-comment portion of the Sept. 24 meeting to raise concerns about a proposed Compass (hyperscale) data center sited near residential and agricultural land.

Mike Bradley, who identified his address in the meeting record, said the proposed site is roughly 607 acres and argued the facility would generate continuous cooling-fan noise and generator emissions that could penetrate homes, reduce property values and strain local water resources. "This data center does not contribute to the normal social and business interactions ... In fact, it hurts the community," Bradley said, calling the potential tax revenue "community blood money."

Rick Tyler, who said he lives about two miles south of the proposed site, asked whether the county’s commissioned CFS engineering study will post updates publicly and whether it will coordinate with Compass, Evergy and the City of Topeka on water, utilities and analysis. "Will CFS coordinate with Compass Data Centers?" Tyler asked, seeking clarity on subcontracting, public engagement and study transparency.

Colleen Campbell — who described attending a K-State symposium on emerging contaminants — flagged PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as a concern, saying the industry’s use of chemicals and water treatments can leave persistent contaminants in the environment. Amy Gillette cited reporting about noise complaints at other Compass sites and urged skepticism about company assurances, citing Business Insider coverage alleging ongoing nuisance noise in one Virginia community despite company tests.

No county staff presented new technical findings during the public-comment period; the speakers asked the commission to ensure public access to the ongoing study and to require thorough, transparent coordination with utilities and the company. Commissioners listened and did not take a formal action during the public-comment period.