Commission directs public works to arrange groundwater testing and deed restrictions for closed landfill

Commissioners acted after sustained public concern about an adjacent closed landfill and related private property impacts.

A resident raised longtime complaints about trespass and urged the county to fulfill its obligations on the closed landfill, including groundwater testing and recording deed restrictions that would bind future owners. The resident asked the commission to “fulfill our duty to the legalities of testing the water on that old site,” noting state reporting and covenant responsibilities.

A motion was made and seconded to authorize a commissioner to draft a proposal directing Public Works to coordinate groundwater testing with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and to update deed covenants for the landfill deed. The chair read the motion as asking Public Works to lead testing, engage KDHE to witness sampling, and prepare deed restrictions or covenant filings to protect adjacent property and public health.

On the record the commission approved the motion. Commissioners additionally discussed assigning responsibility for the work (Public Works or Sanitation), and asked staff to return with an implementation plan and a proposed timeline to complete the testing and file restrictions.

The vote on the motion was recorded in open session as an affirmative vote; commissioners did not specify a funding mechanism at the meeting and asked staff to identify cost estimates and any required fund transfers in a future report.