A composting business getting started in southern Warren County has been granted permission to operate by the county government, but there’s a catch. Property owner Richard DeLoach was granted 19 months to prove that he can operate the outdoor facility on his land without causing an undue disturbance to his neighbors.

DeLoach received a conditional use permit May 19 to run a composting yard at his property on Polston Lane, a private road along Highway O about 15 minutes north of Marthasville. However, Warren County’s planning and zoning board, which approved the permit, set an expiration on the operation after hearing from neighboring homeowners worried about the proposal. DeLoach has until the end of 2023 to operate his business, at which point he’ll need to apply for a renewed permit.

The composting yard will take in vegetation and animal manure, and turn it into a nutrient-rich soil product, DeLoach explained. He said the operation will take up less than 2 acres of his 20-acre property.

“I am focused on commercial operations that need and use composting, soil amendment products to enhance their soils — such as vineyards, organic farms, those type of things,” DeLoach commented.

He described the facility as consisting of several areas where different types of organic materials will be stored, mixed, and then set out as it undergoes the composting process. DeLoach said he has already been in contact with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to ensure the facility meets all state requirements for solid waste.

The purpose of composting is to speed up the process of breaking down organic waste into soil by creating an ideal environment for bacteria that processes the waste. The end product, if done correctly, is a fertile soil that’s good for growing new plants.

While acknowledging the benefits of composting, two property owners neighboring DeLoach on the private road also expressed concerns during the May 19 planning and zoning hearing.

“The biggest concern is the road — it will not sustain additional traffic,” said Debra Polston Knapheide, who worried about how often DeLoach will be hauling loads of compost off his property.

“We have a concern with the smell. From everything I’ve read, no matter what you do, it smells,” commented neighbor Julie Schwimley.

DeLoach acknowledged his neighbors’ concerns, and said he hopes to reassure them.

“I know there are some concerns, and they’re legitimate concerns, and I’m willing to address those,” DeLoach noted. He said controlling air and moisture levels in the compost piles should reduce the smell, and that he’s willing to work with his neighbors on any needed improvements to the road.

Members of the planning and zoning board granted the permit for the composting site, but set an expiration of Dec. 31, 2023 so that neighbors will have a chance to have another say after the business has been there for a year. Board members are also requiring DeLoach to create a road maintenance agreement with his neighbors by that time.