Laketown Township leaders say odors stemming from a composting operation are so foul, they are holding a public hearing to address escalating resident complaints.
In April, state inspectors cited Cocoa Corp. for “strong foul odor” from its facility on Republic Services property on 60th Street between the I-196 and U.S. 31 overpasses, noting it is violating environmental and public health nuisance standards.
Township official say Cocoa Corp. operator Adam Brent noted odors peak from 10-4 Monday through Friday when the compost piles are turned to comply with state law.
Township officials revealed the operation is also violating its zoning agreement by not covering compost piles and not maintaining reasonable emissions of odors, dust and litter.
Because the site was approved a decade ago as a planned unit development, the planning commission argues it holds authority to modify or terminate the operation's special land use agreement.
Laketown Township urges residents to continue logging complaints to identify odor patterns by emailing the township office, which will forward information to state agencies and the property owners.
The hearing is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 at the township hall at 4338 Beeline Road.
LINKS:
Township sends letter:
https://laketowntwp.org/attorney-sends-letter-about-odor-issues/
Tour of compost facility:
https://laketowntwp.org/township-officials-tour-site-to-track-down-odor/
Legal notice:
https://laketowntwp.org/wp-
Zoom link:
https://laketowntwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ZoomCodes.pdf
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