Westar Energy’s request to re-zone land to build a power plant in Lyon County will be discussed by Lyon County commissioners on Wednesday.
The plant would be off Road 200 near the company’s Lang substation, about six miles northeast of Emporia.
Following the last meeting, the Lyon County Planning and Appeals board recommended to Lyon County Commissioners that the application to re-zone 160 acres of land for a peaking power plant be approved.
The power plant would use natural gas to generate power during peak power needs such as heavy use summer days.
Westar Energy announced in August their plans to build the plant, which would cost $333 million, in Lyon County. The plant would increase the county's assessed valuation by more than $50 million — 24 percent of the tax revenue. The North Lyon County School District would benefit from this revenue, according to Westar.
Some of the concerns at the planning board meeting centered around noise levels. According to Westar, the plant will be designed and constructed to minimize noise. The noise level in the immediate neighborhood would be 50 to 70 decibels — ranging from the sound of a normal conversation to the noise of a busy street. The issue of lights also was discussed. The lights are expected to be parking-lot type lights and will be pointed downward. The lights are needed for security and safety.
Wednesday’s meeting is a study session and no action will be taken on the request. The meeting starts at 8 a.m. in the commission chambers in the Lyon County Courthouse. The Westar discussion is set for 9:45 a.m.
Other items on Wednesday’s commission agenda include:
F Liz Martell, director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, will discuss All Veterans Tribute Week and Veterans Day proclamation.
F Doug Stueve, director of the Department of Aging Services, will discuss authorization to set specifications and preliminary order for two buses for 2007 transportation program.