Deschutes County plans innovative landfill solution before 2030 deadline

In a recent government meeting, a consulting engineer with over 40 years of experience in designing municipal solid waste landfills presented a critical proposal for Deschutes County's waste management future. The engineer, who has been involved in the design and permitting of nearly every major landfill in the Pacific Northwest since 1984, emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions as the Knott Landfill is projected to reach its disposal capacity by 2030.

The engineer detailed a proposed approach that would allow the county to maintain disposal capacity for its residents by executing necessary tasks simultaneously rather than sequentially. This method has been successfully applied in various projects across Oregon, including the expansion of the Knott Landfill itself, which increased its footprint to 135 acres.

During the presentation, the engineer highlighted discussions with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), noting that Todd Hess, the regulator responsible for the Knott Landfill permit, expressed agreement with the proposed approach. The urgency of the situation was underscored, as the county must act promptly to secure waste disposal solutions before the existing landfill reaches capacity.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, signaling the beginning of a dialogue on the future of waste management in Deschutes County. The proposed strategy aims to ensure that residents continue to have access to essential waste disposal services in the coming years.