Concerns over landfill safety and environmental impact took center stage at the Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 22, 2024. Community representatives, led by Debbie Palmer, presented a compelling case regarding the Coffin Butte Landfill, highlighting urgent issues such as noxious odors, fire safety, and methane emissions.

Palmer, along with co-presenters Kate Harris, Catherine Stearns, and Virginia Scott, outlined a series of actionable steps aimed at addressing these pressing concerns. The group emphasized the need for a landfill concerns hotline, which would allow residents to report odors and other issues directly to the county and relevant authorities. This initiative aims to restore a previously available communication channel that had been removed, ensuring that community voices are heard.

Kate Harris detailed the ongoing problem of landfill odors, describing "dump days" when the smell becomes unbearable for residents, even miles away. She pointed out that recent detection technology has confirmed what locals have long suspected: the landfill's air pollution is out of compliance, with methane emissions currently under investigation by the EPA.

Fire safety was another critical topic, with Harris recounting three significant fires linked to Republic Services operations in the past six months. These incidents raised alarms about the lack of adequate monitoring and response protocols, particularly after hours. Harris urged the commissioners to require Republic Services to issue monthly public notices about fire safety responsibilities and to complete post-incident reports for all fire events.

The presenters concluded with a call for accountability, stressing that Republic Services has consistently failed to address community concerns and comply with regulations. They urged the commissioners to take immediate action to protect public health and the environment, emphasizing that the community deserves better from its landfill operations.

As the meeting wrapped up, the urgency of these issues was clear, with residents and officials alike recognizing the need for proactive measures to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for Benton County.