Adair Village reviews Coffin Butte Landfill expansion proposal and wastewater treatment plans

Concerns over the expansion of Coffin Butte Landfill took center stage during a Benton County government meeting on May 2, 2025, as officials and community members discussed the implications of Republic Services' Conditional Use Permit application. Key discussions revolved around environmental safeguards, traffic flow, and the landfill's projected lifespan.

A major point of contention was the management of leachate, the liquid that drains or 'leaches' from a landfill. One commissioner emphasized the need for Republic Services to collaborate with the city of Adair Village on an advanced wastewater treatment plant to ensure that leachate is treated effectively. "We need to capture and track requirements to ensure we’re getting the best possible outcome for our community," the commissioner stated, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in light of potential contaminants like PFAS.

Traffic flow also emerged as a significant topic, with questions raised about the proposed routes for commercial trucks entering the landfill. The plan includes a new scale house and a designated turnaround area, which officials assured would minimize disruptions to local traffic. "The residential traffic will remain unchanged, which is a positive for the community," one official noted.

Environmental concerns were not overlooked, as discussions included the landfill's location outside the 100-year floodplain, which officials assured would protect groundwater from flooding events. Additionally, the potential impact on local wildlife, particularly eagles, was addressed, with experts confirming no nesting behavior was observed in the area.

The landfill's projected end date of 2043 was also scrutinized. Officials expressed confidence in this timeline, citing current waste volume and density estimates. However, they acknowledged that unforeseen events could alter this projection.

As the meeting concluded, the need for ongoing dialogue between Republic Services and the community was underscored. The discussions highlighted the balancing act between waste management needs and environmental protection, setting the stage for future negotiations and potential conditions of approval for the landfill expansion.