Benton County residents oppose Coffin Butte landfill expansion over PFAS contamination concerns

Concerns over the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill took center stage during a Benton County government meeting on May 7, 2025, as community members voiced strong opposition to Republic Services' Conditional Use Permit application. The discussions highlighted significant environmental and health risks associated with the landfill, particularly regarding the accumulation of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in municipal sludge.

One speaker emphasized the regional implications of the landfill expansion, stating, "This is not just a Benton County issue. We're impacting communities up and down the entire Willamette River. This is a regional water safety issue." The speaker raised alarms about how the landfill's operations could violate Benton County's land use codes, which require that any conditional use permit must not be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of the community.

Debbie Palmer, a local resident, presented a petition signed by over 1,300 people opposing the expansion. She criticized the lack of a comprehensive waste management plan in Benton County, arguing that expanding the landfill without exploring alternative waste management solutions is irresponsible. "It's absurd to expand this landfill before completing a thorough plan," she stated, urging the commissioners to deny the application outright.

Palmer also pointed out that Republic Services has ample capacity in the existing landfill, estimating it could last for at least another 18 years. This timeframe, she argued, should allow for a thorough study of better waste management practices rather than rushing into an expansion that primarily benefits the corporation.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the perceived lack of accountability from Republic Services, with Palmer noting that conditions placed on previous approvals have never been enforced. "Self-monitoring equals no monitoring," she remarked, calling for a firm denial of the expansion proposal.

As the meeting concluded, community members left with a sense of urgency, hoping that the Benton County commissioners would prioritize the health and safety of their constituents over corporate interests in their decision-making process. The outcome of this application could have lasting implications for waste management and environmental safety in the region.