Benton County Planning Commission Evaluates Coffin Butte Landfill Expansion Amid Public Concerns

The Benton County Planning Commission convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss the contentious Conditional Use Permit application for the expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill, a significant issue drawing public attention and concern. The meeting featured extensive public testimony from residents, environmental groups, and local organizations, many of whom expressed doubts about the landfill's compliance with existing regulations and its impact on the community.

Commissioners acknowledged the weight of public testimony, which highlighted a history of operational issues at the landfill, including concerns about gas emissions, contaminated soils, and the potential for groundwater contamination. The landfill, described as the second largest in Oregon, has been criticized for its location and the environmental risks it poses to nearby communities, including Adair Village and Corvallis.

The planning commission emphasized that their decision would hinge on whether the applicant, Republic Services, met the burden of proof regarding compliance with Benton County's land use criteria. The commissioners noted that the application process has been extensive, with over 6,000 pages of documentation submitted for review. They recognized the efforts of both the county staff and the applicant but underscored the importance of addressing community expectations and environmental stewardship.

Concerns were raised about the landfill's suitability for expansion, given its history of noncompliance and the potential for increased health risks, including cancer clusters linked to environmental factors. Testimonies from professionals in various fields, including environmental science and public health, underscored the complexities surrounding the landfill's operations and the implications of its expansion.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the significant public interest in the matter, as well as the challenges faced by the planning commission in balancing community concerns with the operational needs of the landfill. The commissioners are tasked with making a decision that could have lasting implications for Benton County's environment and public health, with the potential for a vote on the application in the near future.