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Pro‑expansion coalition asks local leaders to back Coffin Butte landfill permit appeal
Summary
Speakers from a pro‑expansion coalition told the Lebanon City Council on Sept. 24 that a modest expansion of the Coffin Butte landfill would protect local disposal capacity, preserve jobs, and generate county revenue; they said Benton County staff recommended approval, the planning commission denied the permit, and Republic Services has appealed.
Annie Ellison, a member of the Benton Clean and Strong coalition, told the Lebanon City Council on Sept. 24 that she supports Republic Services’ appeal seeking a conditional use permit for a modest expansion of the Coffin Butte landfill in Benton County.
Why it matters: Ellison said the landfill’s methane is used to generate electricity that supplies about 4,000 homes annually, the site supports roughly 100 family‑wage jobs and, as she put it, “generates, like, $11,000,000 per biennium for Benton County in discretionary funds.” She said local disposal capacity and lower disposal costs are important to households, school districts and contractors.
Ellison said the disputed application is for the “last parcel” that has been zoned for landfill use and that Benton County staff recommended approving the conditional use permit. She said the Benton County planning commission voted against the permit and that Republic Services has appealed; she encouraged residents to testify at the Benton County commissioners’ appeal hearing on Oct. 15 at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
Coalition member Elise Yarnell described the landfill as “convenient” for local residents and contractors and said household disposal costs would rise if loads had to be hauled farther. Ellison and Yarnell also told councilors the facility performs methane capture and monitoring, and that the coalition had polled Benton County voters. “In a recent survey … 62% of people in Benton County said they agreed with the expansion,” Ellison said, attributing the poll to DHM Research.
Council reaction and next steps: Councilors asked questions about who is funding the coalition and about possible effects on Lebanon ratepayers. Ellison said the coalition’s website states it is paid for by Republic Services and that the coalition is distinct from the company. On the question of rate impacts, Ellison said exact changes are “proprietary” to the hauler and depend on where waste would be sent, fuel and labor costs; she cited one comparison in which leachate transport costs rose from about $0.11 per gallon to approximately $0.90 per gallon when destinations changed.
No formal council action was taken at the Sept. 24 meeting. Ellison asked council members to consider individual or body‑level support, including submitting written testimony or a resolution to Benton County; one councilor said they would like more information before deciding.
Local context and competing views: Ellison said opponents include organized groups based in Eugene such as Beyond Toxics, and she acknowledged the planning commission’s decision against the permit. She repeatedly framed the expansion as modest compared with a larger 2021 proposal and urged local officials to weigh disposal costs, jobs and regional planning efforts that are underway.
Ending: The coalition encouraged Lebanon residents who want to weigh in to submit written testimony or testify at the Benton County hearing. Council members asked staff for follow‑up information before considering any formal statement or resolution.
