Landfill operator reports 2024 tonnage, host fees and RNG plant progress

A Waste Management representative told the Gilliam County Court on Jan. 20 that the Columbia Regional landfill handled roughly 2.6 million tons of material in 2024 and that host fees paid to Gilliam County totaled $5,170,934 for the year.

Paul Wilson, speaking for Waste Management, provided quarterly and annual figures and safety updates. He said the company finished the year with 15 OSHA‑reportable injuries and is introducing training and procedural changes aimed at reducing incidents. Wilson described progress at a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility under construction adjacent to the landfill: buildings and vessels are in place, a new flare has been installed and the operator is completing testing before start-up. He said mechanical and commissioning delays have pushed the expected initial operation back several months, with the operator now aiming for fourth quarter of the year for full operation.

Wilson reported other site activity: construction of landfill Cell 17 has started and contractors will move approximately 1,800,000 tons of soil as part of that work. He also provided figures for a neighboring operator, Kennewaste: about 55,000 tons processed in 2024 with host fees to the county of $183,000 and an improved safety record.

Wilson said the site is exploring autonomous equipment for material handling — including a remote‑operated excavator developed in partnership with Caterpillar to reduce operator exposure in active processing areas.

County members asked about the gas‑pipeline/transmission line schedule for the RNG plant; Wilson said the county project manager Leah Shannon would have the most recent timeline and that some landowner agreements have been reached. The court did not take formal action on the landfill update at the meeting.