Residents urge transparency, risk review as rumors surface about reopening Brooks incinerator

Two West Salem residents told Marion County commissioners on Nov. 12 that the county should publicly account for rumors that the Brooks incinerator may be reopened and operated by an out‑of‑state firm.

Susan Smith, who introduced herself as a longtime resident, said the incinerator had caused pollution in the Brooks area and said she had been told the facility would remain closed. "Now there are rumors or maybe more than rumors, that said for intends to reopen it by bringing in a Texas firm without any experience running said incinerators," Smith said, urging "the commissioners to be as transparent with the citizens of the county as possible."

John Prohatsky, who said he lives on West Nob Hill Street and works in risk management for mission‑critical devices, urged a thorough county evaluation before any reopening. He asked the board to require an assessment of health and environmental risks, the county's potential financial liabilities, and independent verification that any operator can run the facility safely. "I encourage the county to do a risk assessment, manage and mitigate and control any associated risk if the risks are acceptable," Prohatsky said.

The speakers asked the commission to publicly report findings and to hold any operator to verifiable standards; commissioners did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting. The board acknowledged the comments and said staff would research the concerns raised.

Next steps: commissioners did not announce a planned vote or formal study at the meeting. The comments were entered during the public‑comment portion of the Nov. 12 session; the county said staff would follow up with the speaker to provide additional information.