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County outlines landfill site search, transfer‑station upgrades and compost/biochar options
Summary
Solid‑waste staff presented appraisals and a timeline for selecting a replacement landfill site, described the need for expanded transfer‑station and bulky‑waste processing capacity ahead of the landfill closure horizon (2031), and said a renewable natural gas project is targeted for service in 2027 pending permitting and power availability.
Solid‑waste leadership told commissioners the county is close to finishing appraisals and a final site evaluation for candidate landfill locations and expects a Solid Waste Advisory Committee recommendation in spring followed by a board decision this summer. The county contracted Rock Associates to appraise candidate sites and said one parcel under consideration is owned by ODOT, which could require an intergovernmental transfer process.
Staff stressed work must begin well in advance of the landfill closure horizon (noted as 2031) because when the face of the landfill closes the county will need sufficient transfer and processing infrastructure to handle route trucks and public tipping. Options discussed included a new bulky‑waste processing building to recover material ahead of transfer, expansion of compost capacity to accept more organics and blade material, and a synergy with a biochar project that could add an organic diversion stream. Staff noted a $35,000 appraisal contract and said appraiser turnaround is ~60 days.
On renewable natural gas (RNG), staff said the project design has been adjusted to meet tighter air‑permit rules (including enclosed flares) and to align with local power availability; they expect construction and gas capture well work to proceed with an estimated online date in calendar year 2027.
Why it matters: Finding and permitting a replacement landfill site, expanding transfer and processing capacity, and capturing landfill gas for energy are multi‑million‑dollar, long‑lead projects that affect future rate design, county capital planning and environmental compliance. Staff will bring the advisory committee recommendation and supporting appraisals for board consideration as required.
