Residents, environmental groups oppose expansion of Coffin Butte Landfill - KEZI TV
Residents, environmental groups oppose expansion of Coffin Butte Landfill | News | kezi.com
Residents and environmental groups oppose expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill by Republic Services citing health and environmental concerns.
CORVALLIS, Ore -- Over a million tons of waste are deposited every year in the Coffin Butte Landfill in Benton County. Republic Services is seeking to expand the site, but faces stiff opposition.
Residents and environmental groups have come out against the expansion. Joel Geier is a hyrdrogeologist who lives in the area close to the landfill in north Benton County. He fears if Republic Services manages to expand the landfill, they'll continue until the whole area becomes a massive dumping ground. Geier initially moved into the area because he believed the landfill wouldn't last forever.
"They have no intention of closing it down ever. You can see there is tarps over the face of it that shows they're not planning to actually close it, that should have grass over it by now, but they just leaving it as it is now and that leaves their options open so they can keep expanding," he said.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they have investigated the site and found dozens of methane leaks. The environmental group Beyond Toxics also cited issues with air pollution, most notably dust being kicked up into the air and descending on residents laced with arsenic, metals, and plastics. As a hydrogeologist, Geier worries about the ground water in the area.
"For folks down in Eugene, arsenic is a natural occurring problem in the ground water, especially around Spencer Butte, but in this area it's almost unheard of and we're getting levels of arsenic that are showing up that are really now close to what people worry about down by Eugene," he said.
The site covers 178 acres, and the high methane levels also make it vulnerable to wildfires. In a statement, Republic Services said:
"Gas collection and control system exceeds industry standards by three times. Since 2019, we have invested $9.4 million to upgrade the system and will invest an additional $1.2 million this year for further enhancements. We have implemented several improvements, including a new odor reporting portal on the landfill’s website and new enclosed flares to burn off excess methane gas more efficiently. We are also researching the latest technology, such as infrared cameras, to enhance our monitoring capabilities."
Residents and environmental groups have recommendations for the site. The prime thing is to stop sending organic waste and materials to the site. They want more sites built where metals, plastics, and food waste can be separated, Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics spoke in favor of one such site.
"And I'm really excited and proud that Lane County has committed itself to clean Lane project, which is building an advanced sorting facility." She said.
They also recommend using captured methane as a way of powering cars and homes as renewable gas.