The Benton County Planning Commission voted this week to reject a proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill north of Corvallis. The 6-0 decision is a major roadblock for Republic Services, which has said the expansion would add at least 12 years to the usable lifespan of the facility.
But Planning Commission members, including Chair Ken Kenaston, said the proposal would close some roads in the area and make life worse for people living nearby.
“Many residents of the area testified that the odor and noise has continually gotten worse over the years," said Kenaston. "Some testified that they have to seek shelter inside to avoid the noise and smell. They warn that the levels expected in the future will affect their rural residential uses.”
More than 30 people testified at two public hearings in November, with nearly all of them against the possible expansion of the landfill. Republic Services can appeal the decision to the Benton County Board of Commissioners
