Benton County will hold a public hearing on Republic Services’ appeal to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill following the Planning Commission’s denial of the controversial project this summer.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a two-day hearing for Oct. 22-23, from 5:30-10 p.m. at the Benton County Fairgrounds auditorium in Corvallis. The hearing comes after the county’s Planning Commission rejected Republic Services’ expansion application in a decision adopted July 29, prompting the company to file an appeal on Aug. 12.
The landfill expansion proposal has been a contentious issue. Under county procedures, appeals of Planning Commission decisions are heard by the county commissioners, giving Republic Services another opportunity to make its case for the expansion.
County officials are emphasizing public participation in the appeal process. Residents will have multiple opportunities to weigh in on the controversial expansion.
Community members can sign up for two-minute speaking slots to present new evidence during the hearing. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Oct. 15 with sign-up instructions to be posted on the county website.
The county is accepting written submissions through multiple channels, including email to landfillappeals@bentoncountyor.gov, an online form, postal mail (P.O. Box 3020, Corvallis, OR 97339) and hand delivery to the county commissioners’ office (Kalapuya Building, Suite 100, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis). Written testimony will be accepted until the hearing record closes on Oct. 23.
- Oct. 15: County staff report published.
- Oct. 22, 5:30-10 p.m.: First day of hearing with county and applicant presentations, plus initial public testimony.
- Oct. 23, 5:30-10 p.m.: Conclusion of public testimony and applicant rebuttal.
- Nov. 4, 1 p.m.: Board deliberations and decision.
- Nov. 17, 9 a.m.: Final written decision adoption
All sessions will offer virtual participation options with online meeting links to be provided closer to the hearing dates.
In preparation for the appeal, Benton County has consolidated all relevant documents into an improved public record system, replacing the previous MuniDocs platform. The system includes all Planning Commission materials plus new evidence submitted for the county commissioners hearing.
For complete information about the hearing process and testimony procedures, residents can visit bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill.