Benton County announces additional meetings in landfill expansion hearing
The Benton County Planning Division announces several additional dates for the continuation of the public hearing on LU-24-027, Republic Services’ proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill.
The initial timeline for the public hearing before the Planning Commission included three days for presentations and public testimony on April 29 and May 1 and 6. A fourth day was added on May 8 to accommodate the volume of public verbal testimony. At the conclusion of that meeting, the hearing was continued to June 17, which had initially been intended as the date for deliberations and a decision.
The following dates have now been set to continue the proceedings. This is the expected schedule; dates are subject to change as necessary with prior notice. With the exception of the June 17 date, meetings will take place at the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.
Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. – virtual (Zoom)
Planning Commission meets to continue hearing to July 8.
Tuesday, June 24
Supplemental staff report issued. This report will include analysis of public testimony and supplemental material submitted by the applicant.
Thursday, July 3, 4 p.m.
Deadline to submit written testimony through online form and email (publiccomment@bentoncountyor.gov). Written evidence can still be submitted in person at the public hearing or at the Community Development office: 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis, second floor.
Tuesday, July 8, 6-9 p.m.
Public hearing before the Planning Commission continues with presentation of revised staff report and presentation of applicant update. If time permits, begin public verbal testimony on new evidence only. Attestants can submit written testimony on new evidence during the meeting.
Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
Continue public testimony if needed.
Tuesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
Deliberations by Planning Commission. Open to the public, but no public comment will be heard.
Tuesday, Jul 29, 6 p.m.
Meeting to adopt final written decision and findings.
The deadline to reach a decision on the application has been extended from August 11 to September 27. Republic Services requested and was granted a 47-day extension of the 150-day timeline. This is the second extension that has been granted.
According to Benton County Code, the timeline for making land use decisions is 150 days. Applicants are allowed to request up to 215 additional days for the process, for a total of 365 days. This can come as multiple requests throughout the process, each one changing the end date. Republic Services’ first extension request was granted in January, extending the time prior to the start of the public hearing by 58 days.
For more information and access to documents related to LU-24-027, visit bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill.