On Wednesday, Oregon lawmakers took action that aims for more stringent monitoring at the Coffin Butte Landfill in Benton County and paved the way towards statewide improvement in the monitoring and mitigation of methane leaks.
The bill they passed, SB 726, requires the use of advanced technology to measure methane emissions. It also mandates Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission to establish rules for surface emissions monitoring and mitigation of methane gas emissions from municipal solid waste landfills.
The bill had been passed in Oregon’s House, has now been approved by the State Senate, and is headed to governor for her signature.
If Gov. Kotek approves the bill, municipal solid waste landfills would have to conduct surface emissions monitoring and report data to the Department of Environmental Quality, starting on January 1, 2027.
Corvallis Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin was the bill’s chief sponsor in the Senate
“By finding and fixing leaks, we can capture more methane for energy production while reducing the harmful emissions that threaten public health and nearby communities,” said Gelser Blouin. “Advanced monitoring technologies will provide more complete and more accurate data. This is exactly the quality of information we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect Oregonians from the dangers of leaking methane.”
“My constituents were clear that adopting advance methane monitoring technology is a critical priority for our community,” said Gelser Blouin. “I’m proud to work alongside Representative Finger-McDonald and our colleagues to make it a reality and so pleased that Benton County will lead the way to safer waste management across the state.”
Corvallis Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald sponsored the bill in the House
“Methane is toxic, and at one measured site at Coffin Butte last year, it was escaping at an explosive level of more than 100,000 parts-per-million,” said Finger McDonald. “We can’t wait for the landfill to be on fire before we address this issue. I’m proud to be a sponsor of this legislation.”
Wide support
Senate Bill 726 attracted 184 pieces of written testimony in support, and only 10 opposed. Coffin Butte’s neighbors were among the bill’s strongest supporters. Albany, Corvallis, and Adair Village residents joined climate and clean air advocates from around the state. Mid-Willamette Valley advocacy group Beyond Toxics helped organize these efforts—including Oregon scientists, engineers, and Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists who brought their research, expertise, and leadership to SB 726.
Data from satellites, drones, human-based surface emissions monitoring, and gas collection result in a methane map of landfills, testified Mason Leavitt, a GIS expert and member of Beyond Toxics. “SB 726 gives us the data we need to map a route to a more stable climate, safer air quality, and reduced fire hazards from landfills,” Leavitt added.
Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd reflected on “constant concerns” from residents about the safety of the air they breathe. “Members of all political stripes and affiliations are concerned about the impacts that these emissions have on their health, and the risk of fire,” Commissioner Shepherd testified.
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com