McMINNVILLE, Ore. – The Riverbend Landfill has been operating in Yamhill County for years.
The company says it is providing a needed service to the area by keeping garbage bills affordable to its customers, generating money for local businesses, and employing local residents.
But the waste management company wants to expand its operation by another 87 acres (it already operates on 98 acres).
Businesses adjacent to the proposed expansion are not happy about the possibility to working next to a landfill.
“I’m fifth generation to be on this property,” said Ramsey McPhillips. “Every morning I'm woken up by these incredible noises of the landfill.”
McPhillips operated a family farm and is concerned about what the landfill will mean to the future of a farm that has been operated by his family since the 1800s.
The landfill company released the following statement:
That waste management has quietly and safely operated a landfill in this community for 20 years is a good thing.
It shows we are delivering on our promise to be a good neighbor and a capable environmental steward.
If we have been invisible to the community, that's a sign of successful and responsible landfill management.
Also, your story is incomplete if it overlooks the thoughtful and inclusive dialogue that has been marked this process for two years.
This has been a healthy community conversation. Now it's time to move forward.
