BEND, OR -- Seven properties remain on the list of potential locations for Deschutes County's next landfill. A committee started with 13 properties in the county, but sites have fallen off for a variety of reasons. On Wednesday County Commissioners approved removing two more because they are within the five mile radius of a public airport. Landfills attract birds, which can lead to hazardous conditions for aircraft.

During the presentation from the Director of Solid Waste, Commissioner Tony DeBone appeared to speak to the community, "We’re looking to site one landfill in Deschutes County. It’s going to be cost effective; it’s going to be cost effective for generations, if we can do this." He had strong words for the hundreds of people who have written to Commissioners and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, "It is so easy to say, ‘wait a minute. My backyard? Let me stay up all night and list all the reasons why this shouldn’t happen.’ I understand. We’re all in that spot. But, as residents of Deschutes County, wanting to have an orderly, safe, healthy environment where we have a cost-effective disposal location, let’s take half a step back and look where is reasonable?"

Commissioner Phil Chang said he met with members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation last week in Washington, DC and learned federal land previously ruled out might be available for the project.

Officials have said they want to have a final site selected in about a year. The Knott Landfill is expected to reach capacity in 2029.