The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is proposing new rules to implement drone monitoring at the Coffin Butte Landfill following significant methane leaks. This move follows a record 3.02 million dollar fine against Republic Services for air quality violations and failure to maintain gas collection systems. Under Senate Bill 726, the landfill must adopt advanced detection technology. The DEQ is favoring EPA approved drone services to replace manual handheld monitoring, potentially reducing costs while improving the speed and accuracy of leak detection in a high risk area.
