The Lane County Board of Commissioners will soon vote on a recommendation from the County Public Works Department to construct an Integrated Material and Energy Recovery Facility (IMERF). The facility, slated to be constructed in Goshen, would effectively process municipal waste, enhance recycling and make compost from organic waste, and thus divert 80,000 tons of garbage from the county’s Short Mountain Landfill.

The Lane County Board of Commissioners will determine whether or not to approve the construction of the facility on Dec. 5. The next update to the board is scheduled for Nov. 28, at which time the board will also hear public comment.

The facility will make Lane County a leader in modern, effective waste reduction and biogas production. Other benefits include the creation of almost 200 construction jobs and 65 ongoing family wage jobs.

“This state of the art project is something everyone can get behind,” said Lisa Arkin, Executive Director of Beyond Toxics. “When our County Commissioners approve this waste management facility, they will create the infrastructure to increase our County’s recycling rates, extend the life of our public landfill, and produce nearly 1 million gallon equivalents every year of renewable natural gas. What a motivating way to take action to reduce waste, divert methane gasses and support the local economy!”

A yes vote will make Lane County a nationwide leader in waste management practices for a cleaner, greener future. Lane County residents are encouraged to submit public comments ahead of the Dec. 5 vote and let the commissioners know the importance of supporting the IMERF waste reduction proposal.