EUGENE, Ore. — Lane County could soon become one of the first jurisdictions in Oregon to use drones to inspect its landfill for methane leaks, a move officials say would improve safety, efficiency, and environmental monitoring.
Current Inspections Pose Risks
The county’s Short Mountain Landfill, located just south of Eugene, is its single largest operational source of greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, methane inspections are performed on foot — a process that takes about two full days.
Inspectors, often hired through consulting firms, walk the steep terrain carrying handheld detectors. The work is not only slow but can be dangerous.
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“It makes it a huge safety concern that you could slip, trip, fall down this thing, and it could be disastrous,” said Jesse Berger, a Lane County Waste Management engineer. Workers have also reported run-ins with wasps, skunks, and dense blackberry thickets.
How Drones Could Help
According to Berger, a drone could scan the entire landfill in just four hours, drastically reducing labor time. Drones are also expected to be more accurate in locating methane leaks, which contribute significantly to climate change.
“From a safety standpoint, a drone is a great idea for us,” Berger said. “It should also help us better pinpoint emissions.”
State Push for New Technology
Oregon lawmakers are beginning to push landfill operators toward adopting modern monitoring tools. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a law requiring Coffin Butte Landfill in Benton County to use drones or other advanced technology for methane inspections.
An earlier version of the bill would have required all landfills statewide to adopt drone or satellite monitoring but was scaled back to apply only to Coffin Butte, which has faced high-profile leak issues.
DEQ Supports Drone Use
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has expressed strong support for drone-based methane monitoring, saying it is more efficient and reliable than traditional foot patrols.
“So far, no Oregon landfill operators are using the technology yet, but Lane County is the first to pursue it,” said Chris Varley, a DEQ spokesperson. He added that at least one other county is exploring similar options.
Landfills in other states have already piloted drone monitoring, offering a potential model for Oregon’s transition.
Next Steps for Lane County
For Lane County to move forward, the proposal must be approved by the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, which regulates emissions and air quality locally. If approved, drones could be deployed at Short Mountain before the end of the year.
Officials say the adoption of drone technology would represent a major step forward for safety and sustainability in waste management.
“Short Mountain is a big source of emissions for us,” Berger said. “This is about protecting workers, protecting the environment, and doing inspections more effectively.”
