The chorus of voices against a possible construction materials recycling facility near Dresden is growing.
Environmental Defence is calling for the Ministry of Environment to reject an application by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions to start and expand the dump due to the risk of severe harm to the Sydenham River and species at risk that live in it.
The proposed site is directly connected to the Sydenham River, which is home to at least 33 species at risk, according to Environmental Defence. The environmental group said some of the species are found nowhere else in Canada or remain in only a few other locations globally.
Environmental Defence also noted toxic substances and wastewater runoff from the site could leach into nearby Molly’s Creek and eventually transfer into the river if the dump is reactivated, contaminating critical habitats and wiping out some of Ontario’s rarest species.
Residents and community leaders are strongly opposed to the dump for a number of reasons, including its potential ecological impacts.
“York1's proposal to put a mega dump one kilometer from the heart of our community is very concerning to me for many reasons, especially the potential harm that would be caused to endangered species," said Dresden resident Kait Pataki. "The land where this dump will reside is known to have runoff drain into the creeks and rivers that are home to several species at risk. The lack of policy and ability to enforce such policies to keep these species safe is very alarming. There is no sanction, financial penalty or forfeiture that could possibly mediate the risk of irreversible damage to our ecosystem. Dresden and Chatham-Kent as a whole pride themselves on the amazing natural amenities and wildlife it has to offer, it would be such a disgrace to our community if this dump is approved."
Environmental Defence said some of the species at risk that would be directly affected by the Dresden dump include the endangered Eastern spiny softshell turtle, the Fawnsfoot mussel, and the Eastern foxsnake, along with the threatened Blanding’s turtle and the Pugnose minnow, and the endangered and globally vulnerable Salamander mussel.
“The Ontario government will have broken their own rules if they allow a huge landfill/ transfer facility and an eventual mega dump landfill to be set up 1 kilometer from the town where approximately 2900 tax paying voters live and thrive in this agricultural and ecological paradise," said Dresden resident Steven Peacock. "Dresden is home to a wide variety of species at risk that inhabit Molly's creek and the Sydenham River. If this dump is developed many, if not all, of these species will be wiped out.”
Chatham-Kent Council passed a unanimous motion on Monday opposing the proposal and calling on the Ministry to reject the proposal.
The County of Lambton is also adding its voice to Chatham-Kent's call for more information about the dump expansion.
