A local group opposing the proposed expansion of a landfill site north of Dresden is pleased with the government plans to move forward with a comprehensive environmental assessment (EA).
The Lieutenant Governor in Council recently ruled that York1 Environmental Waste Solutions’ proposals to reopen and expand the dormant landfill on Irish School Road must undergo the highest level of EA in Ontario.
Stefan Premdas, chair of Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (C.A.R.E.D.), called the announcement a step in the right direction.
“York1 has been hoping to escape [the EA] and now they have to follow the rules around it,” said Premdas. “We are going to have to be reviewing everything York1 puts on paper and challenging it so that they do a better job than they have done with the rest of their filings.”
York1 has submitted two applications to the Environment Ministry to amend the existing Environmental Compliance Approval for the landfill site, which has not been in operation since the 1980s.
“Our lawyers have been very confident that there are a number of reasons and conflicts with municipal and provincial rules that should prevent this site from even happening. But of course, we are concerned and that’s why we continue to fight,” said Premdas.
The EA process will require a full assessment of potential environmental impacts the site may pose, as well as public consultation. The project will not be allowed to proceed without a decision from the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and approval from the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Premdas said even if the EA were to pass, provincial legislation could be used to stop the landfill from moving forward. He said Bill 197 currently grants municipalities the power to veto landfills through the Environmental Assessment Act.
“It’s up to the municipalities to veto it if it’s not a good fit. We know that the municipalities of both Dawn Euphemia and Chatham-Kent are opposed to this,” he said.
Premdas said Dresden C.A.R.E.D. will be attending several community events throughout the summer to continue to update the community as the process surrounding the EA unfolds.
