Chatham-Kent’s ongoing fight to prevent the reopening of a dormant landfill near Dresden has been dealt a blow.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has denied the municipality’s application for the federal government to designate a review of the proposed landfill development project at 29831 Irish School Rd. under the Impact Assessment Act.
Two similar applications were sent to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in the spring; one from local advocacy group Dresden Citizens Against Reckless Environmental Disposal (C.A.R.E.D.), followed by another from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent.
Both submissions make the case that the proposed waste facility has the potential to cause significant adverse effects to the natural environment, including aquatic species, fish habitats, and migratory birds. The potential effect on Indigenous peoples is also noted, including an impact on physical and cultural heritage, the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes, as well as the health, cultural, and social well-being of local First Nations.
However, Impact Assessment Agency President Terence Hubbard determined that the Dresden waste and recycling facility project proposed by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. does not warrant designation under the Impact Assessment Act.
In his decision, Hubbard said there are other federal and provincial mechanisms that would permit the municipality to address the potential adverse effects that may be caused by the carrying out of the project. These include federal legislation, such as the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act; and provincial legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act, Ontario Water Resources Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, among others.
Hubbard also noted that there are requirements under the federal and provincial mechanisms that also ensure consultation with Indigenous communities and public engagement, while providing a framework to address public concerns related to the project.
In an email to CKXS News, municipal officials said they are naturally disappointed with the Impact Assessment Agency’s decision.
“We’re reviewing the decision and the reasoning behind it, and will be exploring options with our legal team/external legal team,” the municipality said. “Chatham-Kent, as a whole, continues to defend Dresden through every possible avenue.”
York1 is planning to construct and operate a waste disposal and regenerative recycling facility at the Irish School Road property that would hold up to 1.62 million cubic meters of non-hazardous solid construction and demolition waste. The Mississauga-based company also plans to expand the existing waste transfer station from 0.8 hectares to 25 hectares, to accept a maximum of 3,000 tonnes per day of recyclable materials and 1,000 tonnes per day of non-hazardous solid waste.
The reopening of the landfill site has sparked significant pushback from local residents, the municipality, environmental groups, and provincial opposition parties.
