I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposal to eliminate the required environmental assessment for the old dump site on Dresden’s town limits. Removing this critical step not only undermines the integrity of public health and environmental protection, but also sets a dangerous precedent of prioritizing convenience or cost over safety and long-term sustainability.

The gigantic newly proposed dump can harbour hazardous waste, including heavy metals, chemical contaminants, and other pollutants that can leach into groundwater or release harmful gases into the air. Without a thorough environmental assessment, we cannot accurately evaluate the risks to nearby communities, ecosystems, or water sources. Skipping this step could result in undetected contamination, increased health risks for residents, and potentially irreversible environmental damage.

Furthermore, environmental assessments ensure transparency and public accountability. They provide communities with the information they need to make informed decisions and give stakeholders—especially those living near the site—a voice in the process.

We must uphold rigorous environmental standards, particularly when dealing with legacy pollution. The cost of inaction or insufficient oversight is far greater than the investment required for a proper assessment. I urge decision-makers to maintain, not eliminate, the environmental assessment requirement for the old dump site near Dresden.