These developments rise…

These developments rise significant concerns and issues surrounding the proposed expansion of the YORK1 Regenerative Recycling Facility in the Town of Dresden, Ontario. As a resident and concerned citizen, I believe it is essential that our top government representatives and local officials are aware of the potential impacts of such a significant development on our community and environment.

The proposed expansion of the YORK1 facility, which includes a substantial increase in waste processing capacity and storage volumes, raises several concerns that must be addressed before any further action is taken.

York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. said the proposed amendment to the waste processing facility will also allow a maximum daily receiving rate of 6,000 tonnes per day of solid waste, including construction and demolition waste, and 1,000 tonnes per day of residual waste for final disposal on an annual average basis.

The proposal also seeks the maximum storage volumes at the waste processing facility be amended to indoor storage of 1,800 tonnes of residual waste for transfer including source separated organics; outdoor storage of 3,000 tonnes of recyclable materials such as wood, brick, block, concrete, asphalt, shingles, metals, and drywall; and outdoor storage of 30,000 tonnes of waste consisting of unprocessed and processed soil.

The following are some of the key concerns expressed by residents:

Infrastructure Strain: The town of Dresden lacks the necessary infrastructure to support the influx of trucks that would be required to transport waste to and from the facility on a daily basis. This would put undue strain on our roads, bridges, and other essential services.

Noise Pollution: The increased activity at the facility would result in significant noise pollution, negatively impacting the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas.

Environmental Impact: The proposed expansion poses a threat to the local ecosystem, particularly Molly's Creek, which is home to several endangered species. Any disturbance to this delicate environment could have serious consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem health. Furthermore, the property is located in a flood plain, with marshes, ponds, and creeks that connect to the Sydenham River, further exacerbating environmental concerns.

Proximity to Sensitive Sites: There are several sensitive sites in close proximity to the YORK1 property, including two schools within 1km and a third within 3km. The Ministry of the Environment has stated that this may cause adverse effects. Additionally, the Blackburn cemetery is .66km from the property, and the Dresden cemetery is less than 1km away. Moreover, the Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History, a significant historical site, is located in Dresden, making the proximity of a megadump disrespectful to our African Canadian heritage.

Impact on Food Processing: Conagra, a food processing facility in Dresden, may be negatively impacted by the presence of a megadump in the vicinity. This could have serious implications for food safety and public health.

In addition to these concerns, we have 83 endangered species at risk in our area, further highlighting the need for thorough consideration of the environmental impacts of the proposed expansion.

We cannot allow the proposed expansion of the YORK1 facility to proceed due its potential impacts.