At the Regular Council…

At the Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday April 2, 2024, the Council for the Township of Dawn-Euphemia passed the following resolution:

2024-64 Councillor Gray – Councillor McGuire: That Council acknowledges receipt of the information received re: York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd. Proposed amendment to Environmental Compliance Approval No. A021304 at 29831 Irish School Road regarding an 8-hectare landfill; and further that Council directs the Clerk to work with Lambton County to prepare and submit comments. Carried.

The following are comments being submitted on behalf of Council and the Township of Dawn-Euphemia:

The Township of Dawn-Euphemia lies less than two kilometres north of the proposed regenerative recycling and landfill facility proposed by York1 Environmental Waste Solutions at 29831 Irish School Rd, Dresden, ON. As such, the Township of Dawn-Euphemia should be consulted as to potential impacts including the estimated 700 transport vehicles daily and subsequent damage to roadways due to increased traffic volume, environmental risks to municipal drains, potential impact to core infrastructure, drainage, businesses and residential interests. Further, the Township of Dawn-Euphemia should be involved in discussions regarding the scope of the project, details of the proposed operation and municipal and public communication through the application process.

Following York1’s statement of an estimated 700 trucks in and out of the facility on a daily basis, the Township formally requests that a traffic impact study be conducted, and that a copy be forwarded to the Township of Dawn-Euphemia. The Township would like to be provided a copy of the proposed traffic route to determine any potential damage to our local roads, potential for congestion and safety hazards for our motorists and pedestrians. Obviously heavy truck traffic associated with this site could accelerate the deterioration of our local roads, leading to increased maintenance and safety concerns for our residents. This could add additional strain to a municipality that is already stretched thin with a very limited tax base and aging infrastructure.

Residents have voiced their concerns regarding the potential for odor including the operation of heavy machinery at landfills that generate dust and particulate matter, that will contribute to worsening air quality.

The Township of Dawn-Euphemia is requesting that the Ministry of Environment suspend any decisions on this matter until more information is made available to the public and to the Township of Dawn-Euphemia.

Yours truly,
Donna Clermont
Administrator-Clerk
Township of Dawn-Euphemia