These comments are regarding…

These comments are regarding the proposed York1 recycling facility and landfill expansion at 29831 Irish School Road, Dresden ON. I, as well as the residents of Dresden and surrounding area am staunchly against this proposal. I believe the Ministry of the Environment will find this to be an inappropriate location as well.

The proposal states that this current site is a landfill that services the province of Ontario. I, as well as most people had no idea at this was a landfill! The property over half a century ago was originally a small tile yard business that made clay tile. It was then now classed as a municipal landfill with very minimal use. The 35 hectare property is mostly used as farm land. This entire area is an agricultural hub that grows everything from grains to vegetables.

This property is almost exactly 1 km from the town of Dresden’s front door. Molly Creek runs through this property, which connects to the Sydenham River that feeds into Lake St. Clair. There is no way this facility will not affect the Rivers rich biodiversity. There is no way they can maintain an appropriate buffer zone from creek. Aside from the obvious environmental concerns, the proximity to the town and neighboring houses make this proposal absolutely asinine.

Our southwestern Ontario community is not even anywhere near any major 400 series highways. I estimate well over 100 large trucks a day will deliver the 6000 tonnes of waste- affecting the surrounding roadways and other communities. Our narrow roads are already typically occupied by slow moving farm machinery though out the various summer and fall harvests.

I understand Ontario has waste and landfill issues, but this proposal has caught everyone by surprise. This has only been brought to our attention over the last week. Dresden is so far from the beaten path, that this makes absolutely no sense. York1 seems to be taking advantage of us by stating that it is simply expanding an existing landfill. If this is all approved it will completely change the landscape off our quiet agricultural community affecting the health, safety, and quality of life for all.

Concerned resident,
Dresden, Ontario