The proposed site, located…

The proposed site, located less than one kilometre from Dresden's residential areas, is directly connected to the Sydenham River—a recognized biological hotspot home to at least 33 species at risk, including the Eastern spiny softshell turtle, Blanding’s turtle, Pugnose minnow, Salamander mussel, Fawnsfoot mussel, and Eastern foxsnake . The proximity of the dump to Molly’s Creek, a naturally-fed spring-origin creek that flows into the Sydenham River, raises alarming concerns about potential contamination. Toxic substances and wastewater runoff from the dump could leach into Molly’s Creek and eventually transfer into the Sydenham, threatening these rare species and their habitats .

Furthermore, the proposed facility plans to receive up to 6,000 tonnes of non-hazardous solid waste and 1,000 tonnes of residual waste per day, including construction and demolition debris, organic waste, and blue box recycling . The decomposition of organic matter in the landfill will release methane—a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Additionally, the operation could result in air pollution and odours, impacting the surrounding agricultural community of Dresden .

The environmental risks associated with this project are compounded by the potential for leachate—a mixture of contaminants formed when rainwater mixes with decomposing garbage—to seep into the surrounding soil, lacing groundwater with bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds. Contaminated groundwater can eventually reach aquifers and flow into larger bodies of water, including the Sydenham River, which drains into Lake St. Clair just 35 kilometers to the west .