To Whom It May Concern, I am…

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally submit my concerns regarding the recent proposal to remove the requirement for a full environmental assessment for this project. Based on the comprehensive feedback from the previous ERO #019-8417, I strongly believe that the need for a full environmental assessment remains critical for the protection of both the local community and the environment.

The majority of public comments submitted on the previous ERO notice, which sought approval for similar activities at the Dresden Tile Yard, voiced significant concerns, and many of these issues remain unresolved. I urge you to reconsider any proposals that would bypass or reduce the scope of a full EA.

1. Risk to Groundwater and Drinking Water
One of the most pressing concerns raised by local residents was the risk of contamination to groundwater and surface water. The project’s proximity to drinking water wells and the potential for leaching could pose serious health risks. A full EA is crucial to comprehensively evaluate these risks, establish protective measures, and ensure the safety of local water supplies.

2. Protection of Wildlife and Species at Risk
The site is home to diverse wildlife, including species at risk. The potential for habitat destruction or disruption of local ecosystems is high. A full environmental assessment is necessary to evaluate the impacts on biodiversity and to ensure that any potential harm to protected species is mitigated.

3. Impacts on Local Communities
Residents of Dresden, including families with children and nearby schools, have voiced strong concerns about the increased traffic, noise, and air quality degradation associated with the project. A full EA would provide the necessary platform to assess the social, economic, and health impacts on the local population, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and their concerns addressed.

4. Inadequate Mitigation Measures
The previous consultation revealed that many commenters felt the proposed mitigation measures were insufficient to address the environmental and health risks associated with the project. A full EA would provide an opportunity to evaluate the adequacy of these measures in greater detail and propose stronger safeguards to prevent harm.

5. Potential for Future Expansion
Many of the concerns raised related to the possibility that this project could lead to the expansion of landfill activities in the future. The absence of a full EA could allow for this potential expansion to occur without appropriate oversight or consideration of long-term impacts. A thorough environmental assessment would provide clarity on the scope of the project and prevent future expansion from occurring without proper public consultation and assessment.

Given these significant concerns, it is imperative that this project undergoes a full environmental assessment to fully understand its potential impacts and to develop measures that protect both the community and the environment. A reduced or bypassed EA process would not adequately address the risks associated with this project, and I strongly urge the Ministry to maintain the requirement for a full environmental assessment. If this site was located 5 kilometres from our town you would not be hearing from us, but this is 800 metres or less and that is why we are all screaming from the rooftops.

Thank you for considering this important matter.