1. Water contamination:…

1. Water contamination: Given the proposed site's adjacency to both the Sydenham River and Molly's Creek, the potential threat of leachate poses a significant concern for water contamination. Leachate, a toxic liquid formed as rainwater percolates through waste materials, could potentially infiltrate and compromise the local water supply. In particular, runoff from the landfill may seep into the groundwater, raising the risk of pollution in both the Sydenham River and Molly's Creek. This contamination could result in detrimental effects on water quality and disrupt the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems.

source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278738702_Environmental_and_so… February 25, 2024

2. Soil pollution: Landfills adversely affect the soil, both within the landfill and its vicinity. Waste generates leachate, a toxic liquid, which can infiltrate the soil within the landfill, damaging its quality. Inadequate containment can lead to the spread of leachate, causing soil contamination, decreased fertility, and potential water source contamination in the surrounding area. Additionally, waste compaction accelerates soil erosion, restricting natural nutrient and water movement, further harming the soil's quality. Moreover, the compaction of the soil caused by the weight of the waste can lead to poor aeration and water retention, further damaging the soil's ability to support plant life.

source: https://t.ly/lt7ZY February 25, 2024

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723049665 February 24, 2024

3. Habitat destruction: The construction and operation of the proposed landfill could result in the destruction of natural habitats along the Sydenham River, threatening native plant and animal species. Landfills negatively impact surrounding wildlife and habitats through various mechanisms. Waste leakage can contaminate water sources, endangering aquatic ecosystems and the organisms that depend on them. Additionally, waste pollution can seep into the soil, affecting vegetation and the animals that rely on it for food and shelter. Furthermore, the physical presence of a landfill can disrupt natural habitats, leading to habitat loss and fragmentation, and can also create disturbances such as noise and traffic that may affect wildlife behavior. These combined effects can significantly alter local ecosystems and jeopardize the survival of many species.

source: https://p1enviro.com/recent-activity/spotlight-environmental-exposures-… February 24, 2024

4. Air pollution: Landfills contribute significantly to air pollution. The decomposition of organic waste produces methane and carbon dioxide; landfills also release volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Additionally, the operation of heavy machinery at landfills generates dust and particulate matter, worsening air quality.

source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6582209/ February 24, 2024

source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c91d840f0b626628acfdb… February 25, 2024

5. Impact on migratory birds: The Sydenham River is an important habitat for migratory birds, and the establishment of a landfill could disrupt their natural migration patterns and nesting behaviors.

source: https://wasteadvantagemag.com/the-environmental-impact-of-birds-in-land… February 25, 2024

6. Harm to fish populations: The potential harm to fish populations caused by pollution and alterations in water quality stemming from the proposed Regenerative Recycling Facility poses a significant threat to the Sydenham River ecosystem. Such adverse effects not only endanger the viability of recreational and commercial fishing activities but also jeopardize the survival of Species at Risk, including mussels, fish, snakes, and turtles. Notably, the Sydenham River boasts an exceptional diversity of aquatic life, with some species endemic to this region and not found elsewhere in Canada, underscoring the urgent need to protect its unique biodiversity.

source: Sydenham River Watershed – helping species at risk , February 25, 2024

7. Threat to biodiversity: The Sydenham River is home to an impressive diversity of aquatic life, boasting over 80 species of fish and 34 species of freshwater mussels. This abundance of species makes the Sydenham one of Canada's most biodiverse watersheds. Notably, over 20 species of fish, mussels, and reptiles dwelling in or near the river are classified as Species at Risk at the national or provincial level, highlighting their significance in global conservation efforts.

The introduction of pollutants and habitat destruction associated with the landfill could threaten the overall biodiversity of the Sydenham River ecosystem, endangering numerous plant and animal species.

source: Sydenham River Watershed – helping species at risk , February 25, 2024

source: https://p1enviro.com/recent-activity/spotlight-environmental-exposures-… February 25, 2024

8. Increased risk of flooding: Improper landfill management can worsen flooding along the Sydenham River by obstructing natural drainage pathways. Despite their appearance, rivers are heavily polluted due to run-off from urban, residential, and agricultural areas, carrying pollutants and invasive species. North American mussels are particularly at risk, with some species already extinct or disappearing from large areas. They rely on specific fish species during their larval stage, making them doubly vulnerable as both mussels and their fish hosts decline. Ongoing research aims to identify host fish for mussel conservation.

source: Species at Risk in the Sydenham – Sydenham River Watershed , February 25, 2024

9. Contamination of agricultural land: A landfill situated close to a water source can have significant negative effects on nearby agricultural lands. The proximity of the proposed site to water sources such as the Sydenham River and Molly's Creek raises the risk of pollution through leachate, which can contaminate the soil and water sources used for irrigation. The presence of harmful chemicals and microorganisms in leachate can hinder plant growth, reduce crop yields, and affect the quality of agricultural produce. Additionally, if leachate enters the groundwater, it may result in prolonged contamination, posing long-term threats to agricultural productivity and food safety. Furthermore, the physical presence of the landfill can negatively impact the landscape, potentially leading to the loss of arable land and further exacerbating the challenges faced by nearby farmers.

source: https://ecojungle.net/post/the-effects-of-landfills-on-the-environment/… February 25, 2024

source: https://sciencing.com/effects-landfills-environment-8662463.html
February 24, 2024

10. Long-term environmental degradation: The cumulative impacts of pollution, habitat destruction, and other environmental stressors associated with the landfill could result in irreversible damage to the Sydenham River ecosystem, threatening its long-term health and sustainability.

sources: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7c91d840f0b626628acfdb… February 25, 2024

11. Noise pollution: Landfills contribute to noise pollution due to the constant operation of heavy machinery, such as trucks and compactors, on site. The noise generated from these activities can disturb nearby communities, affecting their quality of life and becoming a significant concern for those living nearby. The additional consistent noise caused by the proposed landfill site could disrupt the peace and tranquility of the Sydenham River ecosystem and surrounding areas.

https://www.pollutionsolutions-online.com/news/waste-management/21/brea… February 25, 2024

12. Health Concerns: Landfills can have adverse health effects on nearby residents. Methane and other gases released during waste decomposition can cause respiratory issues. Chemicals from leachate can contaminate groundwater, affecting drinking water safety. The landfill's presence can also reduce property values and overall quality of life.

source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9399006/

Traffic & Road Conditions:

Increased traffic congestion: Increased truck traffic on local roads can potentially cause congestion, delays, and safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
Road wear and tear: Heavy truck traffic associated with garbage transport could accelerate the deterioration of local roads, leading to increased maintenance costs and safety concerns for residents.
Noise and air pollution: The operation of garbage trucks could generate noise and air pollution, contributing to environmental degradation and negatively impacting the quality of life for residents living along truck routes.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/noise-pollution-health-effect… February 29, 2024

Hazards of Garbage Flying off Trucks:

Littering: Improperly secured garbage loads could result in litter being scattered along truck routes, contributing to environmental pollution and detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area.
Public health risks: Miscellaneous Debris poses health risks to motorists, pedestrians, and wildlife, as it may contain hazardous materials or substances that can cause injury or illness upon contact.
Road hazards: Debris on roadways can create road hazards and safety risks for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, potentially leading to accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Environmental contamination: Garbage that flies off trucks may contaminate nearby land, water bodies, and ecosystems, posing risks to wildlife and natural habitats in the vicinity.

Overall, traffic concerns and the risk of garbage flying off trucks are significant issues that must be addressed when considering the establishment of a this proposed site and the transportation of waste in the vicinity of the Sydenham River and Dresden, Ontario, Canada.

Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/act-on-litter#:~:text=Litter%20along%20our%…. February 29, 2024
Local Economy:

Agricultural impacts: Nearby farms and agricultural businesses could be negatively affected by the establishment of a proposed site, as concerns about pollution and contamination may lead to decreased demand for local agricultural products. (see environmental impacts above)

Disruption to local businesses: Increased traffic congestion, noise, and other negative impacts associated with the proposed site could disrupt the operations of local businesses, affecting their ability to attract customers and generate revenue.

Economic uncertainty: The presence of the proposed site could create uncertainty among residents and businesses about the town's future economic prospects, potentially leading to decreased consumer confidence and investment in the local economy.

Cost of environmental cleanup: If the landfill leads to environmental contamination or other negative impacts, the cost of cleanup and mitigation efforts could place a financial burden on local taxpayers and government agencies.

Loss of recreational opportunities: If the landfill affects the natural environment and recreational opportunities along the Sydenham River, it could lead to a decline in outdoor recreation-related businesses.

Potential for legal disputes: Concerns about the negative impacts of the landfill on the local economy and environment could lead to legal disputes and litigation between affected parties, resulting in additional costs and uncertainties for the community.

sources: https://mostpolicyinitiative.org/science-note/municipal-solid-waste-lan… February 25, 2024

https://www.colorado.edu/ecenter/2021/04/15/hidden-damage-landfills

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278738702_Environmental_and_so…

Neighbouring Communities:

Environmental concerns: Neighbouring communities may share similar environmental concerns regarding the Proposed Regenerative Recycling Facility, including potential pollution, habitat destruction, and impacts on air and water quality. These communities could experience indirect environmental effects from the facility, such as pollution runoff or changes in wildlife populations.
Traffic and transportation: Increased traffic associated with the transportation of waste materials to and from the Proposed Regenerative Recycling Facility could affect neighbouring communities, leading to congestion, safety hazards, and wear and tear on local roads. Communities along transportation routes may experience disruptions and inconvenience due to heavy truck traffic.