All of the following points…

Comment

All of the following points are a greater concern to the Dresden community due to the fact that the proposed site would be in such close proximity to Dresden. The 40 yr Dormant closed down space zoned M2-365 proposed site is within 500 meters of the town, as well as 700m to the local high school and 2.5km to the local elementary school, that serve the town and the surrounding community.

I would like to see this project denied by any and all means, if it is through the Full Environmental Assessment so be it, but this project must be stopped so that we are not unwilling hosts to 3 of canadas largest landfills
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.

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.

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.

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.

Zoning:
The property is currently zoned as 'M2 - 365, Extractive Industrial.' Ensuring proper zoning is essential to guarantee the land's appropriate and rational utilization