Good day… I am writing to…

Good day…

I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed amendment to York1 Environmental Waste Solutions Ltd, existing ECA No. A020401, at 29831 Irish School Road, Dresden.

The entrance to this site is a short 1KM from the historic and vibrant town of Dresden, which has a population of close to 3000. The location of this site borders onto Wetlands that drain into the Sydenham River watershed that is part of the Carolinian Life Zone. The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority contributes to preservation of this area and species at risk, as articled in ERO 013-4143.

Further to this, Sydenham River has been identified as a river at risk, as per Carolinian Canada.
https://caroliniancanada.ca/sar/threads-of-life

Also to note is that in 1984, the Canada Carolinian Coalition identified the Sydenham River corridor, as one of 38 critical natural areas, in need of urgent protection.
https://www.sydenhamriver.on.ca/protecting-natural-areas-in-the-sydenha…

Additionally, Lambton Wildlife and Sydenham Field Naturalists, alerted Ontario Nature, and the creation of the Sydenham River Nature Reserve in the Carolinian Life Zone was announced on December 19, 2016.
https://ontarionature.org/programs/nature-reserves/sydenham-river/

Further, there is Ontario Regulation 171/06, to which we have confirmed with SCRCA, that is still in effect and is enforceable, and that SCRCA was made aware of this project and were in contact with the consultants last year, and that they raised concerns about the proposal in relation to the flooding and erosion hazards of the creeks/drains. SCRCA has stated that only a portion of the property is regulated, but would require approval from the Conservation Authority prior to any development/grading/fill replacement, etc., within the regulated area. However, the protected area also runs through neighbouring property to the south that York1 has acquired.

With the York1 proposal for amendment of the waste processing site, they have confirmed in a meeting on February 10, 2024, that they purchased 50 acres to the north and 100 acres to the south…and this acreage, is much closer to the town of Dresden. They also stated they are looking to purchase more land to the east and north, to control their buffer. That is even more concerning for the health, welfare and economics of the town, and surrounding ecosystems and watersheds, as Molly’s Creek flows into the Sydenhem River. Additionally, with the possibility of the maximum volumes, would add a substantial amount of truck traffic through this small town, with 2 schools located on the main street through the town, that poses a potential risk to our children. We are also a vibrant farming community, with a tomato acceptance and processing facility, that already produces a large amount of truck and tractor traffic through town. There is also a bridge, over the Sydenham, that connects the north and south ends of the town. The additional truck traffic will put extra stress on the road and bridge infrastructure, that already requires attention in spots…not only in Dresden, but the roads accessing the town. Then, there is the equipment proposed for the site, which will greatly increase the noise pollution, not only at the propsed site, but as well as into the town of Dresden, since it is a short 1 KM from the site to Dresden. The additional truck traffic and noise, and the waste itself, will damage if not destroy the natural wildlife and wetlands, that inhabit the surrounding proposed waste management facility.

York1 has said there would be now hazardous waste, however in the proposal they are requesting the addition of source-separated organics, asbestos-containing materials, tires, and soil, soil-like materials. Some of these are hazardous waste, that would be transported into and through our community.

Upon investigation on Ontario’s site listing landfills, that lists opened and closed sites, neither A021304 nor A020401 are listed at all. That said, if they are not listed, have these ECA expired and no longer valid? Further, upon review of the Zoning map for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, this property is currently shown as being zoned as industrial, and not landfill. So, if these ECA numbers have been closed off, would they not be classified as a new landfill request, and therefore allowing Bill197 to be enacted?

Another fear…IF this proposal is approved, it will open the door for York1 to change direction of operations, as it is well known that there is a shortage of landfill sites in the province, and that available landfill capacity is expected to be exhausted in Ontario by 2032, if not sooner. Therefore, IF they have approvals, what would stop them from changing the type of landfill site.

And lastly, IF this is approved, the town will lose its vibrant life, that the town has fought so hard to achieve. Property values will decline. There will be no interest for growth in town. People will not want to come to Dresden. With the huge success of our summer and winter night markets, the future of these events will be in jeopardy. We also have a horse race track, and its future could be jeopardized. Dresden is a tourist community as it is home of Uncle Tom’s Cabin that was recently changed to The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.

I have lived and raised my family in Dresden for over 33 years. We have a business in this town. We love our town. Please help us and the rest of our town, continue to be able to love our town and promote our town, and not approve the York1 proposal.