I am a longtime north…

I am a longtime north Dresden resident, and I strongly oppose York1's proposal to resurrect a supposed dormant landfill.

Through my extensive research, I have learned that York1 is trying to piggyback off old ECA numbers for the property, that cannot be found in any landfill listing. And, Minister Khanjin even stated that this property never went through an EA because the property and its uses pre-dated any requirement to have an EA done.

This property had an ECA and was only allowed to accept 95% incinerator fly ash, and 5% other commercial. It has never been used as a landfill, to the way they want to use the property. The prior owner was fined multiple times, for attempting to landfill organic waste, because they were not approved nor allowed to do so.

The property is bordered to south by 4th Concession Drain, that drains into the east bordering, Molly's Creek. Molly's Creek drains into Sydenham River. The Sydenham River has been identified as a river at risk, and is a very diverse river. There are many endangered species already in Molly's Creek watershed, and Sydenham River. I fear if this landfill is allowed, these endangered species will become extinct. Further, I have learned that Molly's Creek, that runs through a portion of the property, does have protections with St. Clair Region Conservation Authority under Ontario Regulation 171/06.

I have learned of the OPAL group, from the Ingersoll area, who went through a similar situation. That said, we have had contact with their members who were involved in their fight. We learned that they were a contributing factor in the enactment of Bill 197 that received Royal Assent on July 21, 2020. They won their fight, against Walker Industries. The biggest piece in Bill 197, that we have been studying is in Schedule 6 (Environmental Assessment Act), Section 10, where there is language about local municipalities' support and a 3.5KM distance. We have been in contact with our local Councillors and the mayor about York1's proposal and our non-support of their plans. All our Council and Mayor, along with neighbouring Lambton County municipalities, are in agreement with us, with our non-support of York1's plans.

Please hear our voices and stop this landfill from happening.