Below you will find a list of concerns of Dresden C.A.R.E.D.
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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 proposed site is within 1km of the town, as well as 1.5km to the local high school and 2.5km to the local elementary school, that serve the town and the surrounding community.
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_socio-economic_impacts_of_landfills 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-for-landfills/ 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/geho0411btsj-e-e.pdf 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-landfills/ 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-for-landfills/ 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/#google_vignette 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/geho0411btsj-e-e.pdf 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/breaking-news/what-pollution-do-landfill-sites-generate/55769 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/
Hazards of Garbage Flying off Trucks:
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%20shorelines%2C%20in,kill%20wildlife%20and%20damage%20ecosystems. February 29, 2024
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