York1 remains committed to opening its project just outside of Dresden.
The waste management company gave a statement to CK News Today to address questions and concerns about the project. The comments came after York1 withdrew its court application against the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK), choosing instead to go through the typical land-use planning process.
According to York1, the Dresden site was chosen over other properties because it's already a licensed waste site.
"York1 didn't pick an empty field and decide to put a waste facility there. Using an existing, licensed site is more responsible than opening a new one somewhere else in Ontario," read the statement.
Despite a large majority of the public in and around Dresden being against the project, York1 explained that it hasn't looked at other potential sites because they already have what they need in the chosen property.
The company continues to fight back against the claims that the project will only be a landfill. It said the plan is to add a recycling and processing facility for construction and demolition materials.
"Material that can't be recycled would go into an engineered, lined cell with a leachate collection system. The site won't accept household garbage, organics, or hazardous, toxic or odorous waste," added the statement.
York1 also provided comments on multiple environmental concerns. It argued the project won't have any negative impact as it's focused on bringing the property up to modern standards.
"The facility is designed to protect groundwater, surface water and the air around it. It includes an engineered liner, leachate collection, two stormwater management ponds, and a network of groundwater monitoring wells," read the statement.
York1 noted it's aware of concerns of how close the project will be to Lambton Kent Composite School. It explained that the site won't accept hazardous, toxic or odorous materials, while also ensuring that dust controls are maintained.
The company said the school was considered when it came up with the optimal routes to the site. None of the routes from Chatham, Windsor, Sarnia, and London would go through Dresden, though other communities like Thamesville and Kent Bridge won't be as lucky.
Trucks won't be on the roads 24/7, as York1 plans to have the site open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
People looking for more information about the project can read documents shared by York1 with the municipality on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent Defend Dresden webpage.
