York1 Responds Urgently to Chatham-Kent’s Waste Facility Concerns

BREAKING: York1 Environmental Waste Solutions has issued an urgent response to Chatham-Kent’s concerns regarding its proposed waste and recycling facility, asserting that the municipality has shared misleading information about the project. This statement comes amid rising tensions and community fears over potential environmental impacts.

In a statement provided to CTV News, York1 spokesperson Laryssa Waler emphasized that the facility is an upgrade of an existing landfill site, which will now focus on recycling non-hazardous construction and demolition materials, rather than household garbage. Waler stated, “This is an approved existing landfill site and waste transfer/processing site that York1 is upgrading to modern standards.”

The facility is designed to include advanced safety features such as engineered containment, leachate collection for licensed treatment, and enclosed tipping floors with negative air and filtration systems. These measures aim to mitigate environmental risks associated with waste management.

York1 argues that senior provincial officials have confirmed that this project does not constitute a new landfill, but rather an enhancement of existing operations. The company insists it is compliant with the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act, which mandate rigorous Environmental Compliance Approvals (ECAs) and ongoing oversight.

Chatham-Kent officials recently submitted additional documentation to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC), seeking a federal review of the facility. They have criticized York1 for a lack of meaningful consultation, claiming the company has not engaged with municipal leaders since submitting its proposal.

“We have engaged the Municipality repeatedly since 2021,” Waler countered, noting numerous meetings and calls with local officials. “We remain ready to meet at the Municipality’s convenience.”

Waler also addressed concerns raised by local Indigenous communities, including the Walpole Island First Nation and the Delaware Nation Council. She stated that York1 has been proactive in reaching out, having met with Walpole Island First Nation shortly after they expressed concerns on May 17, 2024.

“We continue to invite dialogue with WIFN and other Indigenous communities,” Waler added, reaffirming York1’s commitment to transparency and community engagement as it moves forward with the project.

Chatham-Kent’s municipal leaders have voiced their opposition, highlighting that meaningful dialogue has yet to occur. Waler, however, maintains that the company is committed to addressing community concerns and has invited municipal leaders to meet with their planning and engineering team to discuss design safeguards and community benefits.

York1’s proposal aims to transform an outdated landfill site into a modern recycling facility, which they claim will reduce environmental risks while managing materials locally. “Bottom line: Upgrading an existing legacy site to modern engineering while focusing on diversion of construction materials is a practical, Ontario-regulated solution,” Waler concluded.

As both sides prepare for further discussions, the community remains on alert regarding the potential implications of this facility. York1’s ongoing commitment to engagement will be vital in addressing the concerns of Chatham-Kent residents and local Indigenous communities. The situation is developing, and further updates are anticipated as discussions progress.