Wayne County Communities Take on Radioactive Waste Disposal
In a significant turn of events for residents in Wayne County, Michigan, communities are rallying together to fight against the disposal of radioactive waste at a local hazardous waste landfill. The battle has returned to the circuit court after initially moving to federal court, bringing renewed hope to government leaders who initiated the court case back in September.
Celebration in Canton Township
On Friday, Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak expressed her delight about the news. She emphasized this development as a chance for the communities to present a solid argument against the waste importation, claiming it poses a serious public health threat rather than just being a “widget that’s being traded and sold.”
“We’re very excited about that,” Graham-Hudak stated, making it clear that the risks to public health outweigh any economic factors associated with waste disposal. “It is now not just seen as a commodity. (That’s) why we wanted it to be moved to the state because this is about people’s health,” she added passionately.
What’s at Stake?
The case revolves around Wayne Disposal, Inc., located in Van Buren Township, which is set to accept around 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and rubble from a Manhattan Project cleanup site in New York state. Although officials argue that the material contains very low levels of radioactivity, classified as “TENORM” (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radiological material), local governments worry about the implications of accepting such waste.
Legal Maneuvers and Community Response
Initially, communities including Canton Charter Township, Romulus, Belleville, and Van Buren Township filed a lawsuit against Wayne Disposal in Wayne County court, citing safety concerns and a lack of communication regarding the landfill’s plans. When the case moved to federal court, Wayne Disposal claimed that the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause prohibited state and local governments from blocking shipments of out-of-state waste. They argued that their operations were necessary for maintaining interstate commerce.
However, U.S. District Court Judge Brandy R. McMillion found that Wayne Disposal’s arguments did not provide sufficient reason to keep the dispute in federal court, thereby sending the case back to state court. “This is a local dispute,” stated Brandon Grysko, the attorney representing the Wayne communities, who hailed the decision as a victory for local governance.
Next Steps and Community Engagement
Graham-Hudak and other community leaders are advocating for state representatives such as Reggie Miller and Darrin Cammilleri to push for legislation that would increase fees on hazardous waste landfilling and reduce radioactive waste disposal activities. “Disposing of waste with any level of radioactivity doesn’t make sense here in western Wayne County,” Graham-Hudak stressed, pointing out that this area is densely populated and surrounded by valuable fresh water resources.
Moreover, the community is urging the Army Corps of Engineers to reconsider their strategy concerning Manhattan Project waste. “Keep it there,” Graham-Hudak expressed strongly. “We’ve got our own stuff to deal with here.”
A United Front
As the local governments prepare to take the fight back to court, community members are reminded that they have the power to influence decisions that directly affect their health and environment. With the support of local leadership, residents are poised to engage in discussions about waste management that prioritize community welfare over economic gains.
As Wayne County continues its legal battle, one thing is clear: the fight against the disposal of radioactive waste has become a crucial issue that resonates deeply within these communities.
