Temporary Halt on Radioactive Waste at Wayne Disposal, Inc.
In a significant development for the communities surrounding Van Buren Township, a Wayne County judge has stepped in to block the importation of radioactive waste into a local landfill. This comes as a relief for many residents who were previously unaware of the hazardous plans associated with Wayne Disposal, Inc.
Understanding the Situation
The landfill was supposed to start receiving around 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and rubble from a historical site known for its connection to the Manhattan Project in western New York. The materials involved have low levels of radioactivity, but local officials argue that bringing them into a densely populated area poses unnecessary risks to public safety.
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak expressed her appreciation for the court’s decision. “We are very pleased that this happened,” she said, highlighting the community’s concerns about having radioactive material transported so close to homes.
A Unified Front
Canton Township, along with the cities of Romulus and Belleville, as well as various local officials including the Fire Chief of Van Buren Township, joined forces in a recent lawsuit against Wayne Disposal to stop the incoming waste. Their argument centers around the belief that this waste is unsuitable for storage near residences. “Our residents are just as important as those in Lewiston, New York,” Graham-Hudak strongly stated. “They want it out of there for a reason. No matter how safe they are saying it is, we don’t want it here.”
A Legal Perspective
The temporary restraining order was issued by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Cox. Attorney Brandon Grysko, representing the concerned communities, emphasized that the presence of radioactive waste undermines their ability to protect residents from potential fire and safety hazards. “Residents have a right to be secure, to be safe,” Grysko noted. He believes that the situation jeopardizes not only the residents’ safety but also the fire department’s capacity to provide that safety.
What’s Next?
The judge has ordered Wayne Disposal, Inc. to provide a written response to the lawsuit by September 24, and a hearing is scheduled to take place on September 26. Meanwhile, representatives from Republic Services, the parent company of Wayne Disposal, assert that they are compliant with their permits and had received the necessary approvals from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
Background on the Waste
The materials in question originate from the Niagara Falls Storage Site, a location that stored radioactive residue from uranium processing done as part of the atomic bomb development during World War II. Although officials stated that this particular waste has the lowest level of radioactivity, community members and leaders have raised serious concerns about the implications of disposing of any radioactive material in such a populous area.
Community Concerns
As the situation unfolds, many local residents feel their voices are not being adequately heard. Grysko expressed frustration with the licensing renewal process for Wayne Disposal, arguing that the public cannot raise their concerns until after the fact. “You’ve got the right to be heard,” he said, “but what good is it if you’re not heard until after the fact?”
Conclusion
The temporary restraining order marks a crucial pause in the import of radioactive waste into Van Buren Township. As the community awaits further court decisions and responses from Wayne Disposal, it remains clear that the safety and well-being of local residents are at the forefront of this ongoing issue. The next steps will be closely monitored by all involved, with hopes that a resolution will favor the community’s health and safety.
