Van Buren Township Residents Celebrate Court’s Order Halting Radioactive Waste Importation

Van Buren Township Residents Breathing a Sigh of Relief

In a recent turn of events that has residents of Van Buren Township celebrating, a Wayne County judge issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday to prevent Wayne Disposal, Inc. from importing radioactive waste. This decision blocks the landfill from accepting approximately 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and rubble from a Manhattan Project disposal site located in western New York. The scheduled imports were set to commence this month, much to the alarm of local communities.

Community Voices Heard

The lawsuit against Wayne Disposal was filed on Monday, with a coalition of concerned parties including Canton Township, the cities of Romulus, Belleville, and the Van Buren Township Fire Chief joining forces. Notably, Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak expressed her relief, stating, “We are very pleased that this happened.”

Residents and local officials had serious concerns about the potential hazards posed by storing this waste so close to homes. Graham-Hudak emphasized the importance of ensuring local safety, declaring, “Our residents are just as important as those in Lewiston, New York. They want it out of there for a reason. No matter how safe they are saying it is, we don’t want it here.”

Understanding the Risks

The term “radioactive waste” can really send shivers down anyone’s spine, and understandably so. The waste in question was from the Niagara Falls Storage Site, an area used to handle radioactive material from uranium processing during World War II for the development of the atomic bomb. This type of material may have low levels of radioactivity, but the idea of it being transported and stored locally has raised serious red flags.

Attorney Brandon Grysko, representing the communities concerned, mentioned that the presence of radioactive waste can pose fire and safety risks. He stated, “Residents have a right to be secure, to be safe…this has essentially jeopardized the right of the people to be safe and the right of the communities to provide that level of safety.”

Next Steps for Wayne Disposal

Following the issuance of the restraining order, Judge Kevin Cox ordered Wayne Disposal, Inc. to respond in writing by September 24 and scheduled a show cause hearing for September 26. This gives both parties a platform to discuss the implications and future of the waste disposal situation.

Despite the court order, a spokesperson for Republic Services—parent company of Wayne Disposal—stated the company remains confident, noting that they have complied with the necessary permits and obtained the required concurrence from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the acceptance of this material. This has been a point of contention among community members who feel that bringing waste into such a populous area, especially within the Great Lakes watershed, is just not right.

A Call for Transparency

The lawsuit has brought to light another critical issue—the renewal process for Wayne Disposal’s operating license. Attorney Grysko pointed out that residents are left to voice their concerns much too late, as public hearings on the license renewal will not occur until the spring, after the shipments have been completed. “What good is it if you’re not heard until after the fact?” he asked, reflecting the frustrations of many in the community.

As the community waits to see how things unfold, the temporary restraining order is a beacon of hope for some residents. They are breathing a little easier knowing that their local officials are taking steps to safeguard their well-being. One thing is for sure: it’s a crucial time for everyone involved, and people are eager for updates.

Final Thoughts

As the days go by, the residents of Van Buren Township will be staying tuned for news regarding their safety and the future of Wayne Disposal, Inc. The resolution of this ongoing matter is crucial, not just for this community, but serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and safety in environmental decisions. Let’s hope for a swift and just outcome!