Wayne County Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Incoming Radioactive Waste

Wayne County Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Incoming Radioactive Waste

Wayne County, Michigan – Local lawmakers and residents are expressing serious concerns about plans to transport radioactive waste to Van Buren Township’s landfill. In a recent meeting of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, approximately 150 people gathered to voice their worries about the environmental and health implications of the waste being shipped from New York.

Details on the Waste

The waste slated for delivery includes 4,000 gallons of radioactive groundwater and 6,000 cubic yards of radioactive soil. This shipment is related to cleanup efforts from the historic Manhattan Project in New York. The decision to send this waste to Wayne County has caught many officials and residents by surprise, leading to mounting anxiety in the community.

Transporting Dangerous Materials

Patrick Cullen, a representative from Wayne County Environmental Services, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “When you say nuclear waste, that’s the mother of all ‘not in my backyard’ issues.” The transportation of this waste involves semi-trucks navigating through local communities, raising significant safety concerns for residents.

U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, who attended the meeting, also emphasized the need for better notification systems regarding the transport of such hazardous materials. She pointed out, “This comes through our communities,” referring to the implications for safety as the trucks carry waste through populated areas.

Concerns About Communication and Safety

The lawmakers present, including U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, voiced frustrations over a lack of communication. Dingell remarked, “How do we do better notification? I mean, we all keep getting surprised.” They are actively working with the Wayne County Board of Commissioners to potentially halt the shipments and ensure that community members are adequately informed about any future movements of hazardous materials.

Dingell noted that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) was aware of the incoming waste but failed to communicate the details effectively to local officials and residents. She expressed her belief that state officials should recognize the significant concern and anxiety that such notifications should trigger.

Limited Disposal Options

Representatives from EGLE indicated that only five landfills in the entire country are equipped to handle this type of waste. Wayne Disposal is the closest facility to the cleanup site in New York. This reality has raised the stakes for those involved in the situation, stressing the importance of thorough safety checks and planning.

Cullen raised a critical question, asking about the Army Corps of Engineers’ efforts to identify additional sites for disposal, indicating a desire to broaden options beyond just one facility. With such limited choices for radioactive waste disposal, the community remains on high alert.

Plans for Community Discussion

To address these concerns and facilitate a better understanding of the situation, a town hall-style meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday. This gathering aims to engage with community members, gather feedback, and explore potential solutions to manage the radioactive waste issue more effectively.

As officials navigate the complexities of this situation, residents in Wayne County continue to demand transparency and safer alternatives. The urgency surrounding this matter reflects the community’s desire to protect their health and environment from the risks associated with radioactive waste.