Wayne County Discusses Storage of Radioactive Waste
DETROIT, Mich. – The Wayne County Commission is gearing up for a significant public discussion regarding a contentious plan to store hazardous, radioactive waste in a landfill located in Van Buren Township. This critical conversation is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, at the Guardian Building, situated at 500 Griswold in downtown Detroit. For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will also be available via Zoom and will be streamed live on the Wayne County Commission’s YouTube page.
Concerns Over Safety
Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) has emphasized the potential dangers associated with the transfer of nuclear waste. “Transferring nuclear waste poses a serious threat to residents in the area and throughout our county and we want to make sure their voices are heard,” Bell stated. She pointed out that Wayne County is the nation’s 19th most-populated county and is located near the world’s largest fresh water supply, suggesting that there are surely less-populated and less-risky places where this hazardous waste can be stored.
Government and Public Participation
During the August 27 meeting, environmental officials, including Elizabeth Browne from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and Patrick Cullen from the county’s environmental services department, have been invited to share their insights. Former Wayne County Commissioner Kevin McNamara, who is now the supervisor of Van Buren Township, will also participate in the discussion.
Commissioners are looking forward to providing enough information to persuade state and federal officials to find alternative sites for the disposal of the hazardous nuclear waste.
Shock at the Announcement
The announcement that a landfill in Van Buren Township is prepared to receive trucks carrying thousands of tons of radioactive waste materials has left many county, state, and federal officials stunned. Some of this waste dates back to the development of the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project of the 1940s, raising alarms about the safety and potential risks involved.
Public Concerns and Response
Residents and environmental advocates are also voicing their concerns about the implications of storing radioactive waste so close to populated areas. Many express fears about the impact this could have on public health and the environment. Local residents are encouraged to attend the public discussion to express their opinions and gain more understanding about the proposed plan.
Next Steps
The Wayne County Commission aims to address these pressing safety concerns during the upcoming meeting while fostering open communication between officials and the community. The outcome of this discussion could have long-lasting implications for the residents of Wayne County and the surrounding areas, as well as for future waste management policies.
As the date approaches, many are eager to see how this public discussion will unfold and what steps will be taken in response to the community’s concerns regarding the storage of radioactive waste in their backyard.
