Wayne County Debates Hazardous Waste Landfill Legal Battle
In the small city of Van Buren Township, a complex legal battle is unfolding over a hazardous waste landfill that has residents buzzing with concern. The owner of the Wayne Disposal, Inc. landfill recently moved a lawsuit related to its operations from state court to federal court, stirring up quite a bit of discussion among local community members.
Background on the Issue
The lawsuit began back in September when several municipalities, including Belleville, Romulus, and Canton Charter Township, joined forces to challenge the landfill’s practices. These towns are worried about the potential dangers posed by the waste the facility has been accepting, particularly **low levels of radioactivity** from cleanup sites related to the historic **Manhattan Project**. The communities argue they were left in the dark about these hazardous materials, which could jeopardize their health and safety. Brandon Grysko, the attorney for the municipalities, expressed their concern by stating, “The manner in which this has all come about has essentially jeopardized the right of the people to be safe and the right of the communities to provide that level of safety.”
The Lawsuit Moves to Federal Court
Now, Wayne Disposal has taken the next step by transferring the case to the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan. The company claims that the federal Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution protects its right to continue accepting waste from out of state. According to the company, this clause underscores that issues surrounding waste disposal should be recognized as a matter of national concern rather than an issue that state and local governments can simply regulate on their own. They argue that halting these shipments could interfere significantly with the federal hazardous waste program and complicate efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to manage these clean-up projects effectively.
What’s Going On with the Waste?
Wayne Disposal plans to take in approximately 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and rubble from the Niagara Falls Storage Site in New York, a location known for storing radioactive waste from uranium processing during World War II. The landfill has been in the business of accepting **technologically enhanced naturally occurring radiological material (TENORM)** since 2006. This waste comes from various sources, including mining and gas production practices.
The community’s reaction to these operations has been predominantly negative. During a town hall meeting organized by local representatives, hundreds of residents raised their voices against the landfill’s plan, expressing fears about the potential health risks not only for themselves but also for the environment. Many officials and residents alike are questioning why the waste is being transported to Michigan rather than managed closer to its source.
The Legislative Response
In light of the growing concerns, some state lawmakers have been actively working on legislation aimed at tightening the rules governing hazardous waste management in Michigan. State Representative Reggie Miller of Van Buren Township has proposed a bill to prohibit the disposal of TENORM waste. Additionally, State Senator Darrin Camilleri is planning to introduce measures to increase fees for hazardous waste facilities and enforce stricter post-closure rules to ensure long-term safety.
The Legal Precedent Complicating Matters
However, these efforts may hit a roadblock. A landmark decision from the U.S. Supreme Court from 35 years ago indicates that states cannot unilaterally prevent interstate transport of hazardous waste. This ruling hangs in the balance, complicating local efforts to limit out-of-state waste disposal.
As the legal proceedings continue, residents of Van Buren Township and surrounding communities are left anxiously awaiting the outcome. They hope for clarity and safety in addressing the hazardous materials that have raised their concerns.
