The company that wants to build a large landfill near Ingersoll claims the dump will not negatively affect drinking water in the area.
Walker Environmental has released its Environmental Assessment of the proposed landfill, which would be located on the property of the Carmeuse Lime quarry. In those documents, the company has claimed that drinking water won't be affected because of the liner system that will be in place. It also claimed that the landfill will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases by reducing the amount of trash that is taken by truck to Michigan. It likens the reduction to the removal of 30,000 cars from the roads every year.
The Southwestern Landfill will accept 850,000 tonnes of trash each year. Walker Environmental claimed it will bring economic benefits of nearly $350-million over its lifespan. It also said it will provide over 100 jobs each year for 20 years.
The release of the Environmental Assessment is being welcomed by the Joint Municipal Coordinating Committee, a group comprised of representatives of the municipalities that would be most affected by the landfill, including Zorra Township, Ingersoll, and Southwest Oxford Township.
“The release of the Draft EA document, with its supporting studies, presents a first real opportunity for the public to review and comment on the specifics of the landfill proposal and its impacts. As part of its role, the independent peer review team will provide the Oxford County community with objective, science-based information on the Walker EA studies and whether they adequately and correctly assess the potential impacts of the proposed landfill," the JMCC said in a statement released Monday. "To the residents of Zorra, Ingersoll and South-West Oxford—who are most immediately affected by this decision—and to all residents of Oxford County, who will share in the potential impacts to our communities, we encourage you to learn what you can about the Southwestern Landfill Proposal, ask questions, and submit your comments formally through the EA process so they are recorded."
Public meetings will be held on March 25 at the Beachville Colombo Club. The afternoon session is scheduled for 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The evening session will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The full Environmental Assessment can be read by clicking here.
