Heavy truck traffic and air quality concern of school board with proposed landfill expansion in Dresden
Increased heavy truck traffic and deteriorating air quality were two of the reasons for the Lambton Kent District School Board opposition to the York1 Environmental Waste Solutions to reopen and expand a Dresden landfill site on Irish School Road.
At its March 26 meeting, the letter was presented to trustees. It has already been submitted to Environment Registry of Ontario during a public consultation period for the proposed landfill. “As the Lambton Kent District School Board, we are responsible for the safety and well-being of our students and staff attending nearby schools,” said Director of Education John Howitt and Associate Director Brian McKay who wrote the letter on behalf of the school board. “We believe that your proposed expansion of the landfilling and waste processing site will have significant negative impacts.”
The letter states the school board has put significant focus on air quality and outdoor classrooms in recent years and this landfill expansion would be contrary to the provincial direction on air quality improvements in and around schools if it results in reduced air quality.
The school board is also concerned with the increased traffic volumes and heavy trucks, which will be delivering 7,000 daily tonnes of waste to the proposed landfill. This increased traffic would be a serious risk to students who walk to and from school in Dresden and Thamesville. Students will also exposed to higher level of noise, dust and emissions from the trucks.
The school board operates an elementary school and a secondary school in Dresden along North Street with a combined student population of 750. These schools are not only close to the proposed landfill site but are along the direct transportation route to the site. Another elementary school in Thamesville with over 150 students is also along the proposed heavy truck transportation route.
The school board also fears that increased heavy truck traffic may disrupt school bus routes, as buses may face delays, detours and potential accidents. “This situation will affect the punctuality, attendance and academic performance of our students,” states the letter.
The school board also worries about the deterioration of the roads due to the increase in heavy truck traffic. This will mean more wear and tear, breakdowns and repairs for the buses, which will increase the school board’s transportation costs and reduce its bus service quality.
Trustee Angie Richards brought forward the motion for the school board to respond to the proposed landfill development in Dresden during a public consultation period and it was passed unanimously at the end of February.
Blake Ellis, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Independent
