Our Concerns, with the YORK1 project...

1. Water Contamination Concerns: 

Due to its proximity to both the Sydenham River and Molly's Creek, the proposed site raises serious concerns about water contamination.  Leachate - a hazardous liquid created when rainwater filters through waste materials - poses a significant risk to local water sources.  Runoff from the landfill may potentially seep into groundwater, increasing the likelihood of pollution in the Sydenham River and Molly's Creek.  Such contamination could lead to adverse impacts on water quality and disrupt the fragile balance of aquatic ecosystems.

 source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278738702_Environmental_and_socio-economic_impacts_of_landfills  February 25, 2024 

2. Concerns Regarding Soil Pollution: 

Landfills can significantly impact soil quality, both within the landfill site and its vicinity.  Waste generates leachate - a harmful liquid that can infiltrate landfill soil - posing risks to its integrity.  If containment measures are inadequate, leachate may spread, potentially contaminating surrounding soils and nearby water sources.  Additionally, the compaction of waste accelerates soil erosion, disrupting natural nutrient and water cycles, further degrading soil health.  Furthermore, soil compaction due to the weight of waste can reduce soil aeration and water retention, negatively affecting its ability to support plant life. 

source:  https://t.ly/lt7ZY  February 25, 2024

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969723049665 February 24, 2024

3. Concerns About Habitat Impact: 

The establishment and operation of the proposed landfill could potentially destroy natural habitats along the Sydenham River, posing a threat to native plant and animal species.  Landfills adversely affect surrounding wildlife and habitats through various means.  Leakage from waste can pollute water sources, endangering aquatic ecosystems and their dependent organisms.  Additionally, waste pollution can seep into the soil, impacting vegetation and the animals that rely on it for food and shelter.  Moreover, the presence of a landfill can disrupt natural habitats, causing habitat loss, fragmentation, and introducing disturbances like noise and increased traffic that may alter wildlife behaviour.  These combined impacts have the potential to significantly alter local ecosystems and endanger the survival of numerous species. 

source: https://p1enviro.com/recent-activity/spotlight-environmental-exposures-for-landfills/ February 24, 2024 

4. Concerns About Air Quality:

Landfills are significant contributors to air pollution.  Organic waste decomposition generates methane and carbon dioxide, while landfills also emit volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Furthermore, the operation of heavy machinery at landfills produces dust and particulate matter, further deteriorating air quality.

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