BELLEVILLE, Mich. (WXYZ) — McBride Middle School in Van Buren Township is in its final phase of renovations and Van Buren School District Superintendent Peter Kudlak is beyond excited.
“Ceilings, floors, technology, paint, furniture, everything has been renewed and next Tuesday we will open our doors. New backpacks, shiny shoes for the children and the new building where the children will go,” said Kudlak.
But here’s the problem: The school, which has about 500 students, is located near the Wayne Disposal facility, the site just off I-94 that will receive and process radioactive waste from New York from next month through January 2025.
“So you think this will dampen the mood a little bit?” asked 7 News Detroit reporter Faraz Javed.
“I think so, a little bit. There is, for lack of a better word, a cloud that is worrying everyone,” Kudlak said.
I’m worried.’ Interview with the Superintendent of Van Buren Public Schools about the arrival of radioactive waste in Wayne County
“I’m worried.” Interview with Van Buren Public Schools principal about the arrival of radioactive waste in Wayne County
About 25 decontaminated semi-trailers are expected to arrive at the Republic Service facility each week, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The waste, which includes 5,500 cubic yards of soil and concrete and 1,600 liters of groundwater, comes from the Niagara Falls deposit in the 1940s, when the New York facility became the main storage site for byproducts from the refining of uranium ore used for atomic bombs as part of the Manhattan Project.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Residents concerned about radioactive waste at Wayne County landfill
Residents concerned about radioactive waste heading to Wayne County landfill
“If you look at the map now, the Wayne landfill is right here. Eight schools surround this area, and McBride is of course the closest. What are you most concerned about?” Javed asked.
“You know, we’ve been assured that the water is being disposed of properly and safely, but if something happens, it could get into the groundwater. So we need to make sure our water is tested and safe. I think as we move forward with the conversations in Wayne County today, hopefully we’ll have more answers to help build confidence,” Kudlak said.
Wayne County Commissioners held a public discussion in downtown Detroit today and expressed concerns about transparency regarding the arrival of hazardous waste in the county, especially since this is not the first time.
WATCH THE PUBLIC HEARING ON WASTE BELOW
“Who benefits from accepting and storing toxic waste? Republic Services, Van Buren Township, the State of Michigan? It is certainly not our citizens. Please do everything you can to stop this,” said Bernice Lindke, a concerned citizen.
“I think we need to remove the financial incentives for these companies to use Michigan as a dumping ground,” said Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson.
And as a father of six children, James Gray also had his own questions.
“Why us? Why here? We are human and we don’t want pollutants near our families.” asked Gray, a resident of Van Buren Township.
The 43-year-old grew up in this neighborhood. In fact, Gray graduated from McBride Middle School in 2000.
“The Wayne Landfill is a licensed facility; it is a federally recognized facility. Is that any kind of security for you?” asked Javed.
“I’m not sure at the moment,” Gray said.
“What kind of assurances would you want?” asked Javed.
“Is it easy to find out what contaminants are present? And how are they disposed of?” asked Gray.
Republic Services, meanwhile, says the hazardous waste will be disposed of safely and in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations. To further discuss this matter, a town hall meeting is also scheduled for September 6 at 6 p.m. at the Ted Scott Campus of the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD), Room B121, 9555 Haggerty Rd., Belleville.
The participation of the following persons/bodies is expected:
- Rep. Debbie Dingell
- Warren Evans, Wayne County Executive
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)
- US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- Republic Services, Inc.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Other state and local officials
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