VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Aug, 19, 2024 — Following recent news that an additional 6,000 cubic yards of soil and concrete and additional 4,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater with elevated radiation from the Manhattan Project will be transported to the Wayne Disposal landfill in Van Buren Township, state Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township) issued the following statement expressing her firm opposition:
“The health and safety of our community members is always my top priority, so I will be carefully monitoring and staying updated on this issue. This is not the first time Wayne Disposal Inc. and Michigan Disposal Inc. have taken in hazardous waste from other states — like always, it is absolutely necessary to protect our community’s right to safety, most certainly when it comes to the transportation of hazardous materials via our public roads and into our landfills.
“The federal government has the leading authority through the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the transport of hazardous materials, which is why I will be sure to stay in regular contact with our congressional delegation and the EPA to keep abreast of the situation and in communication regarding how we can work together.
“Under the purview of my role as state representative, I have and will continue to do all I can in my power to keep our hometown and our residents healthy and safe. That’s why I have sponsored legislation to increase transparency and notice standards around the transportation of toxic waste — knowledge is power. I’ll keep advocating for public safety, always.”
Miller has been a steadfast proponent of public health, especially regarding hazardous waste in her district. She was the sponsor of the adopted House Resolution 52, which encourages the federal government to increase transparency and notification standards around the transportation of toxic waste materials across state and community lines.
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