Miller Stands with Residents Calling on EGLE to Halt Wayne Disposal Hazardous Waste Expansion

Lawmaker attends public hearing, encourages public comment to keep radioactive waste out of Van Buren Twp.

 

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Sept. 19, 2025 — State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.) stood in solidarity with Van Buren Twp. residents at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)’s public hearing last night to call for the discontinuation of the proposed expansion permit for the Wayne Disposal Incorporated (WDI) hazardous waste landfill. EGLE announced their intention to issue the permit on Aug. 13, just over a week after the Third Circuit Court ruled to block shipments of radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project to WDI in response to a year-long advocacy effort from the broader community and local leaders.

After joining residents at the public hearing who voiced their opposition, Miller issued the following statement:

“I am adamantly opposed to permitting expansion of the WDI hazardous waste landfill, a decision EGLE is considering in spite of overwhelming opposition from residents, environmental experts and local leaders. I’m not here to talk trash about EGLE, but I sure am here to stop it from being dumped in our backyard. The surrounding communities have spoken loudly and clearly that their backyards are no one’s dumping ground. The health and voices of Wayne County’s families should never weigh less in negotiations than corporate interests.

“I have stood time and time again with this community, introduced legislation to increase Michigan’s tipping fees and modernize our state’s outdated waste management regulations and held press conferences that successfully urged EGLE to extend the public comment period for this dangerous permit for an additional 30 days, until Oct. 31. Yet, the fight is not over. I urge residents to continue your critical advocacy by submitting public comments to EGLE before the public comment period ends.”

Residents can send written comments to [email protected], or by United States mail. More information about the public comment period can be found here.

 

###