Concerned citizens oppose leachate plan at Richmond Landfill

Author of the article:

Meghan Balogh

Published Aug 29, 2025  •  Last updated 3 days ago  •  5 minute read

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NAPANEE — A group of concerned citizens that has been working to hold corporate giant Waste Management to account for decades is drawing attention to a new proposal for managing toxic runoff from its retired Richmond Landfill dump site in Napanee.

The retired dump site, owned by North America-wide company Waste Management, is located a handful of kilometres northwest of the town proper, near Tyendinaga Township and right at the headwaters of Marysville Creek, according to the Concerned Citizens Committee of Tyendinaga and Environs (CCCTE).

The CCCTE and the Canadian Environmental Law Association has jointly submitted a letter to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), dated Aug. 22, opposing a proposed hydraulic control system that would see leachate — contaminated groundwater that contains unsafe levels of chemicals such as 1,4 dioxane, a leachate indicator — from the decommissioned dump site pumped up from monitoring wells and placed into the property’s stormwater pond system.

Ian Munro is a member of the Concerned Citizens Committee of Tyendinaga and Environs (CCCTE), a group raising new concerns about the Richmond Landfill site in Greater Napanee. He’s pictured outside the landfill on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

 Munro has been fighting for transparency and accountability at the Richmond Landfill site since the early 2000s. The CCCTE worked with experts to reveal contaminated wells on neighbouring properties, pushing to tighten monitoring of the leachate plume, whose spread has unhoused some of the landfill’s neighbours over the years.

Other local residents are being provided with alternative water supplies by Waste Management.

“It’s basically a question of justice,” Munro told the Whig-Standard on Wednesday, describing local residents who didn’t know that their wells had been contaminated and had gone about their lives, drinking, bathing and cooking with water from their wells.

“I want to see this through,” he said. “I want to see this landfill forever closed. I don’t want to see another one here.”

But the letter cautioning against the proposed hydraulic control system to deal with contaminated groundwater is just one more cog in the wheel that is the ongoing fight against a proposed expansion at the old dump site.

“The Beechwood Road Environmental Centre is still on the table,” Munro marvelled to the Whig, expressing disbelief.

An MECP-approved terms of reference document for the proposed Beechwood Road Environmental Centre project at the property still exists and could be taken up at any time, Munro said.

That fact feels extra surreal to Munro in the face of the 2015 Environmental Review Tribunal ruling that ordered Waste Management to improve its environmental monitoring plan for the site, after the CCCTE and its lawyer and hydrogeologist testified during weeks’ worth of hearings.

In January 2016, the Belleville Intelligencer reported that the “ERT found the landfill is contaminating groundwater beyond the boundary of the landfill and private, domestic wells have been contaminated.”

The ERT also found that contingency action was needed to bring the landfill site into compliance with regulatory requirements.

“To me it’s kind of ludicrous that they still have this possibility that could start tomorrow — environmental assessments, public meetings and presentations, engineering studies,” Munro said. “The process would probably take five to 10 years, but they could start it any time.”

The site’s track record alone is reason not to dump leachate above ground, the CCCTE and Munro argue.

 “Given this background, experience, and public interest perspective, the CCCTE has carefully reviewed the modified HCS proposal and the supporting documentation recently provided by the Ministry,” the letter to the MECP states. “This ongoing review has identified numerous data gaps, questionable methodology, and unsubstantiated conclusions in the January 2022 ECA application and the August 13, 2025 ‘design’ documentation filed by the proponent.”

The CCCTE has worked with hydrogeologist Wilf Ruland through its fight with Waste Management, and Ruland has produced data over the years to demonstrate what works — and what doesn’t — for safely dissipating contaminated water, above and below ground.

A report produced by Ruland in 2022 provided several reasons why the hydraulic control system should not be approved, including a lack of consideration that the leachate effluent quality “will gradually worsen over time as the purse wells continuously pump groundwater to the stormwater pond,” the letter states.

“This is because the wells will serve as a new low point in the local groundwater flow system, which will induce inward flow of leachate contaminants toward the HCS and create the risk of upward hydraulic gradients that facilitate the upwelling of saline/briny water from deeper groundwater,” the letter states.

The potential upsetting of local groundwater quality by continuously drawing to the surface at these wells is worrying, Munro said.

“(The local groundwater) is good potable groundwater down to about 30 metres underground,” Munro explained, excluding the contaminated area around the dump. “Below that is saline — if they start pumping continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year from these wells, what could happen is that the saline, which is much denser, could start to rise up. Saline is absolutely toxic. If you put that on a farmer’s field it will die. It could ruin the aquifer. This is something we’re concerned about.”

In a comment provided to the Whig-Standard on Wednesday, a representative from Waste Management said that the Richmond Landfill is closed and “remains in good standing with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).”

“WM fully complies with all applicable environmental regulations and permit requirements, and the site is regularly monitored to ensure ongoing compliance,” the statement read. “We are confident that our systems and oversight measures are protective of community health and the environment, and we will continue to work closely with regulators to ensure the site is managed responsibly.”

Munro and others are skeptical, and while the conversation currently centres around the proposed new leachate management system, the looming proposed BREC project remains on people’s minds.

“Every time we catch them doing something wrong is more evidence they should not be trusted with an even bigger dump on this site,” he said. “This huge long history is very damning for Waste Management, and we’re reminding the public what’s gone down. It’s a ludicrous concept.”

mbalogh@postmedia.com

Fighting Dirty tells the story of how one small group of farmers, small-town residents, and Indigenous people fought the world’s largest waste disposal company to stop them from expanding a local dumpsite into a massive land fill. As one of the experts brought in to assess the impact the toxic waste would have on the community, Poh-Gek Forkert was part of the adventures and misadventures of their decades-long fight.

“Fighting Dirty is an inspiring read for all activists battling against the money and power of corporations. It shows that when a small group of determined, committed citizens don’t give up, leaders and unexpected opportunities will emerge. When the cause is just, good people can win.” —David Suzuki, internationally-renowned environmentalist.

“Fighting Dirty is a primer for citizens’ groups battling against powerful corporations attempting to override sensible environmental planning. But more than that it tells the story of a community of rural agricultural and Indigenous peoples pulled together by a need to protect the land they love. It’s well worth the read.” —Gord Miller, ecologist, former Environmental Commissioner of Ontario

“There is nothing as divisive or as exhausting for a rural community as having to fight a corporate waste giant. The story of how a leaking local dump was purchased by the largest waste corporation in the world and then promoted as a mega-landfill for Ontario makes for chilling reading. Fighting Dirty is essential for anyone interested in issues of environmental justice, public process, and the power of grassroots citizen activism.” —Charlie Angus, author of Unlikely Radicals: The Story of the Adams Mine Dump War

https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/speakers-book-award/speakers-book-award-2019-shortlist

FEATURING:John Deere lawn tractor; snowblower; wooden decoys; 2 hp outboard motor; 2 wheel utility trailer; electric leaf mulcher; new alum ramps; Doulton figurines; child’s large doll house;

COLLECTABLES: Old washing machine wringer; dynamite box; antique bread maker; milk bottles; 2 advertising coke books; Rawleigh tin in original box; buck saw; 2 wooden spoke car wheels; Singer treadle sewing machine; old speaker horn; counter scales; coke carry cooler; 2 old bob sleighs; Scythe; 3 hay car forks; cast iron fireplace cooking pot with tripod; old saws; spool bed; Tonka gravel transport & grader (metal); Rideau Canal charts; marine compass; wooden carpenter box; cast-iron log tongs (Blacksmith made); Globe, Antique Screw Barn Jack; large candle chandelier & 3 trunks; cast base figure lamp; Maple Leaf items; Cobourg Coin Set; 3 Napanee post cards; McDonalds promotional & employee pins 1990s; violin; Sherry Pringle painting; 2 hp Evinrude trolling motor;

FURNITURE: Gibbard wine table; high round table with 5 chairs; oval dining table 6 chairs, buffet hutch; 2 caned seat chairs; 3 section barristers book cases; dining table (small to large) 3 leaves; round pedestal dining table with 5 press back chairs; 2 bar stools; walnut dresser; white wardrobe; antique mirrored dresser; antique settee & chair (excl); harvest type table & 4 chairs; small tables; ornate padded bench; cheval mirror; set of 6 dining chairs & others; mantle clock; 2 half moon tables; love seat; 2 wooden stools; nursing rocker; set of stacking tables; open bookcases; wicker make up table; roll away cot; flower stands; coffee & sofa tables;

CHINA & GLASS: Cranberry pieces; quantity of blue & white china; Floral Garland Royal Doulton 10 place setting plus extra pieces; partial set of Bridal Rose china & Limoge luncheon set; cups & saucers; Rogers 8 place setting of gold cutlery; crystal pieces etc.; 4 Royal Doultons – 3859 – Sweet Bouquet – signed; 3767 Christine – signed; 3266 Diana – signed; 3263 Beatrice;

MILK BOTTLES: Rosebay; Holmes; Hunter (Napanee); Woodland (Parham);

LAWN & GARDEN & PATIO: 14 hp 48″ cut LX277 John Deere lawnmower; gas weed eater; hedge trimmers; 28″/277 cc yard machine snow blower; 3 step ladders; garden seat on wheels; 24′ extension ladder; 5 piece wicker patio set; 2 sets of rod iron tables & 2 chairs; 2 cast iron stand alone bird feeders; 2 cement lions; 2 flying geese; light house; cast iron fountain; cement fountain; iron step plant stand; Master Chef stainless barbeque with 80 lb tank;

OTHER: Karaoke machine as new; Total Gym XLS; treadmill; boat cover; 2 helmets; 2 gas lamps; shop vac; 2 wheel utility trailer; skill saw; sanders; drills; vice; etc.; 2 bicycles; dolly cart; boat bumpers; door shield; sheep skin; microwave; dehumidifier; potato bin; B/D grill; juicer blender; tea kettle; Details and photographs are at:http://www.lambertauctions.ca/auctionad.html# 

In preparation for the upcoming Provincial Elections and in collaboration with  Chief R. Donald Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte we asked our local candidates to respond to a questionnaire about the Richmond Landfill.  We are pleased to report that candidates from all parties expressed their support for prohibiting a new or expanded landfill on the site of the Richmond Landfill. They also committed to work toward passing legislation to site mega-landfills on the safest and most suitable locations. To read our letter and their responses click this link: Provincial Candidates Statements

First Prize: $2,000 travel voucher – Kristina Smith, Stirling, ON

Second Prize: $250 Via Rail travel card – Fred Whalen, Shannonville, ON

Third Prize: $250 Via Rail travel card – Jon Willans, Belle River, ON

https://nyti.ms/2o1770s

A Garden Party, Book Launch and Fundraiser
By Jeff Whan

It was one of those magical fall days when the air is crisp and clear, the sun is warm, and the colours provide the backdrop. We were gathered at the glorious SpindleTree Gardens in the Orangery to celebrate the arrival of a new book: Fighting Dirty – How a Small Community Took On Big Trash.

Poh-Gek Forkert’s book chronicles an incredible adventure of bad guys (Waste Management) vs. good guys (our community), massive resources vs. massive resourcefulness, greed vs. science, the failures of our provincial and municipal governments and the importance of vigilance. It shows what can be done against the odds when people care deeply and work like crazy as a team.

Our venue was donated by Tom Brown and Susie Meisner. Immaculately groomed, the gardens and buildings at SpindleTree were a perfect setting for the festivities. One hundred and twenty people gathered. Old hands and new arrived with a common spirit and deep caring about the future of our community and the environment. It was an amazing experience.

The dump-fighting team transformed themselves that day and the weeks preceding it into party organizers, auctioneers, book sellers, cooks, servers, bartenders, party hosts, accountants, video producers, ticket sellers, and party participants.

Delectable hors d’oeuvres, made from natural local ingredients and prepared under the direction of volunteer chef Colette Drisdale, included Maple Glazed Pickerel with Acadian Sturgeon Caviar Mousse and Red Wine Poached Pear with Highland Blue Cream. Also enjoyed were local wine, cider and beer and a cheese table featuring savoury breads by Janet Whan and cheese donated by local artisans. The beer was donated and served by the McKinnon Brothers.

Evocative and ethereal music was provided by renowned Mohawk musician David Maracle. Introduced by the inspirational Mike Bossio, Poh-Gek read from her book. She described an early meeting of the Concerned Citizens, at which David’s father told this story: “He emphasized everyone’s obligation to leave as few footprints as possible on the land, and he described a Mohawk family out for a walk on a snowy day. The father walked in front and the mother walked behind, placing her feet in his footsteps in the snow. The children followed, placing their feet in the footprints left by the father and mother. He ended by saying that soon he would be walking with the greatest man who ever walked the earth.”

Andrew Maracle collapsed at the meeting that night and was pronounced dead soon after at the Belleville hospital. This story, as read by Poh-Gek, struck an emotional chord that was reinforced when David played a beautiful song in tribute to his father. David’s wonderful music was highly appropriate because the dump fight has been conducted arm in arm with Chief Maracle and the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, who live downstream from the dump. Many people living on Mohawk territory and near the dump rely on wells for their drinking water and their farm animals. They do not have the option of moving away from the pollution caused by the dump.

The afternoon featured a silent auction. Many businesses and individuals generously donated items which were assembled by the auction team of Barb Linds and Marilyn Carey. We had art from Chris Broadhurst and Kylie Sandford, ceramics from Harlan House, lunch and wine tasting from Norman Hardie, jewelry from Starlet, Sens hockey tickets and many more treasures. With admission, donations and proceeds from the silent auction, more than $14,000 was raised to pay the costs of retaining the excellent scientific team that have provided the winning arguments so key to our success.

Most of us care deeply about our legacy. We want to do more about the environment, but struggle to find a way to make a real difference. That day, our community gathered to make a difference. It was an emotional moment in time; the warriors had returned from battle to graciously accept the thanks from everyone. But the war isn’t over.

Meanwhile back at the dump: It is leaking and Waste Management and their consultants cannot determine where the toxins are going. We do know that it is leaking off Waste Management property, putting the company in violation of their Environmental Compliance Certificate. Since the off-site contamination was confirmed years ago Waste Management and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change have been unsuccessfully attempting to define its limits.

In the context of the mess we now have at the closed dump, it seems preposterous that there is a proposal on the books to expand the site to be large enough to take most of Toronto’s garbage. This proposal is still pending. Waste Management will not withdraw it. The MOE will not revoke the Terms of Reference that describe it. The Minister of the Environment recently refused a joint request by Tyendinaga and Greater Napanee to meet with him to discuss it. The war is not yet over.

In summary we would like to thank everyone, volunteers, donors, and attendees, who made this day so awesome. We wish our battle was over but it is not. We cannot and must not ever give up this fight.