Editorial: Wetlands’ appeals on VBT landfill fail

We’ve been informed the many appeals have failed and the state’s permit now stands to allow Woodland Meadows landfill in Van Buren Township to dig up the 12 acres of rare Wet Mesic Flatwoods and at least 44 acres of wetlands to expand its landfill. We’re told digging will start Oct. 1.
Those who tried to stop the removal of the 200-year-old trees with roots that are super sponges plus other parts of the wetlands, are asking residents to let their voices be heard and send their comments to EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy), Waste Management, and AG Dana Nessel.
Observers say the flooding that erupts at the corner of Ecorse and Haggerty will get worse if this wetland is removed. They also say the wetland area is part of a wildlife corridor that should be preserved because the species need a breeding, nesting, and foraging habitat.
When the appeals by the Wayne County Conservation District started, Waste Management agreed to temporary halt construction for six months in the northwest quarter of the property where it had permission to dig. Ongoing court appeals delayed that timeframe and now the appeals are over and it can dig up the former golf course to expand the landfill, which had always been its plan.
As part of its approved wetland permit, WM created and restored about 75 acres of new wetlands elsewhere and preserved about 25 existing high-quality forested wetland and forested upland.