Canton Township officials have taken a significant step in addressing community concerns over the potential transportation of radioactive waste to Wayne County, Michigan. During a recent government meeting, the board authorized Canton Township to join a coalition of Western Wayne County communities in filing a lawsuit aimed at halting the shipment of radioactive materials from New York, specifically waste linked to the Manhattan Project.

The decision comes in response to plans by a landfill in Van Buren Township to accept approximately 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and concrete, along with 4,000 gallons of groundwater tainted with radioactive waste. Local residents, including Chandru Acharya, voiced their fears regarding the health implications for families and children in the area, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent Canton from becoming a dumping ground due to Michigan's low disposal fees.

The coalition, which includes Van Buren Township, Ypsilanti Township, and others, aims to protect the health and property values of residents in the region. The estimated cost of the lawsuit is between $35,000 and $40,000, with each participating community expected to contribute around $5,000. Township officials expressed the possibility of needing additional funds if the landfill owner, Republic Waste, contests the lawsuit.

The meeting also highlighted a recent town hall event attended by local Congress members and representatives from various federal and state agencies, where community members overwhelmingly opposed the waste shipment. The discussions underscored a growing concern among residents about the long-term effects of radioactive waste on their community.

As the coalition moves forward with legal action, Canton Township officials are urging residents to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing efforts to protect their community from potential environmental hazards.