Michigan lawmakers speak out about radioactive waste from WWII atomic bomb making that's coming to Wayne County

(WWJ) — State lawmakers are asking for answers after getting word that tons of toxic waste are heading to Michigan from New York.

The waste is associated with the Manhattan Project, which developed atomic bombs during and after World War II. The US Army Corps of Engineers would be overseeing transport of the low-level radioactive soil and concrete.

An estimated 25 truckloads of waste per week are expected to be brought from the Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston, New York, lasting into early 2025, according to a report from The Detroit Free Press .

The waste consists of 6,000 cubic yards of soil and concrete and 4,000 gallons of contaminated groundwater and it would be taken to Wayne Disposal, a hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township where the Arizona-based Republic Services operates.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has approved the shipment. While federal hazardous waste management laws do not require shipments to be approved by states, the US Army Corps of Engineers seeks approval anyway, a USACE spokesperson said, according to a report from The Detroit News .

The disposal complies with state environmental laws and “does not present a significant risk to the public or the environment,” an EGLE spokesperson said, according to the report. EGLE officials reviewed lab analyses and the Army Corps’ plan before approving the shipment.

However, many are not on board with the plan, including Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, who says the county should not be a dumping ground for hazardous waste.

"There has to be a better way of handling and disposing of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals that doesn't always involve those highly unwelcome materials finding their way into Wayne County," Evans said, per the News report. "While I understand that those materials have to go somewhere, and few if any public officials are willing to welcome toxic waste with open arms, there needs to be a solution, through new policy or legislation, that doesn't equal Wayne County as a dumping ground for what no one else wants. Because that is an assignment we simply will not accept."

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell has sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Republic Services asking for more information about safety. The project was approved by local EGLE officials.

Michigan State Sen. Darrin Camilleri, who represents Van Buren Twp., told WWJ’s Charlie Langton that Michigan residents — especially those in his district — “don’t want Wayne County to be the toxic dumping ground of the country.”

“Companies will claim that this material is contained, that it is safe. And we have no reason not to believe them. However, there are still concerns with groundwater contamination from all types of landfills,” Camilleri said.