Group Appeals Expansion of Hazardous Waste Landfill Near Belleville Lake

Michigan Against Atomic Waste challenges state approval of 5.2-million-cubic-yard expansion for Wayne Disposal facility.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in muted earth tones and blues, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex environmental forces and scientific concepts at the heart of the dispute over the Wayne Disposal landfill expansion.An abstract visual representation of the environmental concerns surrounding the proposed expansion of the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill near sensitive waterways.Romulus Today

An environmental group has filed an administrative appeal challenging the state's approval of a major expansion for the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township, Michigan. Michigan Against Atomic Waste (MAAW) argues the facility's on-site radiation monitoring fails to provide accurate background levels and is requesting a public hearing on the matter. The group's appeal comes as nearby communities await a judge's decision on a lawsuit to stop radioactive waste shipments to the landfill near Belleville Lake.

Why it matters

The Wayne Disposal landfill is located near Belleville Lake and the Huron River, raising concerns about potential contamination of the local water supply and environment. The expansion approval also came just days before a trial over radioactive waste shipments to the facility, leading MAAW to question the timing. The group believes a public hearing could allow for expert testimony and input from impacted residents.

The details

MAAW filed the appeal arguing that Republic Services, the owner of Wayne Disposal, is not properly monitoring background radiation levels at the site. The group says the facility's operating license allows it to perform this monitoring on-site, which fails to provide true background levels. Republic has defended the landfill's environmental protections, including a liner, leak-detection system, and air/groundwater monitoring. However, MAAW's attorney, Kurt Heise, believes such measures may be inadequate for the sensitive location near Belleville Lake.

  • The Wayne Disposal landfill expansion was approved by the state just days before a bench trial began in February 2026 regarding radioactive waste shipments to the facility.
  • A judge issued a preliminary injunction in August 2024 halting shipments of elevated radiation waste called TENORM to the Wayne Disposal landfill.

The players

Michigan Against Atomic Waste (MAAW)

A grassroots environmental group that filed the administrative appeal challenging the expansion of the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill.

Republic Services

The owner of the Wayne Disposal hazardous waste landfill in Van Buren Township, Michigan.

Kurt Heise

The attorney representing MAAW in the appeal against the landfill expansion.

Judge Kevin Cox

The Wayne County Circuit Court judge presiding over the lawsuit regarding radioactive waste shipments to the Wayne Disposal landfill.

Kimberlee Kearfott

A University of Michigan professor and radiation protection expert who testified that radiation from the Wayne Disposal site is increasing, potentially raising health risks.

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What they’re saying

“The facility is equipped with multiple environmental protection systems to help safeguard the community, including a robust liner and leak‑detection system and comprehensive air and groundwater monitoring.”

— Melissa Quillard, Republic Services spokesperson

“This is a major matter of public import, and I think it should be handled in the most transparent way possible.”

— Kurt Heise, MAAW attorney

“Runoff rainwater and/or contaminated surface water from the WDI Facility, if not fully contained and treated on site, would flow into one or more of the county drains and/or could drain into nearby Belleville Lake, the Huron River, and Lake Erie.”

— Judge Kevin Cox

“Radiation from the site is increasing, which could increase 'the risk of cancers, life-shortening, and other effects associated with radiation.'”

— Kimberlee Kearfott, University of Michigan professor and radiation protection expert

What’s next

The judge in the case against radioactive waste shipments to the Wayne Disposal landfill is expected to issue a decision in the coming weeks. MAAW is also requesting that state regulators reopen consideration of the landfill expansion as a contested case with a public hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and environmental impact of hazardous and radioactive waste disposal facilities located near sensitive water resources and populated areas. It underscores the need for robust monitoring, transparency, and community input when it comes to regulating such facilities.