XCG Surface Water and Sediment Sampling Report
Richmond Landfill
Mohawks of the Bay of Quint

“The following surface water parameters have been shown to be present at statistically significant higher concentrations at sampling locations downstream of the landfill than at the background sampling location: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, aluminum, iron, arsenic, hardness, alkalinity, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, ammonia, conductivity, PH, BOD5 and un-ionized ammonia.

The southern sampling location, which drains the stormwater management pond on the landfill site displays the largest selection of surface water parameters showing concentrations elevated above background. Also, the average concentrations of many of the parameters for the southern location are the highest that were observed at any of the four sampling locations.

For sediment parameters sodium, potassium, aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, lead, nickel, arsenic, and selenium, increases in concentration from the background to downstream of the landfill range from 3% to 416%. Independent sampling confirmed that there is statistical evidence of a negative impact on the Marysville Creek.

Contrary to CWS findings, the XCG findings have identified that "landfill operations are having a statistically significant negative impact on surface water quality in the area

The current dump is already having a negative effect on water quality. What will happen if the dump expands to more than six times its current size and continues to be open for 25 more years?

CWS officials tell us that as much as 3,000 to 9,000 gallons of leachate daily is siphoned from cells 2 to 5 and taken to the Napanee Sewage Treatment Plant. What will happen if the dump is expanded? Will the plant need upgrading to keep the effluent safe? What kind of effluent will be coming out into the Napanee River? Will the increased leachate interfere with the process that breaks down residential sewage

"Landfill operations are having a statistically significant negative impact on surface water quality in the area."

Leachate can best be described as a chemical soup that results from the percolation of rain and snow-melt down through mixed waste, much like clean water flowing through coffee grounds. Clean water in and dirty water out."

Cell #1 has no liner. Cells #2 and #3 have only clay liners. Cells #4 and #5 have clay and plastic liners. Beneath cell #1 is a plume of leachate. Is it growing daily?

“Common sense and available data combine to force a single conclusion - all landfills will eventually leak... there is no such thing as a secure landfill."

—EPA study #1/530-SW-634

We understand that there is no maximum amount of contaminated soil allowed each year, simply a total 25-year maximum. Does this mean that CWS could dump the whole 25 years' worth of contaminated soil in a single year?

The current dump is already having a negative effect on water quality. What will happen if the dump expands to more than six times its current size and continues to be open for 25 more years? 

CWS officials tell us that as much as 3,000 to 9,000 gallons of leachate daily is siphoned from cells 2 to 5 and taken to the Napanee Sewage Treatment Plant. What will happen if the dump is expanded? Will the plant need upgrading to keep the effluent safe? What kind of effluent will be coming out into the Napanee River? Will the increased leachate interfere with the process that breaks down residential sewage?