Residents set to fight new recycling plant

Homeowners in Roseneath, P.E.I., near Cardigan, are getting set to fight a proposed recycling facility in their neighbourhood, saying it will pose an environmental risk.

Myers Industries recycling has applied to open a new facility in the area,after a fire burned down part of its original plant in Montaguetwo months ago.

Over the past week, signs protesting the recycling plant have popped up along Alleys Mill Road, where the new facilitywouldbe built.

Thelma Johnston is one of 30 locals who areupset about the facility.

Johnston showed CBC News photos purportedly taken this past weekend that show mounds of garbage and recyclables out in the open.

"This is something really that you would never expect to see in a green province," said Johnston.

Owner Garth Myers credits his family and dedicated employees for helping rebuild the company after the electrical fire incinerated large amounts of cardboard.

He acknowledged the old site wasn't tidy, butsaid the new facility will be different.

"Got a contract for all the residential garbage in Kings County. All the homes and cottages. And with that, it enabled us to secure proper financing. So with this proper financing, we are going to have a facility where all our operations are going to be inside," said Myers.

Myers said the location on a major road will allow the business to better serve Kings County and other parts of the Island.

But the group of concerned locals promises to fight the plant.

Meanwhile, the project remains under an environmental review by the province.