NJ scrap metal firm agrees to pay fines and install pollution controls

CLIFTON (Scrap Monster): Clifton, N.J-based Parkway Iron and Metal Co. has reached an agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to pay $145,000 as fines and make fresh investment of around $260,000 towards installation of conveyor-belt equipment to control pollution. It must be noted that EPA inspections conducted at the facility had issued citations for alleged breach of State laws.

Violation of Clean Air Act

According to State rules, refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HFCs) must be removed before recycling an appliance. CFCs cause damage to the ozone layer which protects earth and its inhabitants from harmful radiations. It contains chemicals that may damage protective ozone layer. Also, HFCs are chemical compounds that contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms and may contribute to global warming. The EPA authorities had asked for company information several times to ensure that the operations were in compliance with the stipulated ozone-depletion rules. Also, several inspections conducted at the site had revealed clear violations of Clean Air Act regulations.

Proposed settlement

The settlement announced by the EPA and U.S. Department of Justice states that Parkway Iron and Metal Co. will pay a fine of $145,000. In addition to paying fines, the scrap metal firm has also agreed to comply with the state rules on pollution. As part of the settlement, the company will henceforth remove all refrigerants from appliances at their own cost before recycling. Further, it will ensure that the recovered refrigerants are disposed off in a responsible manner so that they are not released to the atmosphere. Also, the company will install a baghouse on its metal-sorting conveyor belts which will help in reduction of quantity of fine particles and metals released into the air during the shredding and metal sorting process. According to estimates, the equipment may cost nearly $260,000.

Not first time

Earlier in 2012, U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had cited Parkway Iron and Metal for 3 repeat and 16 serious violations at the facility. In response to complaint alleging hazards at the site, OSHA authorities had carried out inspection at the site, following which penalties of $78,000 was levied on the firm. OSHA had observed that the company had then failed to provide proper personal protective equipment to employees. The workers were not given proper hazard communication training. According to OSHA, the scrap metal facility was cited for similar violations in 2010 as well.

About Parkway Iron and Metal Co.

Parkway Iron and Metal also known as Park Stein Inc is a 4th generation family owned & operated Scrap Metal recycling facility located on almost 8 acres in Clifton New Jersey. The facility receives all types of metallic scrap.