Ben Weitsman Albany Scrap Metal Yard Sued by The Sierra Club

The piles of scrap metal results in leakage of harmful substances, including heavy metals.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Ben Weitsman & Son’s Albany scrap metal yard has been taken to court by The Sierra Club, alleging that the business has not taken adequate measures to prevent stormwater discharge into nearby streams and rivers. The lawsuit against the facility located at 300 Smith Blvd, Albany sues it for water pollution.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. Federal Northern District Court of New York noted that the company carries out industrial activities, including metal shredding and storage and processing of scrap metal. The industrial activities generate pollutants, which are conveyed to nearby surface waters, it alleged.

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The lawyers of the Sierra Club have been in touch with the company management since January this year. However, there has been no response from the company so far. The lawsuit also mentioned that the company has not been prosecuted by the federal Environmental Protection Agency or the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The metal recycling facilities, especially those that stockpile scrap metals outdoor, have been identified as the major source of stormwater contamination. The piles of scrap metal results in leakage of harmful substances, including heavy metals.

It must be noted that the Albany facility has reported several instances of stormwater discharges that exceeded permitted limits.