American Iron and Metal Scrap Yard Faces Threat of Shutdown

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The New Brunswick administration has expressed deep concerns over the series of explosions at American Iron and Metal in Saint John. The authorities have even warned of issuing a cease-work order on the scrap metal facility on the city’s waterfront. The local government has the right to revoke the environment permit citing violations, which in turn may lead to shutdown of the company. Incidentally, the two-year permit issued by the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government is due to expire in June next year.

According to neighbors, there have been at least two noisy explosions at the facility so far this week. Nearly 40 blasts have been reported at the facility over the past 18 months. The elevating explosion levels have created panic in the neighborhood.

Don Darling, Mayor, Saint John stated that American Iron and Metal has violated its operating license, having failed to create an emergency response plan to address impacts of fire at the facility. The company has not yet contacted the city’s fire department in connection with this. It must be noted that the approval permit mentions a list of 45 conditions that any scrap metal business must comply with. Also, Jeff Carr, Environment Minister warned that further repetition of explosion may force the administration to slap a cease-work order on the scrap metal plant.

A meeting is scheduled to be held Friday between Herb Black, owner of American Iron and Metal and officials from the city and Port of Saint John.