Data Suggests Pollutant Spikes Around Newport's River Metals Recycling

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Preliminary analysis of sensor readings around River Metals Recycling, known as RMR, in Newport, suggests spikes in the emission of particulate matter when the facility uses its materials shredder.

The data collection is being carried out in partnership with the Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy agency consisting largely of volunteers and the Environmental Protection Agency Division 4, which serves Kentucky as well as local residents. Separate studies around noise and soil quality have also occurred.

 Newport city staff and city residents have spent about three years mired in a court case intended to require River Metals Recycling to comply with noise regulations after neighbors have reported sporadic and sometimes daily explosions for years.

The Sierra Club attributes the explosions to RMR's failure to engage in de-polluting, which involves draining fuel and other volatile chemicals from deposited materials before they are put through the shredder. Failure to do this can cause explosions, fires, and clouds of smoke.

The club began getting sensors early in 2024. They placed 10 around RMR in Newport along with one in Wilder as a control sensor, and they began collecting data in June. They also installed a video camera nearby to monitor for smoke and vapor clouds. Final results will be shared with the Kentucky Energy and Environmental Cabinet Division for Air Quality to determine RMR’s compliance with The Clean Air Act and air quality permits.

Under the agreement, the facility could continue to operate as a collection, processing and transfer site. RMR was also required to install a FireRover at the Newport facility, which can detect emerging hot spots and further reduce the risk of fire. The agreement allowed RMR to continue using its Newport shredder under certain conditions, as well. Several residents at the time worried the agreement might have left some loopholes open that would allow RMR to continue shredding in Newport.

Courtesy: www.wcpo.com