The American Iron and Metal facility on the west side came close to re-starting its operation today but a familiar problem means it remains closed.
Our newsroom received a statement about this morning’s incident from Environment Minister Jeff Carr.
“The Department of Environment and Local Government is aware of an incident this morning at the American Iron and Metal Company in Saint John.
It was our intention to amend the order and allow the company to operate for up to 90 days. Unfortunately, this incident occurred before the amended order was delivered and more steps will need to be taken prior to the company re-starting.
The department will be communicating with the company to discuss next steps before it can start operating again.
Carr says the order to cease operations put in place on November 22nd will remain in effect until further notice.
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American Iron & Metal (AIM) will be allowed to resume operations at its Saint John metal recycling facility — at least for now.
The Department of Environment and Local Government says a plan has been developed allowing operations to restart on Monday for a “trial period of up to 90 days.”
“The plan requires the company to take measures to eliminate explosions and the impact of excessive noise and vibrations both on site and at the supply source,” the department said in an emailed statement on Sunday.
Anne Mooers, a spokesperson for the department, told our newsroom more information about the plan may be available on Monday.
Environment and Local Government Minister Jeff Carr said AIM needs to ensure their operations are safe for the environment and for their neighbours.
“We will continue to monitor their progress closely and ensure they live up to their commitments,” Carr said in the statement.
Facility shut down since Nov. 22
The environment department ordered the company to shut down all operations more than a week ago following a series of recent explosions.
At the time, Environemnt and Local Government Minister Jeff Carr said the province was “deeply concerned” about ongoing environmental issues at the site.
The order also required AIM to submit a plan to eliminate explosions and the impact of excessive noise and vibration within 60 days.
In a previously-scheduled meeting, senior company representatives met with Mayor Don Darling and others the day after the stop-work order was issued.
Darling told our newsroom the “frank and open” discussion led to a joint commitment to find long-term solutions which address citizen concerns and support sustainable industrial activities.
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Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo: Imagery ©2018 Google, Map data ©2018 Google)
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