AIM Recycling Faces ‘In-Depth Investigation’ By Province

New Brunswick’s environment department says it will conduct a “more in-depth investigation” into AIM Recycling in Saint John.

It follows a series of recent explosions at the facility, including two this week which rattled nerves in the south end and on the west side.

AIM Recycling had to cease operations Monday after a blast exceeded the 104-decibel noise limit set out in the company’s approval to operate.

Several people on social media reported hearing and feeling another explosion from the west side operation Tuesday morning.

“AIM Recycling is currently shutdown and given the frequency of recent explosions, the Department of Environment and Climate Change has decided to conduct a more in-depth investigation,” said Environment Minister Gary Crossman in an emailed statement late Tuesday afternoon.

There is no word what that investigation will entail or how long it will take.

On Monday, AIM Recycling issued a statement saying it has made “considerable” effort to reduce explosions in recent months.

General manager Michael Cormier said the facility has had 28 explosions this year, down from a total of 53 in 2018.

Cormier said only five explosions this year have been “recordable,” meaning they exceeded the 104-decibel noise limit.