City Council Demands Relocation of American Iron and Metal’s Controversial Auto Shredder

The Saint John Council has reportedly submitted a letter to the New Brunswick Environment and Local Government Minister to go tough on the auto shredder operations of American Iron and Metal (AIM) at the Port of Saint John, New Brunswick. It must be noted that AIM’s controversial shredder facility is just two weeks away from the deadline for a new work permit.

The Council, in a unanimous vote, had earlier decided to send a letter, asking the provincial administration to relocate the auto shredder facility. The letter recommends that the sound, air and water quality monitoring at the facility must undergo stringent auditing by a third party, prior to issuing a new permanent permit. The current permit of the plant is about to expire and needs to be renewed before June 1, 2019.

Earlier in December 2018, a stop-work order was issued to AIM following complaints of explosions by nearby residents. The Department of Environment (DOE) had ordered the company to submit a detailed plan with meaningful suggestions to eliminate explosions and noises at site. After a series of discussions between government authorities and company officials, AIM was allowed to reopen the shredder facility on an interim permit.

Meantime, the City’s decision has drawn criticism from the International Longshoremen’s Association and Waterfront workers, who fear that the anti-industry approach may force the company out of the region.