An aerial view of the American Iron and Metal recycling facility in Saint John, N.B. (Photo: Imagery ©2018 Google, Map data ©2018 Google)
Two community groups are writing their own letters to Minister Jeff Carr about the upcoming renewal of American Iron and Metal’s operating licence in June.
Liveable Saint John and the Saint John Real Estate Board are voicing support for Council’s request for increased accountability AIM, and are siding with the city on a number of issues, including having the recycling facility’s metal shredder moved off the waterfront.
“It is our view that operating the metal shredder in its present location is an incompatible usage of land…Quality of life is vital for our local economy, and it is only possible if our Uptown core remains free of the safety concerns and alarming noises that metal shredding creates,” says the Real Estate Board in its letter.
The two groups site a number of reasons for their support, namely health and safety concerns of residents living near the plant.
In Liveable Saint John’s letter, it explains: “In recent years, scientists, health and environmental regulators have raised grave concerns regarding the widespread impacts of from the metal recycling industry, particularly in regards to the presence of cancer-causing airborne heavy-metal particulate matter, such as lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium.”
It also says the best-case scenario for residents, workers, and AIM in the long run, would be to move the shredder, while maintaining its port presence for shipping and receiving of material.
Although noise and explosions at AIM have decreased, Liveable Saint John says there’s a lack of transparency and accountability from the company to its neighbours, and to the public.
It wants to see AIM commit to more environmental regulations, as well as provide the public with monthly reports and engagement opportunities, before the province decides to renew.
