AIM shredder in Canada idled after noise complaints

Montreal-based American Iron & Metal (AIM) has posted a statement to its Facebook page regarding a recent government-imposed shutdown of its auto shredding plant in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. That shutdown was prompted by what a news item on the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) website calls “explosions that exceeded the [104] decibel limit, rattled windows and shook homes.”

The statement posted by AIM on Monday, Nov. 30, says in part, “AIM Recycling Atlantic has checked off all the conditions of its approval to operate or is currently working to implement any outstanding conditions.”

The statement, which is signed by Michael Cormier, AIM general manager for Atlantic Canada and Maine, continues, “Since 2018, we have invested considerable effort to reduce the number of explosions occurring in our facilities. Among other things, we have hired and trained quality control inspectors to double and triple inspect all incoming loads to ensure that there are no unauthorized or objectionable materials and to produce daily inspection reports.”

Cormier cites measurable improvements in the battle to reduce loud noises, writing, “We went from 53 explosions in 2018 to a total of 32 in 2019, to a total of 28 in 2020. From that number, only five were recordable, meaning that they exceeded the allowed dBA [A-weighted decibels] of 104, pursuant to our approval to operate, and had to be communicated to the competent authorities. We recognize that this number must continue to decline, and we are working with all stakeholders to continue to do so.”

Concludes Cormier, “AIM Recycling Atlantic strives daily to be an integral part of the community and wants the opportunity to continue to do so.”

The CBS website quotes Saint John Mayor Don Darling as saying to Saint John City Council that same Monday night, “Until these items and issues are resolved in a balanced and satisfactory way ... I don’t think they should get a new approval to operate.”