Alabama Recycler Receives Extension, Despite Noise Complaints

American Cast Iron Pipe Co. has received permission to expand operations of its car shredder, despite complaints from neighbors who say it's too noisy.

The city Birmingham, Ala.'s Zoning Advisory Committee voted to allow ACIPCO to keep its auto recycling facility open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. as opposed to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The company said higher scrap metal prices mean it must run longer. John Woods, vice president for engineering, said ACIPCO loses about $50,000 for each day it's open just 12 hours.

Woods said ACIPCO has taken steps to reduce the noise and is also willing to buy out homes on the west side of Fourth Street.

"Our goal is to treat the neighborhood as if we live there," Woods said. "We don't want to be a nuisance in any way."

But residents say the shredder's rattling, train whistles, alert sirens and periodic explosions disturb them.

"We are working-class people, too. Why can't we have a nice rest?" asked Shirley Mitchell, whose home is one of the closest to the shredder.

About 30 residents of Hooper City turned out Tuesday night to lodge their protest. They left frustrated because a public hearing was already held on the matter last month.

"They're worried about losing money, but we're worried about our health, our homes," said Hooper City Neighborhood Association President Eulah Jackson.

The zoning group required ACIPCO to continue working to reduce noise levels to 55 decibels. They are currently at around 65 decibels, according to company tests.

ACIPCO already has a 23-foot high earthen berm, with trees planted on top, designed to retain noise from the crusher. Woods said the company is undergoing design work to muffle some noise and may add walls to deflect the sound away from the neighborhood. He said the train whistles and most sirens that signal employees have been silenced.

The company also installed new equipment to minimize the explosions, which usually occur when gasoline remains or propane tanks are left in the cars. Neighbors say they rattle their windows and have caused cracks in their ceilings. Woods said there used to be as many as six blasts per month, but one that occurred Dec. 3 was the first since June.

Because the committee voted to adjust previous zoning conditions restricting the shredder's hours, the change does not require City Council approval and is effective immediately. The Birmingham (Alabama) News