Authority Extends Scrap Recycler's Contract at Port

The Pease Development Authority, Portsmouth, NH, extended Grimmel Industries’ lease for its scrap metal operation at the Port of New Hampshire. The lease extension is for one additional year.

The approval followed vehement opposition from the Portsmouth City Council and three Market Street residents, who said blowing rust-dust, particle pollution, incessant noise, and the growing eyesore of the scrap pile are reasons enough to kick Grimmel out.

The board disagreed, voting 4-3 to approve the contract, with City Manager John Bohenko, Peter Loughlin and Peggy Lamson voting against.

Earlier in the meeting, the board rejected an amendment proposed by Loughlin to put Grimmel on a month-to-month lease and include a health study and stricter operational guidelines.

"There are enough portions in the Grimmel contract which cover the concerns," said PDA chairman William Bartlett. "We have an obligation under state law to run a working port, and that’s what we’re doing."

"This is not a perfect world, but scrap has to go somewhere, and we’re trying to work with Grimmel," he added.

Bohenko said he was disappointed the contract was renewed, but saw hope in the board’s decision to establish a committee to look at ways to diversify port operations.

"I understand the ... revenue that it brings in," he said. "But I think we need to continue to look at other options."  Portsmouth Herald News