Pennsylvania Plans Hearing on Camden I&M Shredder

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced it will be hosting a public hearing to accept comments on Eastern Metal Recycling Terminal LLC’s plan to build and operate a metal shredding and processing facility in Eddystone Borough, Pa.

The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 in Eddystone, Pa.

Eastern Metal Recycling, a subsidiary of Camden Iron & Metal and EMR Ltd., has proposed relocating its Philadelphia auto shredding operation to Eddystone Borough. The area is designated as an “environmental justice community” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thus, Pennsylvania’s DEP requires permit applicants in such areas to provide residents with opportunities to hear about and to comment on new projects.

An environmental justice community is defined as one in which 30 percent of residents are members of racial and ethnic minorities or 20 percent or more live in poverty.

“This hearing follows earlier meetings held in the community, where DEP explained its permit process and Eastern Metal representatives presented details of the company’s proposal,” says Joseph Feola, DEP’s Southeast Regional Director.

Eastern Metal submitted four applications to DEP for permits required to construct and operate the facility, including:

• An air quality plan approval to operate a shredder, conveyors and stockpiles;
• •An individual National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit for stormwater discharge associated with construction activities;
• An individual NPDES permit for discharging stormwater from industrial activities; and
• A water obstruction and encroachment permit to build stormwater outfalls along the Delaware River.