Michigan Scrap Dealer, County At Odds Over Yard

A long-simmering problem between Rifkin Scrap Metal & Iron, located in West Branch, Mich., and officials from Ogemaw County over the company’s operation of a transfer station facility is nearing a resolution with a recent court decision.

The yard, which Rifkin has operated for more than two years, has drawn a host of complaints from residents in a trailer park located adjacent to the facility. Residents have complained that the yard is creating a nuisance, and includes noise and vibration problems that spill over into the trailer park.

Craig Horn, an attorney for the Rifkin, says that the company has already taken a number of steps to solve the problem, including shortening the hours of operation. The company also is considering the installation of sound deadening fencing around the facility.

However, a Circuit Court judge has ruled that the county must begin the process of notifying Rifkin of the violations and give the company 30 days to correct the problem before it can force the company to shut down. The county served Rifkin with the violations on Oct. 21.

Horn says that the company is also considering relocating to another area of the rural county. However, the company has invested around $500,000 in the plant, and is seeking some assistance from the county if it contemplates moving.

Also, while one of the chief complaints about the operation is the noise, Horn says that in the notice there is no information on how quiet the facility must be, making it difficult for Rifkin to comply.