Illinois City Mulls Request by Scrap Metal Company

The Streator, Ill. Planning Commission is set to discuss a request a scrap metal recycling facility to operate in the city.

After postponing a discussion earlier this fall, the Streator, Ill., Planning Commission has scheduled a hearing on a proposal by Nuvareach Scrap Iron Corp., headquartered in Chicago, to build a facility in the city. The company is seeking a conditional use permit for the site.

The company had earlier passed on a meeting that was held in October. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 8 where representatives from the company, as well as other parties either in favor or opposed to the project, are able to testify.

Meanwhile, city staff members have been preparing a draft of recommendations for the company if they are to spot a facility in the city. For the company to operate, the company would need to obtain both planning commission recommendation and approval of city council.

A spokesman for the city says that the city has put together a list of 12 conditions that Nuvareach would need to adopt to open a site in the city.

Some recommendations include limiting the work hours for the business; requiring that processing and storing of the metals all be done indoors; and vehicles brought to the site must not contain engine blocks, transmissions or other components that may contain flammable material; and fencing or buildings would need to be included in the project.

According to a representative from the city, the company is looking at installing an auto shredder at the location. That also would need to be installed inside the building.