The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency held a public information hearing May 20th,to hear comments from residents in the Mansfield area over the possible installation of an auto shredder.
The company looking to install the auto shredder, Milliron Iron & Metal, headquartered in Mansfield, Ohio, hopes to install a 6,000 horsepower shredder at its recycling facility.
According to a spokeswoman from the Ohio EPA, while most of the people in attendance supported the company, and its president, Grant Milliron, there were a number of people who opposed the installation of the shredder due to concerns over the release of mercury and other particulants into the air.
Dina Pierce, a spokeswoman from the EPA said that because of the potential release of material such as mercury, fluff, and other items, the company would need a Draft Air Pollution Control Permit.
Along with addressing potential air pollutants that would be generated by the auto shredder, the company also is likely to have to present evidence on what it will be doing with the water that will be used at the shredder to reduce the amount of dust.
The Ohio EPA will be accepting written comments until May 27th. They may be submitted to Mohammad Smidi, Northwest District Office, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 347 N. Dunbridge Road, Bowling Green, OH 43402.
A copy of the draft permit can be viewed at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, 43 W. Third St.