Rail Firm Can Install Auto Shredder, Panel Says

A permit to allow Pacific Rail Industries to install and operate an auto shredder was approved Tuesday (June 14) by the Colton (California) Planning Commission.

The 4-1 decision came after years of discussion and legal battles with Pacific Rail's competitor, Colton Iron and Metal, which is across the street in south Colton.

Hugo Nue-Proler, owner of Colton Iron and Metal, filed a lawsuit in 2005 against Pacific Rail and the city, claiming the environmental impact report used to get city approval for the auto shredder was flawed.

Judge Shahla Sabet ruled that traffic, air quality and hazardous materials were not adequately addressed.

To avoid a lengthy appeals process challenging the findings, Pacific Rail and Colton officials decided to do additional environmental work to address the issues, said Chuck Siroonian, president of Pacific Rail Industries.

Michael Brandman & Associates, the same company that did the original study, did the revised report.

After staff answered all questions raised during a 45-day public comment period, the commissioners said they felt confident approving the project.

"The judge said do these things and I think the applicant has gone above and beyond what was asked to make this project good for our city," said Synthia Ramirez, planning commissioner.

To address traffic concerns, a study was conducted and a street signal will be placed at the intersection of M Street and South La Cadena Drive, said Andy Soto, Colton planning manager.

Other measures were addressed in the revised environmental report. They include making sure airbags are removed from all vehicles and preventing contamination by paving the entire shredder in concrete.

Tony Villchis, the commission chairman, said he could not support the project. "There is talk to beautify Colton but this isn't going to do it because it's a junk yard. That's all it is," Villchis said.

Hugo Nue-Proler has 10 days to appeal the Planning Commission's approval to the City Council, Soto said. Press Enterprise (California)