The Johnston, R.I., Town Council, at the urging of a member who says conditions at the controversial Metals Recycling plant have yet to improve, is apparently getting ready for a protracted legal battle with the company.
The council, during a regular meeting, agreed to hold a hearing to determine whether the licenses the company gets from the town should be suspended or revoked.
Councilman Joseph Wells, who represents the area where the plant is located, urged the council to take the action.
Wells said that in October the council had agreed to hold a hearing on the issue, but one was never scheduled. Now it is set for May 7.
After the meeting, Wells said the company has a business operating license and a junkyard license. It also has a junkyard license from the state. "They can't operate without both of the [junkyard] licenses," he said.
Wells is upset by explosions at the plant. Metals Recycling says the blasts occur when gasoline tanks are not removed from cars before they're shredded. Also discarded propane tanks hidden in cars and appliances also explode when those items are shredded.
The council action follows its suggestion that Mayor William R. Macera shut the plant if he determines it is a public safety hazard. Instead the mayor is seeking cooperation from the company. Providence Journal