A councilman for Johnston, RI, is set to introduce an ordinance that would curtail businesses in the city from operating heavy equipment during “non-business†hours. Joseph Wells, a councilman for the city, plans on introducing the ordinance this week. It would call for restrictions on heavy equipment in areas within 1,000 feet of residences. According to the proposed ordinance the machine could run between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday. The equipment could not run on Sunday.
The measure restricts the operation of bulldozers and Payloaders, auto shredders, trucks with a gross weight of over 20,000 pounds and any other equipment designed for the purpose of excavation or the movement of heavy materials.
It calls for a fine of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
While not specifically targeting recycling facilities, the ordinance would have a direct impact on one company that has been operating in the city. Metals Recycling, which operates an auto shredder would fall under the ordinance. Other companies that would be affected by the ordinance would be landscaping operations that use large composting or shredding equipment.
Following the introduction of the ordinance, Wells said a public meeting will be held Aug. 13 to hear from interested parties.
According to local press reports Wells said his proposal follows two incidents, including the five- hour fire at Metals Recycling that happened last month.
Wells stressed his measure is not intended to target just the recycling and landscaping operations. Rather, it is intended for all companies that operate heavy equipment in residential areas.