Shredder Approval Appealed

The battle over a proposed automobile-shredding operation on the city of Colton, California's south side continues.

Pacific Rail Industries received approval two years ago to expand its scrap-metal facility and install a vehicle shredder on its property.

But a neighboring metal recycler subsequently sued the city, arguing the project's environmental impacts weren't adequately addressed.

A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge ruled in October that most of the city's environmental study was adequate.

But Judge Shahla Sabet ordered the city to perform additional work to address potential traffic, air quality and hazardous-materials concerns.

A revised environmental report was circulated this spring, and the Planning Commission approved the project last month.

But Colton Iron and Metal, which operates a metal-recycling business across the street from Pacific Rail, have appealed the commission’s decision to the City Council.

The council is expected to consider the appeal July 18.

Pacific Rail proposes moving the metal shredder from a facility in Carson to Colton. The operation would shred auto parts and other scrap metal, using mechanical hammers that grind the material into fragments.

In addition, the company wants to increase the volume of goods transferred from rail cars to trucks for distribution from 25,100 tons to 37,620 tons per month.

As a result of the judge's ruling, the city must take steps to enhance traffic flow in the area, including adding a turning lane on Mount Vernon Avenue and making other improvements.

But attorneys for Colton Iron and Metal argue the project still has flaws.

"Among other things, the project will generate hundreds of additional truck trips each day on Colton streets, which will lead to gridlock conditions on Mount Vernon Avenue and a diminished quality of life for the residents of south Colton," said John M. Bowman, Colton Iron and Metal's attorney.

City officials insist the project is environmentally safe.

"I think our position is sound," City Manager Daryl Parrish said. "We believe the additional environmental work addressed any concerns. We're confident it's time to move ahead with the project."

Pacific Rail officials said the project would create about 40 jobs and the company would buy about $800,000 in electricity from the city.

Councilman Richard De La Rosa said he supports the shredder operation.

"This project has been scrutinized and investigated more than any other project in the city," De La Rosa said. "The environmental studies have shown that the project is safe and will benefit the community." San Bernardino Sun