Sims Metal Management faced backlash this week from environmental groups at its southwest Chicago shredder facility over renewal of its operating permit.
The global recycler is waiting for an operating permit renewal from the city of Chicago, as well as two approvals from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Sims' Chicago shredder remains operational while the permitting process plays out.
Still, the location has become tied up in a political fight in the city regarding shredding facilities, with opponents making claims of "environmental racism."
Chicago southwest side community members gathered this week at the Sims location to demand more environmental impact tests as well as a public hearing as part of the operating permit review process. "It's important that the Chicago Health Department, the IEPA, and the federal EPA look at the evidence to see the clear example of environmental racism," local alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez told Argus. He was referring to the belief that the racial and socio-economic profiles of neighborhoods are major factors in determining where potentially hazardous operations are located.
Sims did not respond to a request for comment.
Sims subsidiary Midwest Metal Management, which operates the Chicago facility, was sued in October 2021 by the state, which alleged that it violated the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and pollution regulations after failing May 2021 emission capture test results.
This follows opposition that has delayed the start up of southeast Chicago metal recycler Reserve Management Group (RMG)'s new shredder. The city indefinitely delayed the company's operational permit in May 2021 after environmental impact concerns were raised about the 60,000 gross/ton month shredder.
The Chicago Health Department (CDPH) told Argus that Sims' situation differs from RMG in that it is not seeking to expand or modify its facility like RMG.
But the existing operation will have to need new operating standards. The IEPA is requiring Sims to install a new Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO), which is a system to destroy VOCs and significantly reduce pollution, as well as other new pollution controls.
CDPH received a permit renewal application from Sims in November 2021. The permitting process will include a public comment period and a community meeting, with written public comments about the permit renewal taken until 28 February.
