AIM Saint John shredder gets local approval to operate

American Iron and Metal's (AIM) ferrous scrap shredding facility in Saint John, New Brunswick, received local approval to operate for six months, effective 1 June.

The new approval from New Brunswick's Department of Environment and Local Government requires AIM to suspend shredding operations after explosions louder than 104 decibels. Prior government direction demanded a shutdown after explosions exceeding 109 decibels.

Multiple explosions in the last year, resulting from pressurized containers such as fuel or propane tanks being punctured by the shredder, raised public concern that culminated with Canadian officials idling the mill on 22 November.

According to the approval, AIM must continue to monitor and reduce issues beyond the reoccurring explosions, including airborne dust, surface water runoff, as well as conducting audits of suppliers to reduce deliveries of explosive materials to the facility.

Following the 22 November shutdown, AIM's shredder operated under a probationary period, and received additional approved operations from 7 March until 8 June.

"The company has made progress in the past six months and we will continue to hold it accountable," local environment minister Jeff Carr said. "We want to ensure the company is vigilant and it does not cause excessive noise or vibration during its operations."

AIM produces around 20,000t/month of shred and cut grades at the terminal from feedstock generated in coastal Canada and the northeastern US. The material is loaded on vessels for export every 2-3 months.