Canadian officials idle AIM shredder

New Brunswick authorities have shut down American Iron & Metal's (AIM) export yard at the port of Saint John until the Canadian recycler develops a plan to eliminate shredder "explosions" at the facility.

The province's Department of Environment and Local Government on 22 November ordered the immediate idling of all operations at the port location in response to disruptions resulting from pressurized containers such as propane tanks or vehicle fuel tanks entering the shredder that can be heard in the surrounding community.

The order requires AIM "to submit a plan to eliminate explosions and the impact of excessive noise and vibration within 60 operational days," according to a statement from the department.

Industry experts suggest that so-called "explosions" are not unique to AIM's shredder and that it is difficult to totally eliminate them without thoroughly inspecting every piece of material fed into the shredder.

Still, measures to reduce the disruptions may at a minimum include greater human scrutiny of incoming material. No technology is known to exist that efficiently automates the inspection process.

"It is important that companies work with us, while respecting their neighbors and the environment," environment and local government minister Jeff Carr said.

Representatives from AIM did not respond to Argus' request for comment.

The facility, leased to AIM by the port authority, is located near the Maine-New Brunswick border on the province's Atlantic coast.

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.