Scrap Metal Company Fined $85,000 for Environmental Protection Act Violations

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Related Topics

Convicted -American Iron & Metal Company Inc.

Court Location -Hamilton Description of Offences -The convictions are for, on three separate occasions, failing to comply with a ministry Order by failing to ensure that no prohibited materials were processed within a shredder unless all gases, fluids or other substances that may cause an explosion had been removed.Date of Offences -Various dates between October 22, 2020, and January 7, 2021

Date of Conviction - June 20, 2024

Penalties Imposed -

• American Iron & Metal Company Inc. was convicted of three violations (counts) under the Environmental Protection Act (EPA), fined $85,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $21,250 and given one year to pay.

Background -

• American Iron & Metal Company Inc. (AIM) provides scrap metal recycling and recovery services. The company operates a metal recycling facility located on Steel City Court in Hamilton, Ontario.

• In March 2020, AIM commissioned a scrap metal shredder as part of their operations at the site. The shredder reduces the physical size of scrap metal including end-of-life vehicles, household appliances and other metal.

• The shredder also separates ferrous metals from non-ferrous metals and other materials such as rubber and plastics that are commonly referred to as automobile shredder residuals.

• In May 2020, the ministry issued an Order to AIM requiring the company to ensure that no prohibited materials were processed within the shredder unless all gases, fluids and other substances that may cause an explosion had been removed.

• Between October 2020 and January 2021, several explosions occurred at the site. AIM reported that crushed car bodies were being processed in the shredder at the time of the explosions and that the cause of the explosions was likely due to residual gas in gas tanks and/or concealed pressurized vessels.

• The ministry received 34 separate complaints of noise and vibration from the local community following the explosions.

• The ministry's Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch investigated and laid charges which resulted in the convictions.

• Following the incidents, AIM has improved its inspection program and related procedures to deter suppliers from including prohibited materials in their loads. The company has a detailed program in place to minimize the potential for prohibited materials from entering the shredder.

Related Topics