Buffalo residents go up against planned restart of scrap metal shredder

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

October 21, 2015 07:57:25 AM

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): Buffalo residents have expressed deep concerns over the proposed plan to restart scrap metal shredding operation at Ohio Street location. Various organizations have come up with protests saying that the shredding operation could lead into environmental and noise pollution and could create traffic congestion in the region. Furthermore, it could cause damage to the nearby parkland and river improvements, they noted.

As per reports, Nickel City Shredding & Recycling is planning to purchase the metal recycling site at 776 Ohio St. currently operated by Gerdau Ameristeel. The company does not operate a shredder as it is currently is involved in recycling of smaller materials. Upon purchasing the site from Gerdau Ameristeel, Nickel City plans to restart the shredder which would scale up the recycling operations at the site. The company also plans to increase the number of employees from 7 to about 30-40.

The purchase of the facility is subject to city approvals. If Nickel City fails to obtain approval from city authorities, Gerdau Ameristeel is believed to continue its operations at the site as usual. It has no plans to expand its operations or restart shredder, company authorities clarified.

Meantime, Attorneys for Nickel City Shredding & Recycling rejected the allegations saying that the company would address the concerns of the residents before putting the shredder into operation. The shredder would have proper sound control mechanisms. The company also plans to improve the current condition of the property. According to them, truck traffic is not likely to remain high during normal times. It may reach 10-12 trucks per hour only during peak hours. Hence concerns about traffic problems are baseless, they said.

The city is expected to take a final decision on the matter only after introduction of ‘Green Code’-the new zoning and land use code.