Metal shredder proposal gets mixed reaction

Feedback on a proposal to ramp up operations at a Saint John metal recycling facility is divided.

American Iron and Metal wants to add a $30-million scrap metal shredder to its Lower West Side site, which is located on Port of Saint John property. The shredder would increase output from the facility by as much as 500 per cent.

About 50 people attended a public meeting on Tuesday night to learn more about the project and voice their concerns.

Some residents fear the added activity will bring more noise, dust and heavy industry to the neighbourhood.

Christine Hamilton said people on the Lower West Side are focusing on revitalizing their community and she worries more industry could hurt their progress.

"This part of the city has been disadvantaged for the last 15 to 20 years," she said.

"It used to be a beautiful, wonderful place to raise children. I know because I grew up here and I see wonderful steps like the Carleton Community Centre, the revitalization of the older neighbourhoods — people are coming back here to raise children. This project is going to take away from our quality of life."

West Saint John resident Bruce Latham disagreed.

He believes the project, which would create 23 direct jobs and 20 spinoff jobs, could be good for the regional economy.

"I think it creates trucking jobs, rail jobs, longshore jobs," he said. "I think it's a good thing, I think the company has a good track record for fulfilling its environmental commitment."

American Iron and Metal has filed an application for environmental approval, which describes how the company would mitigate noise and dust problems.

The company, which started operating in Saint John in 2002, said the proposed facility could be running by spring 2011.

If it is constructed, the company's shredding facility could process up to 250,000 metric tonnes of scrap annually.