Plant Blast Jars Neighbors

Explosion Reignites Complaints

— The furor over the noise level at USA Metal Recycling, subsided for nearly six months, but rose again this month when a propane bottle exploded, rattling a nearby neighborhood.

Shortly before noon Jan. 7 a propane bottle — part of a cube of crushed metal — exploded when the cube was sent through the shredder machine of the recycling plant.

The explosion wasn’t only loud, according to Southfork subdivision residents, but there also was a shock wave that rattled windows and knocked pictures off the walls.

Mandy Bolinger, 501 Emerald St. next to the recycling plant, said Tuesday she was not happy with the situation.

“It’s not as bad as it was, but it not good either. This plant has already had a bad effect on the neighborhood. Some people have left because of the plant. I can’t afford to leave, but something needs to be done,” Bolinger said.

There have been only 18 complaints the past six months including e-mail messages, phone calls and letters, city officials said.

Last summer dozens of neighbors were complaining to city leaders about the noise at the recycling plant.

“We have added a number of sound barriers to reduce the noise from the plant,” said Tom Smith, USA Metal chief operational officer.

The company accepts propane bottles, but this bottle came from another location, Smith added.

“No one knew the bottle was part of the cube until it exploded,” Smith said.

Alderman Thomas Evers asked Smith what steps he has taken to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

“Normally we keep propane or any pressurize bottles or tanks separate. We make sure the tanks are empty then we cut them in half before we put them in the shredder,” Smith said.

“We are putting a great deal of effort to ensure this doesn’t happen again, but I can’t guarantee there won’t be another explosion in the future,” Smith said.

Aldermen wanted to know if there was any danger to residents from flying metal in such an explosion.

Smith explained the shedder is protected by walls and has a clam-like cover to contain any flying debris.

Berms and sound barrier walls have been built, trees planted, and equipment moved in the recycling plant to reduce noise.

“USA Metal has worked very hard to be a good neighbor,” said Mayor Eldon Long.

“Everything that has been done, they did on their own, not at the city’s direction. I think they have done a good job of reducing the noise level,” Long added.

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