General Iron’s Lincoln Park scrap yard and automated shredder facility on Chicago’s north side is reportedly slated for demolition. block club chicago.
The demolition comes after years of health-related complaints from neighbors and an ongoing battle with local lawmakers after the site closed in January 2021. Other incidents at the site included an explosion in 2020 within the facility’s metal crushing process, for which the company received a $18,000 fine.This was followed by a scrap fire later that year. Did.
General Iron’s parent company, Stowe, Ohio-based Reserve Management Group, previously attempted to move the facility’s metal crushing operations to the city’s East Side, but Chicago’s Department of Health has issued the final permits required to move. refused to give
After a health impact assessment found that the disposal operation would exacerbate nearby air pollution and pose a risk of water and soil contamination, explosions, fire and noise to the surrounding area, the city decided to open a new building. We declined the location plan.
as previously reported recycling today, the company installed a $2 million regenerative thermal oxidizer on the shredder in 2020. This is designed to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. However, the company says it did not and did not even come close to the permitted levels. .
But after several unsuccessful attempts to relocate and apply for permit renewals, Ald. Brian Hopkins said, “We called for a permanent and immediate closure. [the] Dangerous facility. ”
The demolition of General Iron Sight will be “carefully controlled and closely monitored,” Hopkins said in an emailed update to voters. He noted that the project will not repeat the mistakes of his 400-foot chimney implosion at the Crawford Power Station in 2020.
Hopkins said the metal shredders at the General Iron facility have already been dismantled and removed, leaving only the structure and buildings.
“There are no explosions, no explosives, no towers or supporting structures toppling,” Hopkins said. “Instead, there is a slow and methodical piece-by-piece removal until the site is clear.”
Demolition crews also enforce strict dust control measures and noise limits. block club chicago report. In addition, trucks are spaced to minimize impact on traffic and their tires are washed before leaving the yard.
Hopkins did not name the contractor responsible for the demolition, but said it was locally owned and operated. WGN9 reports that demolition could begin by the end of November.
