EPA Issues Compliance Order to Baltimore Metal Shredding Operation to Address Air Violations

EPA Issues Compliance Order to Baltimore Metal Shredding Operation to Address Air Violations

November 7, 2024

PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 07, 2024) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has issued an administrative order on consent to Sims ARG Inc., a scrap metal shedding and recycling facility located at 3000 Vera Street, in Baltimore, Maryland. The order alleged that the facility did not obtain the necessary permit required by the federal Clean Air Act and the Maryland State Air Permitting Program.

The permit is required in order to limit emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can contribute to ground-level ozone that can be harmful to human health. The young, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma are especially vulnerable to the effects of ground-level ozone pollution. Test data has shown that metal shredding operations emit VOCs at rates up to 200 pounds per hour.

"For far too long, metal shredding and recycling facilities have polluted the air, especially in underserved communities in urban areas," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "This action demonstrates that EPA will hold facilities accountable when they fail to take the actions necessary to meet health-based air quality standards."

The order requires the company to submit a complete permit application to the State of Maryland within 60 days of the effective date of the order.

Get more information about reducing pollution from metal recycling facilities.