Controversial Metal Shredder Plant Installs Modern Technology to Control Emissions

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Chicago-based metal shredder General Iron Industries installed a new $2 million regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO), aimed at regulating uncontrolled volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

According to company press release, the installation of the equipment was completed in the month of July this year. Further to this, the company has reached an agreed administrative consent order, in resolution of the violation order issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year. It must be noted that the EPA had issued a notice of violation regarding VOC emissions, following air tests conducted in May and June last year.

Adam Labkon, vice president, General Iron noted that it has emerged as one of the first metal shredding facilities in the country to utilize innovative RTO technology to contain VOC emissions. Also, it is the first metal shredding operation in Chicago and the entire Midwest region to adopt thermal technology to fight emissions. The installation of RTO demonstrates the company’s genuine commitment to protect public health and the environment, he said.

In addition, General Iron’s recently installed high-efficiency air filter has helped the company to ensure that its metal emissions were far below relevant limits, Labkon added.

As per terms of the EPA consent order, General Iron is required to carry out a performance test of the RTO within 90 days, in order to demonstrate the VOC destruction efficiency. The state operating permit for the RTO requires submission of an application to the Illinois EPA, within three months upon completing the performance testing.