IDEM hears concerns about VIM Recycling permit

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By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Sep 11, 2007 at 9:50 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 26, 2008 at 5:23 PM EST

ELKHART — There were some heated moments during a meeting Tuesday night to address safety concerns following a massive fire at a local recycling plant. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is allowing the VIM Recycling plant to grind mixed wood even though it violates a state permit.

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The Elkhart County plant caught fire last June, killing one employee. IDEM says the plant has no current violations. The department overseas air, land and water issues.

That's one of the reasons it's allowing the plant to grind mixed wood or the "C" pile. The other reason: it has to be removed by September 2008, which may not be possible without grinding it.

But neighbors say too much dust is escaping and someone needs to make VIM accountable.

"VIM is a nuisance. It's a continuous dusting almost daily of your homes, vehicles and anything outside," said Debra Brown, a nearby resident.

Neighbors have pictures of their cars covered in dust, but IDEM says it inspected the neighborhood and found no dust problems.

"There are a lot of other places where the dust could be coming from and we're doing everything we can to control what we believe is our dust," said Tom Holt, VIM spokesman.

The company has installed new dust collection systems, but state Representative Craig Fry says that's not enough. He says there have been too many violations to issue more permits and says IDEM needs to hold the plant accountable.

"IDEM is more concerned about protecting their corporate interest, keeping their distance," he said.

IDEM wouldn't respond to Fry's comments, nor would they comment on the permit process that the plant is undergoing to begin grinding inside, which could begin as early as next year.

OSHA did fine the plant nearly $10,000 for safety violations.

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