Elkhart mayor to address Mega Shredder noise complaints

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Mega Shredder in Elkhart

Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore says work still needs to be done to resolve noise issues at the Mega Shredder. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 4, 2008 at 5:56 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 9, 2008 at 3:03 PM EST

ELKHART — Elkhart's new mayor says work needs to be done to resolve issues with the Mega Shredder.

Former Mayor Dave Miller was assured the company had taken steps to improve the operation.

The city issued the company a letter at the end of the year, saying the matter was closed.

Noise issues remain at the heart of the matter.

Last year, Sturgis Iron and Metal notified the city by letter that it was in compliance with city zoning ordinances regarding its operation, and that steps were being taken to deal with noise, dust and odor issues.

With that assurance, then-Mayor David Miller sent the company a letter at year's end. It stated that since the company complied with requests to improve the operation, the matter was closed.

"However I felt that there was at least one thing that was ignored in both of the letters and that was the sound level,” said current Mayor Dick Moore.

He says the company still needs to complete a second round of noise testing to ensure it’s in total compliance.

"It exceeded our decibel level here in the city of Elkhart,” explained Moore. “That has not yet been cleared up and the testing was stopped due to some pretty poor weather and it’s supposed to begin again when we have more decent weather."

Kevin Young, spokesman for Sturgis Iron and Metal, says the company did receive a letter late last year saying it was in compliance with city ordinances.

“In addition to that, we have met with the current mayor and as we have done in the past, we will work with the new administration to understand their concerns and do our best to meet their concerns,” Young said in a statement.

Neighbors say noise is still an issue.

“The noise is always, always going to be here and so is the vibration,” said Perry Kirkendoll, who lives by the Mega Shredder.

"But then there's the explosions, which continue,” said neighbor Darrin Snyder-Belousek. “We've had eight explosions in the last two months, that's a substantial increase in the frequency of explosions."

The city hopes to complete the second round of noise tests this spring.

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