Fire forces change at VIM Recycling Plant

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Fire forces change at VIM Recycling Plant

This fire at VIM Recycling in Elkhart County burned for several days in June 2007. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 13, 2008 at 8:05 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 18, 2008 at 4:49 PM EST

ELKHART COUNTY — Visible changes have been made to a local recycling plant one year after a deadly fire.

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The VIM Recycling Plant in Elkhart County was cited by the state for multiple safety violations immediately after the fire.

The state Fire Marshal even filed a lawsuit in February because some changes hadn't been made.

But officials say things are turning around.

The Indiana Department of Labor says the company paid fines on six outstanding violations and agreed to an unannounced inspection.

The Fire Marshal and the fire department visited the plant a few weeks ago and found fewer safety problems.

"If you go to the site, you will see it is a much safer site," said VIM Spokesman Tom Holt.

A barrier fence has been installed. There are roads around the piles of wood chips and new fire hydrant stations will eliminate problems Baugo Township Fire department faced last year.

The biggest problem for firefighters now is the pile size.

"If they can give him his grinding permits and monitor how much he takes in, that would probably greatly decrease the fire potential," said Baugo Township Fire Chief Tim Graves.

That permit won't come until a new dust collection system is installed in August.

Holt says it will make things safer.

"If there was a fire, it would be limited to a section of the collection system or would be blown outside," he explained.

Will that reduce the risk?

"If they keep up with their cleaning, it should be a safe facility," said Graves.

While the company provides a public service, some people say it's still a public nuisance.

"I don't think anyone is going to be happy until he's gone. But obviously, that is not going to happen," said Ronnie Weiss who lives near the plant.

In August, all production should move back to the plant. Holt says the new system will process material twice as fast, which means no evening work.

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