Test Results Show Noise Not Coming From Mega Shredder

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Test Results Show Noise Not Coming From Mega Shredder

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Oct 25, 2007 at 9:08 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2007 at 10:49 PM EST

(WSBT) The test results are back and it appears the Mega Shredder in Elkhart does not make too much noise. But Sturgis Iron and Metal, which operates the shredder, is still being fined for violating a city ordinance.

The one violation the city found was caused by employees making too much noise when they moved piles of material around. Neighbors say that's hard to believe.

The Stouts live just yards from the shredder and Ella Stout says it's keeping her awake.

"You can't hardly sleep when it's making a big noise like it's doing," she said.

Sturgis Iron and Metal has invested millions of dollars putting walls around the shredder to reduce the noise. The city says it's blocking noise, but only from the shredder.

"We sent a letter of non-compliance regarding noise violations, but a firm determined those noises are attributed to material handling and not the shredder," said Wayne Kramer, Elkhart's Community Affairs Director.

The city has given Sturgis Iron and Metal 30 days to fix the violations, which the company says can be done in five minutes.

"Just take more care moving it from one place to another," said spokesman Kevin Young.

Acoustics By Design, the firm hired by Elkhart, monitored the noise and vibration coming from the shredder for one week. It found other illegal levels of noise and vibrations coming from nearby train tracks.

"We've lived with it for 40 years. I don't even want to hear that. That's not correct," said Perry Kirkendol of the Neighborhood Association.

But the city says it is. Another study by the same firm will be conducted in 30 days to make sure the company complies. The results from an odor study will also be released in a few weeks.

Neighbors have filed a complaint with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management because of dust problems. The company says neighbors have filed complaints before, but IDEM hasn't found any violations.

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