Metalico Camera Blog
September 26, 2024
Entered by: Angelo Toranto
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H408851-092624)
Description: From about 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. this morning I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth. During that time, it was overcast and the shredder was operating. Also during that time I observed that smoke emissions from the shredder crossed Metalico's property line as shown in the attached photos.
September 23, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:45 a.m. - 11:51 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H408536-092424)
Description: Excessive dust clouds were seen being raised by material moving operations at Metalico in violation of the site’s Operating Permit, IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions. In the camera evidence below dust is visible being raised by machinery and in the air above the Ohio River beyond Metalico’s property line.
September 13, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:10 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H407618-091424)
Description: Dust clouds were visible being generated by material handling operations at Metalico, often crossing the property line, conflicting with the safety standards outlined in IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling of Metalico’s Operating Permit. In the camera evidence below dust clouds are seen being generated on site, in the air above the facility and beyond the Metalico’s property line.
September 9, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:35 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H407352-091124)
Description: In violation of Metalico’s Operating Permit excessive bursts of smoke were visible coming from the metal shredder on site after being generated by a small explosion. In the camera evidence below smoke is visible beyond Metalico’s property line above the Ohio River.
ACHD Response: “An inspection of the video was performed and the incident was located in Metalico's self-reported list.An inspection of the complaint site was conducted. The smoke at the time of emissions was reported to be extinguisher exhaust.
Flame is seen at the shredder in a single frame at 11:36:54. Corrective actions were taken immediately. Dust control measures were active and sufficient.The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern. Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request.”
September 9, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:50 a.m. - 1:50 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H407355-091124)
Description: Excessive dust clouds were visible in the air above the Ohio River and above Metalico’s industrial space after being raised by truck loading operations and other material handling operations in violation of the site’s Operating permit, IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling. In the three pieces of camera evidence below emissions are clear coming from the material moving process and in the air beyond Metalico’s property boundary as a consequence.
ACHD Response: “An inspection of the complaint site was conducted.
No corroboration of your observations was found and no violations were observed.
Dust control measures were active and sufficient.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.
This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request.”
ACCAN Response: “ACCAN doesn’t expect you to use this complaint and the documentation submitted with it to apply sanctions on Metalico. What we do expect is that you would agree that what we documented, particularly since it shows emissions crossing Metalico's property line (if that is the case), is concerning. ACCAN also expects that you would discuss this complaint with Metalico and that you would monitor Metalico more frequently. We even expect that you would do what EPA did in 2021. They went on accancamera.com, captured their own video of a pollution event and used that as the basis for a Notice of Violation that they issued to Metalico. The fact that your inspector did not observe a violation when they visited the site is irrelevant. The documentation we submitted with this complaint is evidence of a pollution event on September 9, 2024 at 10:50, a.m., 1:59 a.m. and 1:44 p.m.”
August 21, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:40 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H405530-082224)
Description: As machinery performed barge loading operations on site at Metalico excessive dust was raised at least 14 times in the morning’s operations. Despite the fact that water was used to control dust, large clouds are still visible in the air above the Ohio River beyond Metalico’s property line as seen in the camera evidence below. This dust is a clear violation of IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling within the site’s Operating Permit.
ACHD Response: “An inspection of the complaint facility was conducted. No corroboration of your observations was found and no violations were observed.
The video clips were not sufficient to impose sanctions upon the facility.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.
This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request.”
August 20, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:07 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H405525-082224)
Description: As operations slowed for the day at Metalico a dense cloud of dust was raised by material moving and handling operations in violation of Section IV of the site’s Operating Permit. In the camera evidence below a cloud of red dust is visible in the air above industrial space.
ACHD Response: “The video clip was reviewed.
The site was inspected.
No violation was found.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.
This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request.”
August 20, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H405524-082224)
Description: A few excessive bursts of smoke came from the shredder at Metalico during their daily operation as seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below. Smoke emissions are seen in the air above the industrial yard after being generated by the shredder operation.
ACHD Response: “An inspection of the complaint site was conducted.
No corroboration of your observations was found and no violations were observed.
The video clips were not sufficient to impose sanctions upon the facility.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.
This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request.”
August 16, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:43 a.m. - 7:52 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H404990-081724)
Description: The shredder at Metalico emitted excessive smoke a number of times in the morning hours of their operation in violation of the site’s operating permit. In the camera evidence below smoke emissions are seen being generated by the shredder, in the air above their industrial yard and beyond Metalico’s property boundary.
ACHD Response: “An inspection of the complaint facility was conducted. No corroboration of your observations was found and no violations were observed.
The video clip was not sufficient to impose sanctions upon the facility.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.
This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request. ”
August 14, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:20 a.m. 10:45 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H404870-081524)
Description: Despite the fact that water was continuously used to quell dust on site at Metalico excessive dust emissions are still visible being generated by material handling operations and crossing Metlico’s property line on many occasions. Within section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling of Metalico’s operating permit it is noted that these emissions must be controlled to not excessively pollute the airshed.
ACHD Response: “An inspection of the complaint facility was conducted. No corroboration of your observations was found and no violations were observed.
The video clip was not sufficient to impose sanctions upon the facility.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.
This case has been closed. If you have questions or concerns, please respond with a message through this request. ”
August 8, 2024
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:15 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H404134-080824)
Description: I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:15 to 9:40 a.m. this morning. Metalico's shredder was operating during that time and, at times, the shredder produced smoke emissions that blew across Metalico's property line, as illustrated in the attached photos.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, ACHD received and reviewed your 08/08/24 “VE / FE “complaint, H404134-080824, from the Emsworth side of the river. Your complaint and five (5) photographs were shared and discussed Metalico, ACHD continues to monitor both sides of the river, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 24, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:40 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H403029-072624)
Description: Barge loading operations caused excessive dust clouds to be raised on Metalico’s site, often crossing the industry’s property line, despite the use of water to control the emissions. According to Metalico’s Operating Permit, section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling, controlling these emissions is central to a well-regulated operation yet they are visible in the air above the Ohio River on numerous occasions, floating toward residential space. Smoke and dust emissions from metal recycling facilities have been shown to cause concentrations of metals in off-site ambient air which is a concern for barge and truck loading operations along the River.
July 22, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:25 a.m. - 8:35 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H402996-072524)
Description: The shredder at Metalico appeared to emit excessive smoke emissions multiple times during the site’s morning operations. In the camera evidence below smoke emissions are visible being generated by the shredder on site, floating in the air above the industrial yard and crossing Metalico’s property line, a violation as noted by Metalico’s Operating Permit.
July 17, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:35 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H402323-071824)
Description: As I viewed Metalico on camera on accancamera.com I watched as barge loading activity generated excessive dust through the afternoon often visible well beyond Metalico’s property line despite water being used to control emissions from the material handling process. In the two pieces of camera evidence excessive dust emissions are visibly raised on site and pushed beyond Metalico’s property line, a violation of section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling within Metalico’s Operating Permit.
July 16, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:20 a.m. 10:55 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H402354-071824)
Description: Through Metlaico’s daily operations I noticed excessive dust emissions raised on multiple occasions crossing Metalico’s property line above the Ohio River. According to standardized safety procedures these emissions are noted as a violation in section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling within Metalico’s Operating Permit. In the three pieces of camera evidence below dust emissions are visible being generated within the industrial yard from machinery, truck and wind and are seen beyond Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “Thank you for submitting your Air Quality Complaint request for support on Reference Number: H402354-071824
An inspection of the complaint facility was conducted. No corroboration of your observations was found and no violations were observed.
The video clip was not sufficient to impose sanctions upon the facility.
The Department appreciates your diligence and thanks you for your concern.
Thank you again for submitting your concerns and using GovQA.”
July 10, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - Ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust and smoke emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H401661-071024)
Description: VERY HEAVY ODOR AND MASSIVE DUST blowing across the river from Metalico. How is this company allowed to operate the shredder on an incredibly hot day with extreme winds blowing their filth around into the river and across the river into my neighborhood?
This is the 4th extreme wind day we’ve had in the past two months and every time, Metalico’s HUGE EXPOSED pile of shit blows all over the place and the odor that comes from the shredder is overwhelming! It’s permeating everywhere and causing severe headache and asthma symptoms.
Why can’t this company be forced to cap the odors coming from the shredder and encapsulate the massive piles of waste coming off the conveyor?? The pile just sits there and blows all over the place in winds like this.
The power is out in my neighborhood due to the wind and I have no fans and the heat is extreme. I can’t even open my windows to cool my home because of Metalico.
This is ridiculous. I guess in Allegheny county, the massive polluting industry’s rights are more important than a citizen’s right to breath decent air. No wonder so many people I know are choosing to leave this filthy area.
July 10, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:35 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H401875-071324)
Description: Throughout the daily operations at Metalico as viewed on camera at accancamera.com excessive dust emissions were raised by many sources on several occasions often crossing the property line as visible in the camera evidence below. Toxic dust raised by machinery and wind is visible in the air after being generated by materials handling operations on site, a violation of Metalico’s Operating Permit according to section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. Your complaint and attachments were shared and discussed with Metalico, they followed-up, commented and it was noted in complaint H401875-071324. Thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 9, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H401547-070924)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed excess dust emission raised by operations on several occasions, activity which is regulated in Metalico’s Operating Permit, section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling. In the camera evidence below dust is visible being generated by activity on Metalico’s site, in the air above the site as well as beyond their property line above the Ohio River.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. Your complaint and attachments were shared and discussed with Metalico, they followed-up, commented and it was noted in complaint H401547-070924. Thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 8, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:10 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H401546-070924)
Description: Excessive dust was raised by operations at Metalico which were visible in the air and beyond the site’s property line on multiple occasions. This activity is regulated in section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling within Metalico’s Operating Permit and is visible in the three pieces of camera evidence below and on camera at accancamera.com.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. Your complaint and attachments were shared and discussed with Metalico, they followed-up, commented and it was noted in complaint H401546-070924. Thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 2, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H401222-070524)
Description: As I viewed Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noticed that excessive dust emissions were generated on several occasions by trucks and machinery on Metalico’s site. These emissions are often visible crossing Metalico’s property line in the three pieces of camera evidence below and are regulated in section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling of Metalico’s Operating Permit.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. Your complaint and attachments were shared and discussed with Metalico, they followed-up, commented and it was noted in H401222-070524. Thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 24, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:55 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H400763-062824)
Description: When viewing Metalico’s operations on camera I watched as excessive dust was generated by activity on site on numerous occasions, much of which is visible in the air beyond Metalico’s property line above the Ohio RIver as seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below. Within section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling of Metalico’s Operating Permit these emissions are noted as a violation.
June 21, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: All Day
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust and smoke emissions from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H400077-)
Description: In the words of an Emsworth Resident “Metalico was not operating the shredder today, only shuffling metal piles around the yard creating huge dust clouds. Yet, as with a dead corpse rotting in the sun, it still smelled heavily ALL DAY LONG. The usual odor of hot melting plastic /rubber /metal car parts that steams off of their property on a 96 degree day with an air quality alert of orange. How nice it is to sit next to my mini-pool (because there’s no air conditioning inside) and sniff auto part chemicals baking in the heat. Good job on keeping up our ranking as one of the areas with the worst air quality in the country.”
June 17, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: All Day
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H399531-061724)
Description: In the words of an Emsworth Resident “Extremely heavy and thick odors coming from the shredder and the massive pile of shredded waste sitting by the river. It smells like I’m living next to a burning auto repair garage; hot/melted rubber, metal, electrical wire, gas etc.
The smell has been steadily getting worse as the heat continues to increase, like a pile of garbage sitting in the sun. I don’t have air conditioning in my home. It’s boiling hot inside so I’m trying to set up a pop-up pool in my yard yet it’s almost impossible to be outside. The smell is overwhelming and suffocating.
Why are they allowed to operate on heat warning days?? Why can’t you force them to deposit the shredded crap into box cars or containers so that it can be immediately covered or removed from the area instead of sitting like a pile of shit in the sun??”
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, ACHD received and reviewed your 06/21/24 “Odor“ complaint and attachments, H400077-062124, from the Emsworth side of the river. Your complaint and attachments were shared and discussed Metalico, ACHD continues to monitor both sides of the river. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 12, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:37 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H399461-061424)
Description: As I viewed Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I watched as machinery raised dust from the large structure along the river which is visible beyond Metalico’s property line. These emissions are considered a violation according to section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling in Metalico’s Operating Permit. In the camera evidence below these excessive dust emissions are visible in the air above the Ohio River.
June 7, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:00 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H398802-060824)
Description: While viewing Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed excessive dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site on many occasions as well as by barge loading operations. Noted as a violation in section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling in Metalico’s Operating Permit, dust is visible crossing their property line from materials handling activity and is seen in the air above the Ohio River in the camera evidence below. Despite water being used to control the dust, emissions are still visible in the air beyond Metalioc’s property line.
June 7, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:20 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H398801-060824)
Description: As I viewed Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed dust raised from barge loading operations and from machinery operating on site. This dust often crosses Metalico’s property line as seen in the camera evidence below. These emissions are considered a violation according to section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling in Metalico’s Operating Permit.
June 4, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:45 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H398787-060724)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accanacmera.com I noticed a small piece of machinery maneuvering in the industrial space along the Ohio River where some material moving had occurred earlier in the day. In the camera evidence below dust emissions can be seen raised from the machinery moving material, crossing Metalico’s property line, noted as a violation in section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling in Metlico’s Operating Permit.
June 3, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H398786-060724)
Description: While viewing Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I watched as dust emissions were raised by machinery operating around a scrap pile behind the shredder. In section IV. Site Level Terms and Conditions, Materials Handling in Metalico’s new Operating Permit it states that “The permittee shall not conduct, or allow to be conducted, any materials handling operation in such manner that emissions from such operation are visible at or beyond the property line.” In the two pieces of camera evidence below excessive dust emissions are visible beyond Metalico’s property line from materials handling operations and from an area where a scrap fire has started in the past.
May 31, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H398125-060124)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noticed excessive dust coming from operations in the main structure along the Ohio River that is part of Metalico’s facility. In the camera evidence below dust can be seen in the air above the Ohio River, crossing Metalico’s property line. Many other dust clouds are raised by machinery on site in the afternoon hours, some of which also clearly crosses Metalico’s property line and though it is not quite as excessive it normalizes a level of toxic air that is harmful to members of the local community.
May 23, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:40 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H397560-052524)
Description: While I viewed Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I watched an excessive amount of dust was raised by operations on site in the latter portion of the three o’clock hour as machinery was moving debris. In the camera evidence below heavy dust is captured crossing Metalico’s property line being pushed directly toward the Ohio River.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 05/25/24 “dust “complaint, H397560-052524, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 05/23/24. Your complaint and attachment were discussed with Metalico, the condensed speed of the attachment is not considered representative of the actual work taking place at the time of the complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 23, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H397559-052524)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed heavy dust clouds raised by trucks and machinery driving through the site as well as dust raised by barge loading operations on multiple occasions during the morning’s operating hours. In the camera evidence below excessive dust can be seen being generated on site and crossing the Metalico’s property line including being visible in the air above the Ohio River.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 05/25/24 “dust “complaint, H397559-052524, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 05/23/24. Your complaint and attachments were discussed with Metalico, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 22, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H397534-052424)
Description: When viewing Metalico’s operations at accancamera.com I watched as dust was raised on multiple occasions by trucks and machinery on site, primarily from barge loading, as well as the wind. In the two pieces of camera evidence below heavy dust emissions can be seen raised on the site and in the air beyond Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 05/24/24 “FE” dust complaint, H397534-052424, and reviewed the time stamp on the condensed video attachments dated 05/22/24. After the review of the complaint and attachments, it was determined that it was wind and not due to equipment operating, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
ACCAN Response: “Here is an additional piece of camera evidence for you to review that clearly shows machinery raising dust from barge loading and other activity on site. Even if dust is raised by the wind it does not negate the fact that the excessive emissions were generated from Metalico's site and that that dust must also be mitigated through their efforts. Just because climate and environmental factors contribute to their operations does not mean that industries are not responsible for the management and cleanliness of their site, especially when a residential community is directly across the Ohio River. Thank you, Cecilia Muzika-Minteer”
May 20, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:25 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H397533-052424)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed dust clouds raised by machinery, trucks and wind on site on several occasions. In the three pieces of camera evidence below dust can be seen crossing Metlaico’s property line after being generated by operations on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 05/24/24 “FE” dust complaint, H397533-052424, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 05/20/24. After our review, we didn’t see much in these attachments to share with anyone, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
ACCAN Response: “Did you not receive the three pieces of camera evidence that show dust clearly being raised on site? Two clips show heavy dust emissions being raised by vehicles along the river driving through the site and the other clips show dust being raised by machinery coming from the main structure along the Ohio River and it is visible above the river itself. Let me know if this is not the camera evidence you recieved. If you find no reason to share these with anyone I find that quite concerning. Thank you, Cecilia Muzika-Minteer”
May 14, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:50 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H396874-051824)
Description: When viewing Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I watched as excessive smoke came from the shredder in the morning crossing the property line. In the camera evidence below smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 5/18/24 VE complaint, H396874-051824, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 5/14/24, the plume separation was reviewed. Your VE complaint has been shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 7, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395864-050824)
Description: As I viewed Metalico’s operations at accancamera.com I watched as heavy dust emissions were raised by machinery just after 9:30 a.m. and can be seen in the air in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
May 3, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:50 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395862-050824)
Description: While observing Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed several dust clouds raised by machinery and trucks on site. In the two pieces of camera evidence below dust emissions can be seen raised in the air beyond Metalico’s property line.
May 2, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395430-050424)
Description: In the afternoon hours of Metalico’s operations I watched as excessive dust was raised on multiple occasions. As can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below, heavy dust is generated on site and often visible beyond Metalico’s property line.
May 2, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395429-050424)
Description: When viewing Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I watched as excessive dust was raised by machinery activity on site. In the three pieces of camera evidence below heavy dust is visible in the air beyond Metalico’s property line after being generated by trucks and other machinery on Metlaico’s site.
May 1, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395428-050424)
Description: As I watched Metlaico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com there was excessive dust raised by machinery on site on several occasions with the most excessive seen below. In the camera evidence below dust can clearly be seen crossing Metalico’s property line from a truck speeding through the site.
April 30, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395427-050424)
Description: While I watched Metalico’s operatiaons on camera at accancamera.com I noticed several large dust clouds raised primarily from barge loading operations in the morning hours of operation. Dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line on a number of occasions in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
April 29, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:25 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395426-050424)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted dust raised by trucks and machinery on several occasions generating dust clouds that can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
April 29, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H395425-050424)
Description: As I viewed Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I watched trucks and machinery repeatedly raise dust, both heavy and light, from both the large structure along the Ohio River and from the truck loading process. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing dust being raised and clearly crossing Metalico’s property line.
April 23, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: All Day
Observation: In person by a resident across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H394342-042324)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “First 4 photos are from 10:30am this morning and the remaining photos are from 3:50-3:57pm this afternoon.
Metalico’s “dust mitigation” is a joke. It was dusty and smelled horribly all day long. The water jets were on at times spraying but not on the piles they were working on. No one is there to move the water jets to the area being worked on. It’s a joke. What is Metalico doing to stop the heavy dust from the pile they dump into the barge? The dust flies up and out as soon as the load hits the barge. All that dust has been blowing across the river the entire day. I have to wash my windows again after just cleaning them two weeks ago because of all the dust. It, again, smelled heavily all day of hot/melty plastics /metal and rubber.
I also observed (over 10 separate instances) of scrap metal being thrown into the river because it bounced out of the barge. I was only able to capture one of these (see iphone video)”
April 22, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: All Day
Observation: In person by a resident across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H394319-042324)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Massive amounts of dust coming from the front loader moving/dumping the processed pile by shredder as well as from the scrap being moved and dumped into a barge from the open building. The photos were taken at 9:56am but the dust was like this ALL DAY LONG from both areas of Metalico. It smelled consistently all day long like burnt plastic/rubber, and car parts.
The noise from the loaders dumping the scrap metal into the metal barge was outrageous. It sounded like multiple car crashes every few seconds and lasted the entire day. Beyond extreme and severely nerve racking to have to hear this hour after hour. I had to wear ear plugs in my own home to try to cancel it out but could still feel the vibrations of the scrap hitting the metal barge.
The last photo is of a dump truck dumping a huge pile of scrap at 1:20am in the morning, waking me up.
Metalico’s actions have consistently gotten worse and have reverted back to exactly the same kind of bad behavior they did before ACHD got involved. It’s very disheartening that your dept doesn’t take this polluter seriously and forces the Emsworth community to continuously breathe in their toxic fumes and dust, and are forced to deal with the decimal-busting noise.”
ACHD Response: “Thank you for submitting your observations to the ACHD.
In response to this report, an inspection was performed this week.
* Dust was seen, but only up to 20' from source, maximum. No dust was observed at a property boundary.
* Dust mitigation equipment and activities was observed.
* No odors were detected and no combustion sources were found.
* Noise complaints are not within the purview of the ACHD. No instances above 90 dB were experienced during the inspection.
The Department thanks you for your attention. ”
Resident Response: “Well, as per the photos sent with the complaint, the dust was, at multiple times throughout the day, crossing the property line leaving a film on the river and blowing into my neighborhood. When the dust is as bad as it was on that day, I can tell because I always end up having to wash my windows because so much has accumulated. That’s not normal.
I don’t understand how you can look at the photos and not see dust poring out and their pathetic “mitigation” efforts. Of course everything is going to be fine when an inspector is on their property….it’s when no one is watching that they slack off.
As for not smelling the odor, your dept is well aware that the smell is bad on windy and hot weather days or when the pile has built up and been sitting there. Why do you even have an “odor” option on your complaint form when you do absolutely nothing about it and state “we can’t prove the odor is from them”. Really? Figure it out! How do other health depts. source odors? Maybe get some monitoring equipment that stays on Metalico’s property.
I’m so discouraged and disgusted by your depts. inaction with this and how it’s continually harming my neighborhood. I guess our health isn’t a priority. ”
April 17, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H393976-041924)
Description: During the afternoon hours of Metalico’s operations I took note of several heavy clouds of dust raised by machinery and wind generated on Metalico’s site. In the three pieces of camera evidence below dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line.
April 17, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H394036-041924)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted several bursts of smoke coming from the shredder on site and crossing Metalico’ property line in the morning and into the early afternoon. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and floating in the air above the property line in the camera evidence below.
April 15, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:24 p.m.
Observation: In person by a resident across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust emissions raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H393521-041524)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Massive clouds of dust coming from the open-sided building as a loader dumps scrap into a dump truck. The clouds are floating across the river into my neighborhood.
Huge amounts of dust are created EVERY TIME that they dump/move/load scrap from this building, which happens at least once per day. They do zero to contain the dust and it just pours out of the building.”
April 9, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:05 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H393370-041324)
Description: While I watched Metalico’s operations I noted several dust clouds raised by machinery in the afternoon hours which are visible in the air crossing Metlaico’s property line. In the piece of camera evidence below dust emissions are visible in the air above the Ohio River coming from machinery on Metlaico’s site.
April 4, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:13 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H392606-040424)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “HEAVY and THICK odor of melting plastic, burnt rubber/metal coming from the shredder. It’s been smelling like this all day but it was so bad and heavy at 3:13pm that when I opened my door to go on my porch, I was hit with such a strong wall of stench that instantly gave me a headache and left a horrible taste in my nose/throat.”
ACHD Response: “...just to follow-up with your "Odor" complaint, with the recent weather this week and the with the weather conditions today, this may have something to do with the odors you’re experiencing this afternoon. ACHD representatives will continue to monitor both sides of the river, if the odors continue, please continue to use GovQA, and file another complaint, thank you.”
March 20, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H391449-032124)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noticed dust clouds raised fairly consistently in the afternoon from barge loading, other activity by machinery and the wind. In the camera evidence below dust can be seen generated on Metalico’s property and raised in the air beyond Metalio’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 03/21/24 “dust" complaint, H391449-032124, and reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments dated 03/20/24. Your complaint and attachments were discussed Metalico, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 20, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:55 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H391448-032124)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised almost constantly through the morning hours primarily from barge loading but also other machinery operations on site. In the three pieces of camera evidence below dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line despite the use of water to temper emissions at times.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 03/21/24 “dust" complaint, H391448-032124, and reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments dated 03/20/24. Your complaint and attachments were discussed Metalico, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 19, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:50 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H391447-032124)
Description: Through the afternoon hours of operation at Metalico I noted dust raised by various sources on site, primarily a combination of machinery and the wind, and often the dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line such as in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 03/21/24 “dust" complaint, H391447-032124, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 03/19/24. Your complaint and attachments were discussed with Metalico, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
March 19, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:10 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H391446-032124)
Description: While I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised that were fairly heavy from truck loading, other machinery activity and the wind. In the two pieces of camera evidence below dust is visible crossing Metalico’s property line from varying activities on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 03/21/24 “dust" complaint, H391446-032124, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 03/19/24. Your complaint and attachments were discussed with Metalico, thank you for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 18, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H391445-032124)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted dust clouds raised primarily during barge loading operations. Dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line above the Ohio River in the camera evidence below despite the use of water to temper the dust.
March 18, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H391444-032124)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com barge loading occurred throughout the morning hours of operation and even when water was used to quell the dust, clouds can still be seen in the air crossing Metalico’s property line as noted in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
March 5, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:20 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H390246-030724)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noticed two heavier bursts of smoke suddenly came from the shredder in the afternoon. Though the sun was not in a convenient position, smoke can still be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence below.
February 29, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:29 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H389596-022924)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Yet another massive, house-jarring explosion at the shredder. Very forceful impact and scared the hell out of me. My sister is working from home today and was completely interrupted by the shock of the explosion. Her quote: “thank god it didn’t happen when I was on a phone or zoom meeting”. This is absolutely outrageous! ACHD does NOTHING to curb Metalico’s disruptive nuisance operations. They’re allowed to freely disrupt the lively-hoods of Allegheny county residents without repercussions.”
February 29, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:34 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H390164-030624)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noticed a sudden heavy burst of smoke come from the shredder on site at 8:48 a.m. In the camera evidence below smoke can be seen in the air separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line.
February 19, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:34 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H388557-021924)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Another massive explosion at the shredder that violently shook my home and windows and scared the hell out of me. This is ridiculous. The explosions have steadily been increasing again to be a multiple times per week occurrence just like before. What they are doing to “mitigate” them IS NOT WORKING!
They also had an open fire going in a barrel behind the shredder this morning. Their history of causing multiple major fire events makes this extremely troubling. I thought they were fined before for having open burning??”
ACHD Response: “thank you for using GovQA, your Emsworth complaint (H388557-021924) was reviewed and shared. ACHD is aware of the incident that you reported and shared in your complaint, Metalico self-reported the incident as it happened, your complaint was submitted shortly after ACHD received Metalico’s self-report (SRI) incident. SRI numbers are issued for tracking as they investigate the incident for a root cause, very similar to breakdowns. The February 19, 2024, incident was discussed with Metalico regarding their investigation and root cause, a corrective action followed shortly after their investigation. ACHD representatives followed-up and visited your site Wednesday, February 21, 2024, you were not home when they stopped, please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 15, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika Minteer
Time of Day: 1:20 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H388542-021724)
Description: While I watched Metalico’s operations at accancamera.com wind and operations on site raise dust in the afternoon hours on several occasions. Dust clearly crosses the property line and even when water is used to quell the dust it does little to stop it from being raised throughout the entire site as seen in the camera evidence below. Though emissions can also be seen coming from other sites and unknown sources, dust is also visibly coming directly from Metlaico’s site.
February 14, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika Minteer
Time of Day: 11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H388541-021724)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I watched machinery participating in barge loading operations raise dust clouds on site which crossed Metalico’s property line, as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
February 9, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H387993-021024)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted smoke separate from the plume as the metal shredder operated through the morning. In the three pieces of camera evidence below smoke can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line.
February 8, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:10 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H387832-020824)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident ”Another Huge explosion at the shredder this morning. The percussion from this explosion shook my bed and woke me up at 7:10am. This is ridiculous. Metalico has been saying for years that they would take care of this problem and they haven’t. It still keeps happening on a regular basis and the force of these explosions continues to damage my home.”
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, your Emsworth complaint (H387832-020824) was reviewed and shared. ACHD is aware of the incident that you reported and shared in your complaint, Metalico self-reported the incident shortly after it happened, your complaint was submitted approximately the same time that ACHD received Metalico’s self-report (SRI) incident. SRI numbers are issued for tracking as they investigate the incident for a root cause, very similar to breakdowns. The February 08, 2024, incident was discussed with Metalico regarding their investigation and root cause. The shredder was brought back online shortly after they found the cause and after they reinspected the unit and material. ACHD representatives followed-up and visited your site Friday, February 09, 2024, you were not home when they stopped, please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 6, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:55 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H387560-020624)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Massive Explosion at the shredder. This was a huge one that shook my entire home and scared the hell out of me and my cat. My windows literally rattled in their frames.”
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, your Emsworth complaint (H387560-020624)was reviewed and shared. ACHD is aware of the incidents that you reported andshared in your complaint, Metalico self-reported the incidents as theyhappened, your complaint(s) were submitted shortly after ACHD receivedMetalico’s self-report (SRI) incidents. SRI numbers are issued for tracking asthey investigate the incident for a root cause, very similar to breakdowns. Therecent incidents were discussed with Metalico regarding their investigation androot cause. ACHD representatives followed-up and visited your site earlyFriday, February 09, 2024, you were not home when they stopped, please let usknow if you have any questions. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 6, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika Minteer
Time of Day: 7:12 a.m. - 7:20 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H387992-021024)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a few heavy bursts of smoke come from the shredder between 7:12 a.m. and 7:20 a.m. Two bursts of smoke are followed by a more sudden burst and the smoke can be seen in the air above Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence below.
February 1, 2024
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:42 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H387174-020124)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:42 - 10:00 a.m this morning. The sky was overcast at that time and the shredder was operating. During that time the shredder frequently produced excessive smoke emissions as shown in the attached photos. At times those emissions produced a haze over the site
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your seven (7) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river, thank you for sharing. ACHD reviewed your 2/01/24 VE / FE complaint, H387174-020124, and reviewed the seven (7) attachments that you snapped early Thursday morning from 09:42–10:00 AM, dated February 1, 2024. Your complaint and photographs were shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for sharing and using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
January 31, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika Minteer
Time of Day: 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H387320-020424)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted smoke bursts coming from the shredder through the latter part of the morning hours of operation. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line both across the river and to the southeast in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
January 25, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika Minteer
Time of Day: 10:15 a.m. - Ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H386508-012524)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Extremely Heavy Odor (10 out of 10) coming from the shredder operation. It smells like hot melting electrical wires, plastics. It’s been bad off and on all week long but today it’s overwhelming. I opened my back door and was hit with a wall of odor so strong that I almost passed out. It’s so heavy today that it’s seeping into my home and is leaving a horrible taste in my mouth and on my lips. The fog makes it difficult to take photos.”
January 18, 2024 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:40 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H385926-011924)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:40 - 10:00 AM on 9/18/24. During that time, the sky was overcast, the shredder was operating and for several minutes it was producing visible smoke emissions as illustrated in the attached photos.
January 18, 2024 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 6:15 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H385979-012024)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted activity that created what appear to be steam and smoke from the shredder, and the area surrounding it, in the 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. hours. Below is a piece of camera evidence that shows the event though it is challenging to distinguish because of the atmospheric conditions.
January 15, 2024
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H385978-012024)
Description: While watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted excessive dust raised by both machinery operating within the main structure along the river and machinery loading the barge. Dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line along the Ohio River in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
January 4, 2024
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:50 a.m. -10:05 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Industrial odor complaint at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H384737-010424)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:50 - 10:05 a.m. today. During that time Metalico's shredder was operating and, at times, it was producing excessive smoke emissions, as illustrated in the attached photos.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your five (5) continuous snapshot photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river, thank you for sharing. ACHD reviewed your 1/04/24 VE / FE complaint, H384737-010424, and reviewed your five (5) attachments. Unfortunately, ACHD representatives were not on site to witness the operation at the time of your photographs; we did not receive your complaint until 14:02 hrs., you see, ACHD representatives were on site watching the operations from 13:30 – 16:00 hrs., had we known, we would’ve shared the complaint with Metalico and discussed. At least this is a timely complaint that ACHD can respond in a timely manner, not something that is two (2) weeks old before anyone reports it or sees it. Your photographs and complaint will be shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
ACCAN Response: “Thank you for responding to my complaint. We understand your preference to get complaints at the time we observe pollution events. We would prefer to do that also; however, sometimes we can't do that. One reason is that some of us find it very difficult to submit a complaint using GovQA on our phones. That is a problem for me and that is why I submit my complaint when I get back to my computer. Another problem is that currently there is a technical problem with ACCAN's Metalico BreatheCam and we can't access video footage until days after it was recorded. In any case, the documentation that we are submitting with our complaints is valid and accurately illustrates the dust and smoke emissions that Metalico continues to produce.”
December 28, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:55 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Industrial odor complaint at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth Resident, “Heavy /Thick odor of hot, melting plastic, rubber, car parts. Wind is blowing SW across the island towards my house. It’s been on and off all morning with 11:55am being the strongest smell. Interestingly, it didn’t smell at all when they were shut down for Christmas Eve/Day but started smelling again when they started operations on Tuesday.”
December 6, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H383933-122223)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s daily operations on accancamera.com I noted dust being raised from barge loading activating taking place in the main structure along the river. Heavy dust can be seen looming over the river and in the air beyond Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence below.
December 5, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H383932-122223)
Description: While watching Metalico’s operations on accancamera.com I noted heavy dust being raised by machinery loading the barge on the Ohio River. The operations took place in the main structure along the river bank little to nothing was done to quell the dust. Dust clouds can be seen in the air above the river, beyond Metalico’s property line, in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
November 17, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:10 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H381368-111723)
Description: HEAVY odor of melting plastics/metal coming from the shredder. There’s also an enormous pile of shredded debris sitting on the lot.
I noticed it immediately as I got out of my car from a grocery store trip. (11:10am) Very windy today. Level 3 but is varying to level 4 when the wind starts gusting. Periods of of thick emissions. Wind is SSW
No odor detected from 9-10am.
ACHD Response: thank you for using GovQA. ACHD reviewed your 10/26/23 “Odor” and VE / FE complaint, H379734-102623. We understand there has been issues with odor, though odor is very discretionary when comes to detecting, and documenting the strength or source. An odor complaint is more difficult to confirm, it’s not as easy as taken a photograph for VE OR FE. The four (4) photographs that were attached were reviewed and shared with Metalico.
Observation Time Odor Minutes of Odor
Location Interval Strength Detected @ Each Strength
If for any reason the wind shifts while you’re onsite please indicate the shift, and please note if the odor changes, (0=NONE, 1=SLIGHT, 2=MODERATE, 3= STRONG, 4=VERY STRONG), please note the duration of change for each strength, very seldom a 3 or 4 is observed during odor observations, especially for any length of time. Time of day, wind direction and outside temperature is very important when reporting odor for any length of time, or it’s just another photograph. Please let us know if you have any questions, 0-10 odor scale is not used, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
November 14, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H381784-112523)
Description: While watching Metalico’s daily operations on camera at accancamera.com I noted several heavy bursts of smoke separate from the plume leaving the metal shredder and cross Metalico’s property line. In the three pieces of camera evidence below smoke is visible in the air beyond the site’s boundary.
November 13, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H381420-111823)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed smoke bursts come from the metal shredder on site through the 11am and 12pm hours. Excessive smoke can be seen in the air and crossing Metalico’s property line in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
November 6, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H380951-111323)
Description: Through the late morning and early afternoon hours of Metlaico’s operations I noted dust clouds raised by machinery and operations on site. In the two pieces of camera evidence below dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line due to both machinery operations and the wind.
November 2, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:35 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H380950-111323)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed excessive dust raised by truck loading operations. The dust clouds raised by operations in the camera evidence below shows the dust emissions crossing Metalico’s property line in the air above the river.
October 26, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:47 a.m. - Ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke and heavy industrial odor from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H379734-)
Description: Since 11:47am and continuous to filing this complaint, there’s been a heavy odor (9 out of 10) of hot melting plastic, vinyl , metal, and oil. There have been periods of heavy cream colored smoke coming from the shredder. (Not steam).
Today was the only day this week that I’m able to mow my lawn. For the past 2 hrs I’ve been forced to breathe in the fumes that Metalico is belching out. I’ve watched, for 2 hrs, the heavy emissions coming from the shredder annd the wind blowing all that pollution across the river. I am now severely wheezing and having to use my inhaler, have a horrible headache, and have the taste of metal/melted plastic in my mouth and all through my nose. There are no trains going by, and the smell is identical, (though less intense,) to what it smelled like when they had their most recent fire.
The heavier the emissions were over that 2 hrs, the stronger the smell became
October 12, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H379622-102523)
Description: During the early afternoon hours of operation, as seen on camera at accancamera.com, machinery operations and truck loading operations at Metalico raised dust clouds which crossed Metalico’s property line as seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
October 11, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H379621-102523)
Description: While I was watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted dust being raised by operations on site including truck loading, driving and other machinery operations. Dust can be seen being raised and crossing Metalico’s property line in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
October 10, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H379620-102523)
Description: When watching Metalico’s operations at accancamera.com I witnessed dust clouds raised primarily from the activity of truck loading on site but also from vehicles driving and other machinery operating. As seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below dust can be seen crossing Metlaico’s property line.
October 9, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H379618-102523)
Description: As I watch Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several bursts of smoke coming from the shredder in the afternoon hours of operation. In the two pieces of camera evidence below smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line.
October 5, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:45 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H378881-101623)
Description: During the afternoon hours of operation I noted excessive dust raised primarily by vehicles driving through the site on multiple occasions. Below are two examples of dust raised which can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line.
October 4, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:55 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H378880-101623)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed several dust clouds raised on site from operations. The dust clouds noted cross Metalico’s property line as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
October 2, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:24 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust from operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H378879-101623)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a large dust cloud raised by vehicles on site. The dust cloud can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line and hanging in the air in the camera evidence below.
September 16, 2023
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 10:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Large industrial fire in a scrap pile at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H376226-091623)
Description: Having heard that there was another fire at Metalico that started, I believe, sometime after 9:00 p.m., I went to Emsworth to view it from across the river from Metalico. The fire was producing a very large plume of smoke that was blowing upriver (see attached photos). I could smell odor from the fire (burning plastic, rubber, etc.); however, upriver communities are probably being affected more, since the smoke is blowing in that direction. I was in Emsworth observing the fire from about 10:00 - 10:30 PM. The fire was ongoing when I left and I assume it will take a long time to get under control. I assume this fire is in Metalico's scrap pile, just like the April 14, 2021 fire there which took over 6 hours to get under control. I don't know what is in Metalico fire prevention plan, that we were told they have, but whatever is in there obviously was not enough to prevent or quickly put out this fire. The community needs assurances that this type of event, which can blow toxic smoke into the community will not continue to happen. Additional SmellPGH screenshots, one at 3:39 a.m. and one at 6:50 a.m. showing downwind effects of Metalico fire. Many report burning plastic, burning tire and chemical smells that are typical of how residents describe emission odors from Metalico. Some also describe health effects from the odors.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, complaint #H376226-091623, and for the six (6) attachments that include your three (3) videos of the incident Saturday evening at Metalico, September 16, 2023. ACHD met with Metalico’s management, it’s not clear what the root cause was, the facility was idle, the hot spot was reported by their weekend security guard. The timeline is as follows, 911 call made, Neville Island Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the site at 8:55 PM, Metalico personnel arrived on site at 8:52 PM. The flames above the loose material pile were suppressed within the first 30 minutes and the fire was totally extinguished by 10:00 PM, using only water as the cooling agent. The Fire Companies at the site, continued to water down the material from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM. At 11:00 PM the Fire Departments started to demobilize their units and at 12:00 AM the last Fire Company, Neville Township Volunteer Fire Department left the site, and a Fire Watch was set by Metalico personnel. When the root cause analysis is complete, a corrective action plan will be developed as per Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 7, 2023
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H375288-090723)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. this morning. During that entire time Metalico's shredder produced excessive emissions that frequently crossed their property line as illustrated in the attached photos. The sky was overcast during the time that I was observing Metalico.
August 24, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H375229-090723)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several bursts of smoke come from the shredder on site specifically during the last hour of daily operations. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
August 24, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H373917-082423)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Extremely HEAVY odor of melting plastics/metal/wiring coming from the shredder operating at Metalico. So bad and thick that you you can taste it on your lips and cannot be outside for more than a few minutes without getting a headache. It’s also so bad that you can smell it from the far end of my home on the Rt. 65 side. I had two carpenters working on installing a door to my home and they were overwhelmed as well by the smell. This has been happening all day since they started operating this morning. Also periods of HEAVY emissions, NOT steam.”
August 22, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from barge loading at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H374824-090423)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I watched dust be raised by machinery loading the barge, though they were using water to attempt to control the dust, during the morning hours of operation. Dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence below.
August 21, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from barge loading at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H374823-090423)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted dust clouds raised from barge loading activity in the afternoon hours of operation. Dust can be seen in the air above the river and crossing Metalico’s property line, despite almost constant watering of the scrap pile, in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
August 21, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from operations and excessive dust at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H373568-082123)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Metalico has been operating the shredder ALL DAY. It smelled thick with the odor of melting plastic/metal/ wiring. They’re also loading a barge and, AGAIN, they’re spewing dust all through the air, onto the surface of the river, and all over my neighborhood. There’s a thick layer of it still covering the water surface and there’s a thick layer all over my pool cover. Their “dust mitigation” efforts are a sick joke. Today is a code orange air quality day…. yet Metalico is allowed to operate like this??? I guess in Allegheny county, “code orange” warning is a nice sound bite for the news to let the people of Allegheny county think their health dept cares about the air quality. So sick of nothing being done.”
August 8, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from barge loading at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H373582-082223)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations I noted heavy dust being raised by machinery loading the barge despite almost constant watering. Dust can be seen being raised in the air and crossing Metalico’s property line along the Ohio river into a residential neighborhood as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
August 4, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:35 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H372955-081623)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a large burst of smoke come from the shredder on site and cross Metalico’s property line. Smoke is visible in the air separating from the plume as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
August 3, 2023
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 10:50 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H371737-080423)
Description: I observed Metalico from about 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on August 3, 2023 from across the river in Emsworth. During that time Metalico's shredder was operating and during much of the time it was producing excessive smoke emissions as shown in the attached photos.
ACHD Response: Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, we received your six (6) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 8/04/23 VE complaint, H371737-080423, and we reviewed the six (6) attachments taken while you were onsite, 8/03/23 between 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Your VE complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
August 1, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from barge loading at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H372954-081623)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on accancamera.com I noted dust clouds being raised from barge loading operations on site in the afternoon, much of which can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line as shown in the camera evidence below.
July 31, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from barge loading at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H372953-081623)
Description: As I watched Metalico’s operations on accancamera.com I witnessed dust being raised during the afternoon hours of operation from barge loading and noted dust consistently crossing Metalico’s property line as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
July 31, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:40 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised from barge loading at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H372952-081623)
Description: While watching Metalico’s operations at accancamera.com I noted dust being raised from barge loading operations during the morning hours, much of which crosses Metalico’s property line and is pushed into and across the Ohio River. Below are three pieces of camera evidence showing the dust being raised as noted.
July 6, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:50 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H368147-070723)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a large burst of smoke that crossed Metalico’s property line. Below the camera evidence shows smoke forcefully coming from the shredder and separating from the plume.
June 30, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:12 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth by a resident
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H367439-063023)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Massive explosion at the shredder accompanied with huge plumes of emissions. It was so loud and so percussive that I heard and felt it as I was vacuuming my home. It ratted my window.”
June 30, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H367435-063023)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Extremely heavy/thick odor of burnt plastics and metal coming from the shredder all morning long. Bad enough where it leaves an acrid, metalic taste in your nose/throat. First noticed the odor at 10am and lasted well over 2 hrs. Also a lot of cream-colored smoke coming from the shredder. It’s been like this for the past few days but was unable to capture photos due to the haze from the wildfires.
How are they allowed to operate the shredder (and contribute to the already dangerous air quality) on red alert days??!!”
June 26, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:15 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H367119-062823)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several bursts of smoke that came from the shredder and crossed Metalico’s property line throughout the morning. It is overcast through some of the morning and smoke can be seen separating from the plume in the camera evidence below.
June 23, 2023
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 12:12 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H366342-062323)
Description: While I observed Metalico from about 12:00 - 12:12 p.m. today from across the river in Emsworth, their shredder was operating and often producing excessive smoke emissions, as shown in the attached photos. The sky was mostly overcast during that time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your five (5) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/23/23 VE complaint, H366342-062323, and we reviewed the five (5) attachments taken while you were onsite, 6/23/23 between noon – 12:12 PM. Your VE complaint has been reviewed, will be shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 20, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:30 p.m.- 3:00 pm.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H366152-062223)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted dust being raised while machinery loaded the barge. Light dust can be seen in the air above the river crossing Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/22/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H366152-062223, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 6/20/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 9, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364883-061123)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com excessive dust was raised by machinery near the shredder. The large dust cloud can be seen in the air as well as crossing Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence attached.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your one (1) attachment from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/11/23 Dust complaint, H364883-061123, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 6/09/23. Your Dust complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 8, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:20 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364882-061123)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted an excessive amount of dust emissions raised near the shredder on site through the day. In the three pieces of camera evidence attached dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line and hanging in the air above the site and the river.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four (4) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/11/23 Dust complaint, H364882-061123, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 6/08/23. Your Dust complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 8, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 8:40 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H364716-060823)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 8:40 - 9:15 a.m. this morning. While I was observing Metalico, its shredder was operating and at times producing excessive smoke emissions as shown in the attached photos.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your five (5) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/08/23 VE complaint, H364716-060823, and we reviewed the five (5) attachments taken while you were onsite 6/08/23. Your VE complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 7, 2023 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:03 p.m.
Observation: In person by a resident across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised by operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364558-060723)
Description: In the words of the resident “heavy dust coming from the barge when Metalico dumps loads from the shredding pile. The dust cloud is so thick that it lands on the surface of the river leaving a grimy streak that floats down river with the current. The loader, at least 4 times today that I saw, misses the barge and flings pieces of this stuff directly into the river, creating a huge splash but it’s very hard to capture with my camera.
This too, has been happening all day long when they load a barge. The dust coming from them is extremely disturbing considering the poor air quality alerts we’ve been having. Their paltry water hose only aims at the pile they’re loading. There’s zero dust mitigation when the trucks drive in the area, or when the load lands in the barge. There’s also zero dust mitigation INSIDE the open building when trucks load, dump, or move scrap.”
June 7, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:51 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emission from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364558-060723)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “heavy, opaque emissions coming from the shredder. Heavy emissions, like this, have been happening regularly throughout the day since the shredder started at 7am.”
June 7, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised by operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364881-061123)
Description: Throughout the morning hours excessive dust was raised by machinery on site at Metalico primarily from loading the barge which I witnessed while watching Metalico at accancaera.com. Dust can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line and in the air above the river as visible in the three pieces of camera evidence below. While a watering truck was used to quell the dust clouds, little is actually controlled and emissions continue to be pushed toward residences across the river.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/11/23 Dust complaint regarding the barge loading, H364881-061123, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 6/07/23. Your Dust complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 6, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:18 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised by operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364421-060623)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a significant dust cloud raised by a truck driving through the site. As noted in the camera evidence below, the dust crosses Metalico’s property line and can be seen in the air.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your one (1) attachment from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/06/23 Dust complaint of the water truck, H364421-060623, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 6/06/23. Your Dust complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 5, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised by operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364445-060723)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed several dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site especially during the afternoon hours. Clouds were raised that cross Metalico’s property line and can be seen in the air coming from loading and moving operations near the shredder as visible in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/07/23 FE / Dust complaint, H364445-060723, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 6/05/23. Your FE / Dust complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 2, 2023
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 10:40 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H363962-060223)
Description: I observed Metalico from about 10:40 - 10:55 a.m. this morning from across the river in Emsworth. During much of that time, Metalico's shredder was producing excessive smoke emissions that were separating from the plume. Examples of these emissions are included in the attached photos.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your five (5) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/02/23 VE complaint, H363962-060223, and we reviewed the five (5) attachments taken while you were onsite 6/02/23 between 10:40 - 10:45 AM. Your VE complaint has been reviewed, shared, and was discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 31, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:15 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised by operations at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H364018-060323)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several larger clouds of dust raised by trucks and machinery due to operations on site. Dust is often visible beyond Metalico’s property line as seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four (4) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 6/03/23 Dust complaint, H364018-060323, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 5/31/23. Your Dust complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 26, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:40 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised while loading trucks at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H363721-053123)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted dust clouds being raised during the truck loading process some of which can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line. Through the day dust is raised during this process as well as by machinery, trucks and the wind. Three pieces of camera evidence of the dust emissions can be seen in examples below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four (4) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 5/31/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H363721-053123, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 5/26/23 and noted that the Shredder was not operating. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and was discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 19, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H363717-053123)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site and crossed Metalico’s property line. It was overcast through much of the day and the smoke can be seen separating from the plume on many occasions, such as in the camera evidence below.
May 17, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H363716-053123)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted clouds of dust consistently being raised by machinery loading the barge on site. Clouds are pushed across and into the river as visible in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
May 11, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy industrial odor from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H361535-051123)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth today from around 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. The weather was clear, the temperature was around 60 and the shredder was operating the entire time. As soon as I got there I smelled a horrible odor that remained strong the entire time that I was there. It smelled like burning plastic and rubber, irritated my mouth, gave me a headache and was so strong that I could taste it on my lips and in my mouth. This odor was the odor that I typically smell when the shredder is operating.
May 11, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:30 a.m.-Ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy industrial odor from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H369417-051123)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “I’ve been working in my yard, directly across the river from Metalico, for the past 1 1/2 hours. Metalico has been operating the shredder the entire time while outside. The smell has been consistent and heavy during that entire time. I had to stop working in my yard because the odor was getting so strong that the back of nose/throat were burning. I’ve had an awful metalic/plastic taste in my mouth and on my lips. The smell caused a headache that I still have.”
April 27, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a large dust cloud raised by a vehicle driving through the site during morning operations. As can be seen in the camera evidence below dust crosses the property line when the vehicle drives through.
April 25, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H360121-042723)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several notable bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site and crossed Metalico’s property line, as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
April 21, 2023 – Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H359585-042323)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted a few dust clouds of concern raised by machinery operating on site during the afternoon. In the camera evidence below dust clouds can be seen being formed on Metalico’s site and crossing their property line.
April 21, 2023 – Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H359584-042323)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several frequent smoke bursts come from the shredder throughout the afternoon hours of operation. Much of the emissions can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line in the camera evidence below.
April 21, 2023 – Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H359583-042323)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple bursts of smoke come from the shredder throughout the morning, most of which can be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line in various directions, including across the river toward residential neighborhoods. Below are three pieces of camera evidence displaying the type of emissions that were visible.
April 17, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H359395-042023)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several bursts of smoke come from the shredder on site. Emissions can be seen crossing Metalico’s property line in the three pieces of camera evidence below, often blowing into residential neighborhoods across the river.
April 14, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:55 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H359095-041823)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed dust being raised at an almost constant rate while loading the barge. Due to the barges' locations dust often blows into and across the river crossing Metalico’s property line as can be noted in the two pieces of camera evidence below.ACHD ACHD Response: “thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/18/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H359095-041823, regarding barge loading and equipment movement, the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 4/14/23 were noted. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 13, 2023 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:50 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358928-041523)
Description: While watching Metalico’s operations on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of smoke come from the shredder on site. As can be seen in the camera evidence below smoke separates from the plume and crosses Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/15/23 VE complaint, H358928-041523, and reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments, early afternoon, dated 4/13/23. Your VE complaint has been reviewed by ACHD; with the plumes shown in the attachments, we would not consider or view this as a VE complaint, especially viewing from the Emsworth side. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 13, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:20 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358924-041423)
Description: As I observed Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted excessive dust being raised almost continuously, flowing into and across the river, while loading the barge. Seen in the four pieces of camera evidence below are multiple dust clouds raised primarily by machinery on site which often cross Metalico’s property line. As can also be seen in the camera evidence often little is done to quell the dust and when something is done it is insufficient as dust can still be seen in the air from operations on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four (4) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/14/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H358924-041423, regarding barge loading and equipment movement (dust) from the scrap side. ACHD reviewed the time stamp on the four (4) attachments dated 4/13/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
April 13, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:40 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor complaint
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H58768-041323)
Description: I was in Emsworth across the river from Metalico from 9:30 - 9:45 AM today. During that time the shredder was operating and for a short period of time produced excessive smoke emissions as illustrated in the photos below. During the time that I was there I smelled the odor of burning rubber and plastic that I often smell when the shredder is running. From about 9:40 - 9:45 AM the odor was strong.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/13/23 “Odor” complaint, H358768-041323, and reviewed your attachments. We understand that the reason the photographs were taken were to verify that you were onsite, the shredder was running with a slight separation from the plume, though the plume had a down river direction and didn’t appear to be crossing the river in your direction. Odor?
Observation Location | Time Interval | Odor Strength | Minutes of Odor Detected @ Each Strength |
|
If for any reason the wind shifts while you’re onsite please indicate the shift, and please note if the odor changes, (0=NONE, 1=SLIGHT, 2=MODERATE, 3= STRONG, 4=VERY STRONG), please note the duration of change for each strength.
Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 11, 2023 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358728-041323)
Description: Throughout the day dust was raised by machinery loading the barge, much of which goes into and across the river crossing Metalico’s property line. Dust is also raised by other operations on site and there is very little done to quell the excessive dust. Below are two pieces of camera evidence from the 1 p.m. of the barge being loaded and, though sunlight obscures it at times, dust can be seen almost constantly being raised in the air from the loading process.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/13/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H358728-041323, regarding barge loading, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 4/11/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 11, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:52 a.m. - Ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358546-041223)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth respident “This is the 4th time this year that Metalico has been loading a barge /moving piles in areas where there was zero mitigation of dust. (I haven’t had time or was unable to catch previous violations.) There’s dust blowing from all three major work areas as well as dust that flies up when it lands in the barge. The dust from the barge was so bad, and with wind, it coated the surface of the river to the left of the barge. (The water is clear to on the right side of the barge.) The excavator also flung pieces of the pile into the river but I was unable to photograph it. This activity has only been increasing and there was the usual odor of hot plastics that wafted through the air as the wind blew.” Below are three images of the event.
ACHD Response: thank you for using GovQA, your Emsworth photographs were viewed for FE “Dust” and your complaint (H358546-041223) was reviewed and shared. ACHD representatives followed-up and scheduled an onsite meeting with Metalico. Your photographs were shared and discussed during our onsite meeting with Metalico, please let us know if you see any changes. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
April 11, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358731-041323)
Description: As I observed Metalico on camera on accancamera.com I noted small and large dust clouds raised by machinery loading the barge during operations. Much of the dust raised crosses the property line going into and across the river as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/13/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H358731-041323, regarding barge loading and equipment movement (dust) from the scrap side. ACHD reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments dated 4/11/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 10, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:50 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358724-041323)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several bursts of smoke that occurred during the time noted above which came from the shredder and crossed Metlaico’s property line. As can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below smoke is visible separating from the plume in bursts.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/13/23 VE / FE complaint, H358724-041323, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 4/10/23. Your VE/FE complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 5, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358151-040823)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several clouds of dust raised on site by both machinery and the wind. While there are emissions in the air from unknown sources dust can still clearly be seen coming from Metalico’s property. Dust crosses Metalico’s property line on multiple occasions as can be seen documented in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/08/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H358151-040823, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 4/05/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 5, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H358150-040823)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple clouds of smoke come from the shredder during the morning hours of operation. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing Metalico’s property line in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/08/23 VE / FE complaint, H358150-040823, and reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments dated 4/05/23. Your VE/FE complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 4, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:55 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H357835-040623)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted multiple dust clouds raised primarily by machinery and vehicles operating on site. Though the dust clouds are not as heavy as many that generate from the site’s operations, dust still often crosses Metalico’s property line, going into and across the river, as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/06/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H357835-040623, and reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments dated 4/04/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 31, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H357551-040323)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted multiple bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site in the morning hours and crossed Metalico’s property line as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/03/23 VE complaint, H357551-040323, and reviewed the time stamp on the two (2) attachments dated 3/31/23. Your VE complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 30, 2023
Entered by: Angleo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:35 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Industrial Odor Complaint
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H357293-033023)
Description: While observing Metalico from across the river in Emsworth, their shredder was running and I smelled the odor of burning rubber/plastic. I was there from about 9:35 - 9:50 AM this morning. I am attaching photos only to verify that the shredder was operating while I was there. This is an odor complaint. There was no perceptible wind and the temperature was around 30 degrees.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 3/30/23 “Odor” complaint, H357293-033023, and reviewed your attachments. As you stated, the only reason the photographs were taken was to verify that you were onsite, plus show that the shredder was on and running. After reviewing your photographs, ACHD feels that your photographs show the shredder was operating properly and that the wind wasn’t in your direction for the 15 minutes you were onsite. ACHD feels that your associating odor with the shredder operating, this is all discretionary, please submit an odor complaint based on reason, this may not be the source. As requested before, if you’re going to submit an odor complaint, please take the time to submit the proper information, very seldom odor stays constant, especially outdoors.
Observation Location | Time Interval | Odor Strength | Minutes of Odor Detected @ Each Strength |
|
If for any reason the wind shifts while you’re onsite please indicate the shift, and please note if the odor changes, (0=NONE, 1=SLIGHT, 2=MODERATE, 3= STRONG, 4=VERY STRONG), please note the duration of change for each strength.
Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
ACCAN Response: “I find your response extremely dismissive of my experience of smelling odor when the Metalico shredder is running, an odor that I have long associated with Metalico, based on the many times I have observed Metalico's operations. These are my reasons for submitting this odor complaint. Do you have an online form for providing the information that you are requesting or would I have to develop my own form to submit with complaints.”
March 29, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H357420-040123)
Description: As I watched Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted several heavy clouds of dust that were raised by machinery, the water truck and wind. Though emissions of unknown sources can be seen in the air dust can clearly be seen coming from Metlaico’s property and crossing their property line. Below is a piece of camera evidence showing the worst of the dust raised in the afternoon.
March 29, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H357419-040123)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple dust clouds raised by machinery, wind and the water truck on site throughout the day, especially while loading the barge. As can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below, dust often crosses Metalico’s property line and can be seen in the air.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 4/01/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H357419-040123, and reviewed the time stamp on the three (3) attachments dated 3/29/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 22, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:50 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H357418-040123)
Description: As I observed Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several large dust clouds raised on site by machinery, the water truck and wind, much of which crosses Metalico’s property line as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 03/23/23 VE / FE complaint, H356346-032323, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 03/21/23, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 21, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H356346-032323)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I noted multiple bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site and crossed the property line during the afternoon hours. As can be seen in the camera evidence below, though the sun is not always in an ideal position, smoke is still visible separating from the plume and going beyond the property line on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 03/23/23 VE / FE complaint, H356346-032323, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 03/21/23, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 20, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H356345-032323)
Description: As I observed Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds raised on site, of varying density, in the afternoon by machinery and the water truck which crossed the property line as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the ACCAN camera taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 3/23/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H356345-032323, and reviewed the three (3) attachments taken 3/20/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 16, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:25 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355761-031723)
Description: As observed while watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com, machinery raises multiple dust clouds on site throughout the day. Though often dust is light it still crosses the property line and goes into the river as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 03/17/23 DUST complaint, H355761-031723, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 03/16/23, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed, no issues. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 15, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:26 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355435-031523)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “MASSIVE explosion at the shredder that shook my house and windows. Scared the hell out of me. A lot of emissions coming out the shredder.”
March 14, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angleo Taranto
Time of Day: 1:15 p.m. - 1;20 P.M.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355368-031523)
Description: I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth yesterday from about 1:15 - 1:20 PM. At that time, they were loading a barge from a pile of metal. They were not wetting down the pile; therefore, the loading process was producing dust emissions that were blowing into the river, as illustrated in the attached photos. The weather was overcast at the time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 3/15/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H355368-031523, and reviewed the two (2) phonographs taken 3/14/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 14, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:40 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355401-031523)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com machinery loading the barge with material raised excessive dust clouds throughout the day, especially in the morning hours. As can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below, dust crosses the property line on site almost continuously at times and very little to nothing is done to control it.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 03/15/23 DUST complaint, H355401-031523, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 03/14/23, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 13, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355393-031523)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of smoke come from the shredder on site in the late 7 a.m. hour. The smoke crosses the property line on site and though there is also steam visible, smoke can also be seen separating from the plume in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 03/15/23 VE / FE complaint, H355393-031523, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 03/13/23, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 10, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:54 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Brief explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355152-031323)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a brief but clear explosion from the shredder on site. As can be seen in the piece of camera evidence, it shows that at times volatile substances are not removed from objects, such as vehicles, to be shredded.
March 9, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:20 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H355151-031323)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a few bursts of smoke come from the shredder on site during the 2 p.m. hour. Though the sun is in an inconvenient location, smoke is still visible crossing the property line in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
March 7, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H354771-030923)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds raised, primarily while loading the barge on site. Though effort is made to deter the dust by using the water truck, it does not completely stop the issue and dust that originates on site continues to cross the property line. Below are two pieces of camera evidence of dust clouds for the time referenced.
March 6, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:10 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H354770-030923)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a period in which multiple bursts of smoke came from the shredder on site and, as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below, occasionally crosses the property line.
March 1, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H354152-030323)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds raised by machinery, wind and the water truck operating on site from 11:25 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dust crosses the property line as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
February 23, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:40 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H353160-022423)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of smoke separate from the plume coming from the shredder on site. Though the sun is in an inconvenient location in the afternoon, smoke can still be seen in the plume and often crossing the property line on site, as visible in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/24/23 VE / FE complaint, H353160-022423, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 2/23/23. ACHD representatives were onsite early Friday afternoon, 2/24/23, and did not witness anything in person. VE readings using Method 9 cannot be read or determined from the Emsworth side of the river due to the sun location during the hours of (11:45 – 14:45 hrs.), especially from the ACCAN camera lens. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 23, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angleo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H353036-022323)
Description: I observed Metalico from about 9:38 - 9:58 a.m. from across the river in Emsworth. I would rate the odor strength as "2 - Moderate". The odor, which smelled like burning rubber and plastic, persisted during the entire time that I was observing Metalico. The smoke emissions from the shredder were light as illustrated in the attached photos. The wind was blowing directly across the river from Metalico to Emsworth where I was during the entire time that I was observing Metalico. The temperature at that time was 58 degrees.
February 20, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352849-022223)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period in the morning when an excessive amount of dust was raised by machinery operating on site. The dust clouds cross the river and little is done to control it, as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/22/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H352849-022223, and reviewed the time stamp on the (2) attachments dated 2/20/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and will be discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 17, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352567-021923)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site in the morning hours. As can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below, dust crosses the river and blows into a residential neighborhood.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/19/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H352567-021923, and reviewed the time stamp on the (2) attachments dated 2/17/23. After reviewing the two (2) short attachments and the speed of the attachments shown in your “Dust” complaint, ACHD finds it to be light and insignificant, not as reported, though, they will be shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 16, 2023
Entered by: Angleo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive industrial odor from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352379-021623)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:00 - 9:25 a.m. The shredder was operating and producing a plume with relatively light smoke emissions. The sky was overcast the entire time that I was there. While I was there, I smelled the odor that is typically produced when Metalico's shredder is operating - the odor of burning plastic and rubber. I am attaching photos of the plume coming from the shredder to verify that I was there in person and that the shredder was operating when I was smelling the odor. As I indicated, the smoke emissions were relatively light, so I am not attaching the photos to document excessive smoke emissions. My complaint is an odor complaint.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 2/16/23 VE “Odor” complaint, H352379-021623, and we reviewed the three (3) attachments taken while you were onsite 2/16/23. As you stated, the plumes were very light, though you associated the plumes and shredder with odor that you detected while onsite. How would you rate the odor from the ACHD scale 0-4? Possibly you can give us more feedback with the information that ACHD provides below, 0=NONE, 1=SLIGHT, 2=MODERATE, 3=STRONG, & 4=VERY STRONG. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 15, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352566-021923)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised by both machinery loading the barge and wind on site in the afternoon, some of which is visible crossing the property line on site, including the river while loading the barge. Though the sun interferes with the camera quality and emissions from other sites can be seen in the air, dust is still clearly visible coming from the site. Below are three pieces of camera evidence showing dust coming from operations on site.
February 15, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m. - 11:59 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352565-021923)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was dust raised almost continuously on site throughout the morning from loading the barge. Much of the dust crosses the property line on site, including the river, going directly into a residential neighborhood. Though emissions can be seen coming from unknown sources off camera, dust can clearly be seen coming directly from Metalico. Below are five pieces of camera evidence showing the incident described.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your five (5) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/19/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H352565-021923, and reviewed the time stamp on the (5) attachments that ranged from 07:49 hrs., to 11:58 hrs., dated 2/15/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been reviewed, shared, and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 14, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m,. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352382-021623)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple dust clouds raised by machinery throughout the day. Though much of the dust is light and stays within the property’s parameters, some also can be seen crossing the property line. Though the position of the sun is not ideal dust can clearly be seen being raised at Metalico and leaving the property in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two (2) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/16/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H352382-021623, and reviewed the time stamp on the (2) attachments dated 2/14/23. As stated in your complaint, the dust is light and the sun angel is not there to be read on the Emsworth side of the river, especially with the glare through the lens of the ACCAN camera. Your “Dust” complaint has been shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 13, 2023 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352363-021623)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds raised by both machinery and wind in the later afternoon hours. Though there is a glare on the camera, dust can still clearly be seen in the air originating on Metalico’s site. Some of this dust can also be seen beyond the property line on site in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/16/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H352363-021623, and reviewed the time stamp on the (3) attachments dated 2/13/23. Your late afternoon “Dust” complaint has been shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 13, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352360-021623)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised on site by machinery operating on site and the wind in the early afternoon hours. While not all of the dust during windy conditions is raised at Metalico, the camera evidence clearly shows dust coming from the site and leaving the property. Though the sun’s position causes a glare, dust can still clearly be seen in the air originating from Metalico in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/16/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H352360-021623, and reviewed the time stamp on the (3) attachments dated 2/13/23. Your “Dust” complaint has been shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 13, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H352353-021623)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site during the afternoon hours of operation. The smoke can be seen separating from the plume and floating across the property line, including the River, and into the residential neighborhood. Though there is a glare on the camera that may enhance smoke emissions, they can still be clearly seen crossing the property line on multiple occasions as seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Reponse: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 2/16/23 VE / FE complaint, H352353-021623, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 2/13/23 at 13:00 hrs., Method 9 should be read in person on the Metalico side of the river. Your complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 9, 2023
Entered by: Angleo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H351585-020923)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:20 - 9:40 a.m. During that time the shredder was operating and producing excessive smoke emissions that frequently crossed their downriver property line, as illustrated in the attached photos.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your six (6) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 2/09/23 VE complaint, H351585-020923, and reviewed the six (6) attachments taken while you were onsite 2/09/23, the complaint was shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 8, 2023
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:10 - 9:50 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number. H351481-020823)
Description: I observed Metalico in-person from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:10 - 9:50 a.m. During that entire time the shredder at Metalico was operating and was frequently producing smoke emissions that were separating from the plume, as illustrated in the photos below. The sky was overcast at the time.
ACHD Response: Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, we received your six (6) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 2/08/23 VE complaint, H351481-020823, and reviewed the six (6) attachments taken while you were onsite 2/08/23, the complaint will be shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
February 2, 2023 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H351103-020523)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple opaque bursts of smoke come from the shredder on site. In the two pieces of camera evidence below one can observe the smoke emissions crossing the property line and river though the sun’s position may be exaggerating the emissions visibility.
February 2, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:50 - 10:05 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Dust emissions from Metalico operations
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H350952-020223)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:50 to 10:05 a.m. During that time a thick dust cloud was raised when a truck dumped it contents and the dust was visible at and beyond Metalico's property line (see photos below).
ACHD Response: Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, we received your three (3) photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 2/02/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H350952-020223, and reviewed the three (3) attachments taken while you were onsite 2/02/23, the complaint has been shared and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
February 2, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:50 - 10:05 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Smoke emissions and strong odor from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H350951-020223)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:50 - 10:05 a.m. During that time the shredder was operating and I observed smoke emissions coming from the shredder. I also experienced a very strong odor, the type of odor that residents typically smell when the shredder is operating. It smelled like burning rubber and plastic. Below are photos that I took while I was there.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, your four (4) still photographs of the Metalico operations taken while onsite 2/02/23, were reviewed for VE and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group. Odor is questionable and what we viewed in your photographs is a good example of steam, even in the separation of the plumes. Thank you again for using GovQA and for the real-time photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river, ACHD Air Quality.”
ACCAN response to ACHD's response: “I find your response troubling. You don't explain why you find my report of odor "questionable". Our experience, over the years, is that there aren't always large plumes of emissions coming from the shredder when we or residents experience strong odors; however, the shredder is running whenever there are these strong odors. Residents are the most experienced when it comes to these odors, because they have had to endure them for years. There is no doubt in their minds that the odor is coming from Metalico.”
January 31, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:20 a.m. - 7:40 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H350880-020223)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple bursts of opaque smoke come from the shredder on site during the 7 a.m. hour. The bursts cross the site’s property line to the west as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
January 13, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:55 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H349208-011723)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a burst of opaque smoke come from the shredder on site at approximately 8:55 a.m. Though this burst of smoke emissions is relatively short, about two minutes, it demonstrates that materials are sometimes put through the shredder that create problematic emissions that are not contained by the shredder. Below is camera evidence of the emissions noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 1/17/23 VE / FE complaint, H349208-011723, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 1/13/23. After the ACHD review of the ACCAN camera attachment, as shown, it’s been determined that there are no real-time evidence of problematic emissions leaving the shredder as stated in your complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
January 11, 2023
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H349036-011323)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site in the afternoon during which time the weather varied as did the opacity of the smoke emissions. During times it was overcast smoke can be seen separating from the plume and occasionally crossing the property line on site. Below are three examples of camera evidence from the time noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 1/13/23 VE / FE complaint, H349036-011323, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 1/11/23, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
January 9, 2023 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:54 p.m.
Observation: In person by resident in Emsworth across the river from Metalico
Type of Complaint: Excessive odor from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes, by Emsworth resident (Reference Number: H348564-010923)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “I opened my back door and was instantly hit with a wall of intense foul odors. It smelled like burning hoses, oil, rubber, and plastic. It was so strong and overwhelming that I instantly got a headache and my lungs/throat started to burn. It instantly left a foul metalic taste on my lips, in my nose and throat. I literally felt like I was going to pass out. If this had happened in the summer and I had my windows open, I would have had to evacuate my home. There’s been heavy emissions all day and the wind is visibly carrying the smog across the river into my neighborhood. This has been happening a lot over the past few months but I haven’t had the time to file a complaint. It’s also unusual because the odor is normally not this bad in the winter.”
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, your Emsworth photographs were reviewed for VE and your complaints were discussed. ACHD representatives followed-up the next day and scheduled an onsite meeting with Metalico’s upper management, Wednesday morning, 1/11/2023. Tuesday 1/10/23, ACHD representatives investigated both sides of the river for “Odor” and for “Visible / Fugitive Emissions”. ACHD Air Quality Representatives followed-up and discussed all complaints with Metalico, your photographs were reviewed and discussed during our onsite meeting. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality. JRB”
January 9, 2023 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:45 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust raised at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H348892-011223)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was dust raised by machinery operating within the open building along the Ohio River. The dust is pushed across the river as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 1/12/23 FE “Dust” complaint, H348892-011223, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 1/9/23, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
December 29, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H347312-010223)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a burst of opaque smoke come from the shredder on site and blow north across the Ohio River and into a residential area. Though the sun is not in the ideal place, excessive smoke emissions can still be distinguished from steam in the camera evidence below.
December 28, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H347155-122922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period of excessive opaque smoke emissions from approximately 11:45 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. During the time noted, multiple bursts of smoke can be seen separating from the plume, floating both across the Ohio River and to the southeast. In total, during the time noted, there is approximately 40 minutes worth of visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder. Four examples of emissions can be seen in the clips below.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, we received your four attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 12/29/22 VE / FE complaint, H347155-122922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 12/28/22. ACHD representatives were onsite earlier in the day, 12/28/22, and did not see what was depicted by the ACCAN camera attachments, taken from the Emsworth side of the river, while they were onsite. VE readings cannot be read or determined during that time of day (11:45 – 13:45 hrs.), especially from the ACCAN camera lens. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
December 22, 2022
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:35- 9:50 a.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H346690-122622)
Description: I was observing Metalico from a location in Emsworth across the river from about 9:35-9:50 a.m. on Thursday, December 22nd. The sky was overcast. During that time I observed what appeared to be smoke emissions separating from the plume coming from the shredder. This may have been condensed water vapor given the temperature but I am sending along for your evaluation. The attached photos seem to show such a definitive separation from the plume that I suspect was smoke emissions that were separating.
ACHD Response: “....thank you for using GovQA, your three (3) still photographs of the Metalico operations taken while you were onsite in Emsworth, 12/22/22, were reviewed for VE and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group. We agree with your interpretation of the plumes in your photographs, what we viewed in your photographs is a good example of steam (water vapor), even in the separation of the plumes. Thank you again for using GovQA and for the real-time photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river, ACHD Air Quality.
December 21, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H346668-122322)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com excessive opaque smoke emissions came from the shredder on site in the afternoon for approximately twenty-five minutes of the time referenced. Though the angle of the sun is not ideal, smoke can still be seen separating from the plume and crossing the property line to the north and north west as seen in the two examples below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four early morning attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 12/23/22 VE / FE complaint, H346666-122322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 12/21/22. The complaint has been reviewed and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group, given the temperature and what we viewed in the attachments from the ACCAN camera, it’s our belief that it’s nothing but steam (water vapor), even in the separation of the plumes. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
December 21, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H346666-122322)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com multiple bursts of opaque smoke emissions came from the shredder on site. Though some of these operations occurred before sunrise, smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing the property line for over half of the hour-long time referenced. Below are four examples of the emissions seen, primarily traveling southeast.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four early morning attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 12/23/22 VE / FE complaint, H346666-122322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 12/21/22. The complaint has been reviewed and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group, given the temperature and what we viewed in the attachments from the ACCAN camera, it’s our belief that it’s nothing but steam (water vapor), even in the separation of the plumes. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
December 16, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H346102-121922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com heavy opaque bursts of smoke came from the shredder consistently through the early afternoon. As seen in the two pieces camera evidence below smoke crosses the property line on site often and it is overcast throughout the day.
December 16, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H346100-121922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site during the noted morning hours. As smoke is seen separating from the plume it often crosses the property line on site as seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
December 16, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H346095-121922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site were heavy and sustained during the morning hours. Smoke often crosses the site’s property line when separating from the plume as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
December 14, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H345950-121622)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was dust visible in the air for a twenty minute long period around 9:00 a.m. Multiple vehicles and pieces of machinery can be seen raising the dust at the side of Metalico’s site, potentially pushing dust across the property line as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...Thank you for using GovQA, we received your complaints and multiple attachments from 12/14/2022 from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 12/14/2022 VE, FE, and dust complaint, complaint numbers (H345950-121622) and (H345943-121322). The complaint has been reviewed, recorded, and shared with Metalico. Follow up inspections will be conducted as the Neville Island is monitored multiple times weekly by ACHD. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
DZ”
December 13, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H345949-121622)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com excessive smoke emissions came from the shredder in sporadic bursts throughout the hour and a half long period from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. The emissions are opaque and it is overcast during the time noted as can be seen in the piece of camera evidence below.
November 23, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H343223-112522)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of smoke that came from the shredder on site throughout the afternoon. Opaque smoke blows both upstream and downstream when separating from the plume as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/25/22 VE / FE complaint, H343223-112522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/23/22, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 23, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H343222-112522)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com bursts of opaque smoke came from the shredder for extensive periods of time in the morning hours. Smoke can often be seen crossing the property line on site in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/25/22 VE / FE complaint, H343222-112522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/23/22, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 22, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H343138-112322)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of opaque smoke emissions that came from the shredder on site throughout the day. Smoke emissions can be seen occasionally crossing the site’s property line after separating from the plume in pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/23/22 VE / FE complaint, H343138-112322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/22/22, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 21, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H343137-112322)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com dust was continuously raised by machinery loading the barge from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. most of which is pushed across the river and into a residential neighborhood. Later in the afternoon dust can also be seen being raised by machinery and throughout the day there does not seem to be a water truck operating. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing the dust raised during the time noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/23/22 DUST complaint, H343137-112322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/21/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed, unfortunately with the sun and reflection off the river, the shots were drowned out. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 21, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:20 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H343136-112322)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com dust was raised continuously between approximately 10:20 a.m. until after 12:00 p.m. by machinery loading a barge. The dust is pushed across the river and into the residential community and the piles of material from which they were loading were not being wet down. Below are four examples of the dust raised during the time noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/23/22 DUST complaint, H343136-112322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/21/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed, this view is basically the same view as seen in your H343135-112322 complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 21, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H343135-112322)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period in the morning hours in which multiple opaque bursts of smoke came from the shredder on site. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and occasionally crossing the property line on site in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/23/22 VE complaint, H343135-112322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/21/22. What ACHD reviewed, seemed to be dust and not opacity VE as reported. This complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 16, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H342536-111822)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was an hour and a half long period during which multiple bursts of opaque smoke came from the shredder at Metalico. Through the time mentioned it is overcast and smoke can be seen separating from the plume and crossing the property line for the site as seen in the camera evidence on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/18/22 VE / FE complaint, H342536-111822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/16/22, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 10, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341498-111122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were numerous bursts of opaque smoke emissions that came from the shredder on site throughout the morning hours. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and often crossing the property line on site in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/11/22 VE / FE complaint, H341498-111022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/10/22, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 10, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341495-111122)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds of various sizes raised consistently throughout the morning hours and little to nothing was done to control the dust. Dust clouds are created primarily by machinery operating on site and it can occasionally be seen crossing the property line as visible in the four pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/11/22 DUST complaint, H341495-111122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/10/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 9, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341494-111122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site, the water truck, and the wind. Below are three pieces of camera evidence showing dust being raised and occasionally crossing the property line on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/11/22 DUST complaint, H341494-111122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/09/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 8, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341471-111022)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com dust clouds were raised throughout the afternoon. Little was done to control the dust as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/10/22 DUST complaint, H341471-111022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/08/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 8, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341461-111022)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were numerous dust clouds raised by various pieces of machinery operating on site throughout the morning hours. Below are three pieces of camera evidence as examples of the dust seen during the time noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/10/22 DUST complaint, H341461-111022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/08/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 7, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341452-111022)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds of various sizes raised by machinery operating on site and very little was done to control the dust. Below are two examples of the dust seen during the period noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/10/22 DUST complaint, H341452-111022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/07/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 7, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H341437-111022)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a ninety minute period in which multiple bursts of opaque smoke emissions can be seen coming from the shredder on site. The opacity of the emissions varies but smoke can be seen separating from the plume and often crossing the property line in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/10/22 VE / FE complaint, H341437-111022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 11/07/22, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
November 4, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:26 p.m. - ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive odor and emissions from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Continuous/ongoing since last complaint. Extremely overpowering odor of hot plastics/wiring/metal and even heavier emission clouds that can visibly be seen crossing the river heading into Emsworth with the wind.
Odor is so overwhelming that it’s leaving a dirty metalic taste on my lips as I try to rake the leaves in my yard. Today is my only free day to get yard work done and AGAIN, the filth from Metalico is forcing me, (and my neighbors), out of my own yard.”
November 4, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:05 p.m. - ongoing
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive odor and emissions from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes, by resident (Reference Number: H340593-110422)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Heavy odor (burning/melting hot plastics, wires, etc.) and opaque emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico. The odor has lasted now for a solid 10 min. and is making it difficult to work in my yard without wheezing. Also causing a severe headache.”
November 4, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H340980-110722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of opaque smoke emissions that came from the shredder on site during the morning hours. Smoke can be seen separating from the plume and often crossing the property line for the site in the four pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/07/22 VE / FE complaint, H340980-110722, and reviewed the time stamp on the four attachments dated 11/04/22. ACHD reviewed the attachments for VE, it was determined that the majority of what was represented in the attachments was mainly steam. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 31, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H340383-110322)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of smoke seen separating from the plume coming from the shredder on site. As can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below, the smoke emissions often cross the site’s property line and it is generally overcast throughout the day.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 11/03/22 VE / FE complaint, H340383-110322, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 10/31/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 25, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H339187-102622)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds raised on site throughout the afternoon by machinery, the water truck, and the wind. In the camera evidence below dust is visible being pushed toward the river and the water truck is not seen intervening on several occasions.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/26/22 DUST complaint, H339187-102622, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 10/25/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 24, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H339177-102622)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site. Dust can be seen crossing the property line and on occasions when scrap is being loaded onto trucks there is little to no intervention from the water truck.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/26/22 DUST complaint, H339177-102622, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 10/24/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 21, 2022 - Complaint #4
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 5:55 p.m. - 6:05 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338755-102422)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was an odd colored plume of smoke emissions that rose from the shredder just prior to 6 p.m. The burst of smoke emissions can be seen crossing the property line in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/24/22 VE / FE complaint, H338755-102422, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 10/21/22 at 6:00 PM, the complaint has been reviewed and shared with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 21, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338754-102422)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were opaque bursts of smoke that came from the shredder during the afternoon hours. In the two pieces of camera evidence seen below one can see the opacity of the smoke emissions varies and smoke occasionally crosses the site’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/24/22 VE / FE complaint, H338754-102422, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 10/21/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 21, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338748-102422)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com various pieces of machinery, the water truck and the wind all raised dust clouds on site throughout the day. The dust often crosses the river as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/24/22 DUST complaint, H338748-102422, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 10/21/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 21, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338745-102422)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed multiple bursts of smoke, which varied in opacity, coming from the shredder on site through the morning hours, much of which was overcast. Often the opaque smoke emissions cross the site's property line as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/24/22 VE / FE complaint, H338745-102422, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 10/21/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 20, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338609-102122)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site both outside and seemingly from within the main structure along the riverbank. The dust that is raised is carried across the river and into a residential neighborhood as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/21/22 DUST complaint, H338609-102122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 10/20/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 18, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338415-102022)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised on site by various pieces of machinery and the water truck. Dust crosses the property line in the camera evidence seen below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/20/22 DUST complaint, H338415-102022, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 10/18/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 17, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338409-102022)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised on site by multiple pieces of machinery, the water truck and the wind throughout the afternoon. One several occasions dust crosses the property line, as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/20/22 DUST complaint, H338409-102022, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 10/17/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 17, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H338274-101922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised by various pieces of machinery, the water truck, and the wind operating on site during the morning operating hours. Dust can often be seen crossing the property line in the four pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/19/22 DUST complaint, H338274-101922, and reviewed the time stamp on the four attachments dated 10/17/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 15, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337835-101722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds raised by both machinery and the water truck operating on site. As can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below dust also crosses the property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/17/22 DUST complaint, H337835-101722, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 10/15/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 14, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337832-101722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised on site throughout the afternoon hours. Dust clouds were raised by machinery operating within one of Metalico’s main structures along the Ohio River, as can be seen in one of the examples below. Dust was also raised by other pieces of machinery operating on site, the water truck, and heavy gusts of wind. On several occasions the dust can be seen crossing the property line on site. Below are three pieces of evidence showing the varying incidents in which dust was raised.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/17/22 DUST complaint, H337832-101722, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 10/14/22. ACHD reviewed the attachments showing Metalico operating equipment and machinery along the Ohio River, as well as them operating inside their open face building, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 12, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337637-101422)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several large dust clouds raised by both machinery and the water truck operating on site. Below is a piece of camera evidence showing dust raised during the time frame noted.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/14/22 DUST complaint, H337637-101422, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 10/12/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 12, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337626-101422)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period over two hours in the morning while machinery was loading the barge and there does not seem to be a water truck watering the pile to keep dust from being raised. Below are pieces of camera evidence from near the beginning and end of the incident.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/14/22 DUST complaint, H337626-101422, and reviewed the time stamp on the two attachments dated 10/12/22, when Metalico was loading the barge, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 11, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337283-101222)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of opaque smoke come from the shredder on site through the 2 p.m. hour. As can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below some of the smoke emitted from the shredder is visible crossing the property line on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/12/22 VE / FE complaint, H337283-101222, and reviewed the time stamp on the three attachments dated 10/11/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 11, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337279-101222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several dust clouds of various sizes raised on site through the 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. hours, many of which crossed the site’s property line. Below are multiple pieces of camera evidence showing dust being raised by both machinery and the water truck operating on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your four attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/12/22 DUST complaint, H337279-101222, and reviewed the time stamp on the four attachments dated 10/11/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 11, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:05 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337273-101222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a dust cloud raised on site by either the machinery or the water truck. Below is a piece of camera evidence of the incident.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/12/22 DUST complaint, H337273-101222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 10/11/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 10, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:15 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337271-101222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised by both machinery and the water truck operating on site. Below is camera evidence of the incident.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/12/22 DUST complaint, H337271-101222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 10/10/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 10, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H337267-101222)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of opaque smoke come from the shredder on site through the morning hours. The opacity of the smoke emissions vary but they consistently occur throughout this several hour period. Below are two pieces of camera evidence, one from the 8 a.m. hour and one from the 11 a.m. hour, as examples of some of the smoke emissions seen.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/12/22 VE / FE complaint, H337267-101222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 10/10/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 7, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H336893-101122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed multiple bursts of opaque smoke that came from the shredder on site, some of which is visible crossing the site’s property line. Below is camera evidence showing the bursts of smoke from the shredder.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/11/22 VE / FE complaint, H336893-101122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 10/07/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality ”
October 7, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number:H336753-100722)
Description: I observed Metalico from across the river in Emsworth. During the time I was there, the sky was overcast and the shredder at Metalico was producing excessive smoke emissions. The photos below show examples of these emissions.
ACHD Response: “Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, we received your six still photograph attachments taken from the Emsworth location. ACHD reviewed your 10/07/22 complaint, H336753-100722, and reviewed your comments regarding “VE” visible emissions. The photographs were reviewed and noted that the stills were uploaded 10/07/22. The photographs were discussed with Metalico prior to completing and closing this complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 6, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H336791-100822)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were bursts of opaque smoke emissions that came from the shredder on site throughout the day. Two examples of such emissions can be seen below in the camera evidence, some of which crosses the property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/08/22 VE / FE complaint, H336791-100822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 10/06/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
October 5, 2022 – Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:40 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H336771-100722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised by both the water truck and machinery operating on site. The dust that is raised seems to go across the river into a residential neighborhood as can be seen by the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/07/22 DUST complaint, H336771-100722, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 10/05/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
October 5, 2022 – Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:15 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H336790-100822)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com smoke emissions came from the shredder on site throughout the day with a particularly heavy period from approximately 12:15 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. The opacity of the bursts of smoke vary and much of them are visible crossing the property line. Below are two pieces of camera evidence of the beginning and end of the time frame referenced.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 10/08/22 VE / FE complaint, H336790-100822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 10/05/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality”
September 29, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:20 a.m. - 10:30 a.m
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H335757-093022)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period in which excessive opaque smoke emissions came from the shredder on site. Through the time mentioned it was overcast as can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/30/22 VE / FE complaint, H335757-093022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 9/29/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 26, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H335620-092922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised on multiple occasions throughout the day. Dust crosses the property line by both machinery and the water truck operating on site as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/29/22 DUST complaint, H335620-092922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/26/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 21, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H334838-092322)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple bursts of opaque smoke that came from the shredder on site during the period noted. It was overcast through much of the day and below are two pieces of camera evidence as examples of the smoke emissions seen during the time referenced.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/23/22 VE / FE complaint, H334838-092322, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/21/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 15, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H333714-091622)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple small dust clouds raised by operations on site through the late morning and early afternoon. While not all of the dust clouds were significant a few larger dust clouds were also raised during the time frame. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing dust being raised by various machinery and a vehicle that seems to be a water truck.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/16/22 dust complaint, H333714-091622, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/15/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 14, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H333707-091622)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a dust cloud raised by machinery and a vehicle, which appears to be a water truck, operating on site. Below is camera evidence that shows dust being raised by machinery before the truck also raises dust.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/16/22 dust complaint, H333707-091622, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 9/14/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 8, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H332665-090922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised by machinery operating on site in the early 6 p.m. hour and there was little done to control the dust clouds. Below is camera evidence displaying some of the dust raised during the event.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/09/22 dust complaint, H332665-090922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/08/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 8, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H332601-090922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised by vehicles and machinery operating on site through the day, especially the afternoon. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing the dust raised in the time referenced and the action, or lack of action, taken to control the dust.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/09/22 dust complaint, H332601-090922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/09/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 8, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:10 a.m. - 11:20 a.m
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H332595-090922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several large bursts of smoke that vary in opacity that came from the shredder on site and blew southeast across Metalico’s property line. Below is camera evidence of the incident.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/09/22 VE / FE complaint, H332595-090922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 9/08/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 2, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H331665-090522)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple dust clouds raised throughout the day from various pieces of machinery operating on site. The dust that is raised is often visible beyond the property line and little to nothing is often done to diminish or control the dust emissions. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing some of the dust that was raised.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/05/22 dust complaint, H331665-090522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/02/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
September 1, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:40 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H331607-090222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were dust clouds raised by the water truck operating on site. Though the vehicle's purpose is to water-down piles to prevent dust from being raised by the site's operations, it nonetheless raises dust while operating. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing the operation and dust clouds raised.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/02/22 dust complaint, H331607-090222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 9/01/22. I do want to remind you that the enhanced speed of the ACCAN Camera is not true video and doesn’t capture the true extent of what is being reviewed in real time. The vehicle that you reported as creating the dust, is the water truck doing its job, please review the speed of the vehicle (water truck) in your attachment as the vehicle travels from one side of the facility to the other side. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
ACCAN Response: “Hello and thank you for the response. The speed of the water truck is not what the complaint is about and furthermore the enhanced speed of the camera simply speeds up what one is viewing and does not change the intensity of what is being viewed. Just as the waves from passing boats in the camera evidence is sped-up and not intensified, so the same can be said about smoke and dust. The speed of the camera does not change the density or intensity of dust and smoke, just the amount of time it is being viewed. The resident who lives with this camera has reiterated that this matches their lived experience. Furthermore, though the water truck may be doing its job that does not preclude it from also raising dust which can be a violation. The CREATE Lab camera system takes a still photograph every five seconds that is then stitched together to create what one views. The same description is used by the EPA in their Notice of Violation in October 2021. This is why I consistently reference this as "camera evidence" and not "video evidence" in the complaints I submit. Additionally, if it is preferred, in the future I will send individual still shots of dust or smoke to accompany the camera evidence submitted. ”
September 1, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:40 a.m. - 12:00 p.m
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H331601-090222)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several very large bursts of opaque smoke emissions that came from the shredder for almost fifteen minutes straight. Heavier smoke emissions were seen at multiple points throughout the day as well and in the noted incident the smoke blew southeast and was visible across Metalico’s property line. Below is the camera evidence showing the emissions that came from the metal shredder.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/02/22 VE / FE complaint, H331601-090222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 9/01/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 31, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. and 1:40 p.m
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H331596-090222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were several times throughout the day when significant dust clouds were raised by machinery, as well as the water truck, operating on site. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing the dust that was raised through the early afternoon and the dust crossing Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 9/02/22 dust complaint, H331596-090222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 8/31/22. I do want to remind you that the enhanced speed of the ACCAN Camera is not true video and doesn’t capture the true extent of what is being reviewed in real time, please review the speed of the passing boat in your attachment. Also, one of the vehicles that you reported as creating the dust, is the water truck doing its job, please review the speed of the vehicle (water truck) in your attachment as the vehicle travels from one side of the facility to the other side. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 30, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H331197-083122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were excessive emissions from the shredder throughout the day, including during the 8 a.m. hour as well as the period from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. during which opaque smoke emissions came from the shredder for approximately fifteen minutes. Similar smoke emissions were seen coming from the shredder at approximately 12:00 p.m. as well. It is overcast through the time referenced and emissions blow both southeast as can be seen in the three pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/31/22 dust complaint, H331197-083122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 8/30/22. After reviewing the attachments, we see dust at first and we see the water truck coming through and watering. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 29, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H331175-083122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com, dust was raised by machinery operating on site and was carried southeast. Below is camera evidence showing the event.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/31/22 dust complaint, H331175-083122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/29/22. After reviewing the attachment, we see dust, for a short period of time, on the Neville Metals side of the facility. The dust complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 26, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H330838-082922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period in which dust clouds were raised on site due to inaction in wetting the piles as trucks were being loaded. Below are two pieces of camera evidence showing the dust raised during the noted time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/29/22 dust complaint, H330838-082922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 8/26/22. After reviewing the attachments, we see dust at first and we see the water truck coming through and parked at the dock area. The dust complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 24, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H330355-082522)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were two incidents of excessive smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site – once at approximately 11:00 a.m. and yet again just after 12:00 p.m. The latter incident seems to have blown smoke across the river and into the residential neighborhood. Both incidents can be seen be captured on camera below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/25/22 VE / FE complaint, H330355-082522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 8/24/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 24, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised and smoke emissions from the shredder on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H330350-082522)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a large dust cloud raised by a vehicle operating on site. The vehicle seems to be a water truck but it raised dust while driving through the site nonetheless. Below is camera evidence showing the event.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/25/22 dust complaint, H330350-082522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/24/22. After reviewing the attachment, we see dust at first and we see the water truck coming through watering the facility. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 22, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H330346-082522)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a 45-minute period during which there was approximately 20 minutes of excessive smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site. It was overcast during the time noted and emissions primarily blew east and southeast. Below is camera evidence of emissions seen during the time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/25/22 VE complaint, H330346-082522, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 8/22/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 19, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H329514-082222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was an extended period in which dust clouds were raised by various pieces of machinery and vehicles operating on site and there was little done to control the dust being raised – the pile from which the truck was being loaded was not wetted down. Below are three pieces of camera evidence showing the dust clouds seen coming from Metalico during the time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/22/22 dust complaint, H329514-082222, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 8/19/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 18, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H329269-081922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a one hour period in which multiple dust clouds were raised by machinery operating on site and little to nothing was done to wet down the pile(s) from which the dust came. Below are three examples of the dust clouds seen coming from Metalico during the time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/19/22 dust complaint, H329269-081922, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 8/18/22, the complaint has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 16, 2022 - Complaint #4
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H328947-081822)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a large opaque burst of smoke that came from the metal shredder on site at approximately 2:45 p.m. It is overcast during the time referenced and the smoke blows northwest, potentially across Metalico’s property line. Camera evidence of the incident can be seen below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/18/22 VE/FE complaint, H328947-081822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/16/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 16, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:50 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H328941-081822)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed two dust clouds raised by machinery and vehicles on site at approximately 1:50 p.m. and again at 1:54 p.m. It is overcast during the time and the dust blows across the river, north and northwest. The dust clouds can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/18/22 dust complaint, H328941-081822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/16/22. After reviewing the attachment, we see dust at first and we see the water truck coming through watering on the shredder side. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 16, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H328937-081822)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a thirty minute period that contained approximately twelve minutes of opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site. During this time it is mostly overcast and the smoke blows northwest, potentially across Metalico’s property line. Three pieces of camera evidence showing the event can be seen below.
ACHD Reponse: “... thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/18/22 VE/FE complaint, H328937-081822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/16/22, the compliant has been reviewed. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 16, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:50 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H328924-081822)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a large dust cloud raised by a vehicle on site at approximately 7:50 a.m. The dust blew north and northwest across the river. The event can be seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/18/22 dust complaint, H328924-081822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/16/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 15, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H328914-081822)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a ten minute period in which multiple dust clouds were raised by various pieces of machinery on both sides of Metalico’s site along the Ohio River. Below is camera evidence showing the event.
ACHD Response: “thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/18/22 dust complaint, H328914-081822, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/15/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 12, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H328218-081522)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were numerous dust clouds raised on site. Through the two hour period referenced, multiple clouds were raised by activity on site, as can be seen in the two pieces of camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/15/22 dust complaint, H328218-081522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 8/12/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 10, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H327959-081222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed excessive amounts of dust being raised on site, especially between approximately 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Though the water truck is operating during the time noted, it is stationary, applying water to one spot. An example of the dust is seen in the camera evidence below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/12/22 DUST complaint, H327959-081222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/10/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 9, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H327687-081122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a period of excessive opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site. Through the time of the incident it was overcast and the visible smoke blew southeast. Below is an example of the emissions seen during this time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/11/22 complaint, H327687-081122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/09/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 3, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:25 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H327071-080522)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed dust being created by various vehicles on site throughout the day. During the period seen on camera below, dust is raised by multiple vehicles going both upstream and downstream from the site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/05/22 dust complaint, H327071-080522, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 8/03/22. After reviewing the attachment, we see dust at first and we see the water truck following. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
August 1, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:20 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H326745-080322)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a large opaque burst of smoke rise from the shredder on site. It is overcast through the event and there is also a spike in an air quality monitor in Emsworth that occurs simultaneously.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera and the snapshot from the Emsworth monitor. ACHD reviewed your 8/03/22 complaint, H326745-080322, and reviewed the time stamp on the ACCAN attachment dated 8/01/22, as well as the snapshot data from the Emsworth monitor. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 29, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H326437-080122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed a two hour period of excessive emissions coming from the shredder on site. During the time noted, it is often overcast and the opacity of smoke emissions vary. On a few occasions the emissions seem to cross the site’s property line as can be seen in the three examples below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 8/01/22 complaint, H326437-080122, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 7/29/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 27, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H326077-072922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there was a period of excessive emissions in which smoke from the shredder on site crossed the property line blowing northwest. The day was overcast as can be seen in the example below of emissions during the noted time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/29/22 complaint, H326077-072922, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 7/27/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 26, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H325770-072722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed a period in which multiple dust clouds were raised on site. During the time it is mostly overcast and the dust clouds blow northwest. Below are two examples of the dust clouds seen.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/27/22 dust complaint, H325770-072722, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 7/26/22. I do want to remind you that the enhanced speed of the ACCAN Camera is not true video and doesn’t capture the true extent of what is being reviewed in real time, please review the speed of the passing boat in your attachment. Also, the vehicle that you reported as creating the dust, is the water truck doing its job, please review the speed of the vehicle (water truck) in your attachment as the vehicle travels from one side of the facility to the other side. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 21, 2022
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: In person from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H324928-072122)
Description: I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. The shredder was running and often producing visible smoke emissions as shown in the photos below. The wind was blowing into Emsworth for much of the time and there was an industrial smell blowing from Metalico. It irritated my throat so much that I had to put on a mask.
ACHD Response: Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, we received your five still photograph attachments taken from the Emsworth location. ACHD reviewed your 7/21/22 complaint, H324928-072122, and reviewed your comments regarding odor, as well as VE/FE. The photographs were reviewed and noted that the stills were uploaded 7/21/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
July 20, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H325052-072222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed heavy smoke emissions through the 12 p.m. hour with approximately fourteen minutes of opaque smoke seen coming from the shredder during the time. Below is an example of the emissions seen during the time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/22/22 complaint, H325052-072222, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 7/20/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 20, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H325051-072222)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observe opaque smoke emissions from the shredder on site throughout the majority of the day with fourteen minutes of opaque smoke emissions during the 8 a.m. hour, twenty-seven minutes during the 9 a.m. hour and twenty-one minutes during the 10 a.m. hour. The heavy smoke emissions from the shredder during the late 10 a.m. and early 11 a.m. hour align with a spike in the PM 2.5 data from the Emsworth RAMP monitor. Below are three examples of the emissions seen during this time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera and the monitor snapshot. ACHD reviewed your 7/22/22 complaint, H325051-072222, and reviewed the time stamp on the ACCAN attachments dated 7/20/22, as well as the snapshot of the monitor. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 19, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H324691-072022)
Description: When watching Metalico at accancamera.com I observed a burst of opaque smoke emissions that came from the shredder beginning at approximately 8:45 a.m. The emissions blew to the southeast. Below is camera evidence of the incident.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/20/22 complaint, H324691-072022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 7/19/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 18, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 4:55 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H324687-072022)
Description: When watching Metalico on accancamera.com I observed two separate bursts of opaque smoke emissions seemingly coming from the shredder on site. These bursts occurred after normal operating hours, while there was very little activity on site, and while it was overcast. Below are the two bursts observed.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/20/22 complaint, H324687-072022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 7/18/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 18, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H324680-072022)
Description: When watching Metalico on accancamera.com I observed a period of excessive opaque smoke emissions from the shredder on site. Through the one hour period there was a minimum of twenty-three minutes of smoke emissions. The observation was made while it was overcast and below are two examples of the emissions seen during this time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/20/22 complaint, H324680-072022, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 7/18/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 15, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m. (and throughout the day)
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H324316-071822)
Description: Throughout the day as Metalico operated vehicles moving scrap, there was little to nothing done by water trucks on site to keep dust from being raised by activity. This can be seen at many points through the day, both in the morning and afternoon. One example from the morning hours is below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/18/22 dust complaint, H324316-071822, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 7/15/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 12, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:40 a.m. - 8:10 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds raised on site at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H323823-071422)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a period where several dust clouds were raised due to operations on the southeast side of the site. Below are two examples of the dust raised during this period.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/14/22 dust complaint, H323823-071422, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 7/12/22. After reviewing the attachments, we see dust at first and we see the water truck coming through. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 12, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H323816-071422)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed an extended period, for some of which it was overcast, when multiple bursts of opaque smoke rose from the shredder on site. Through the 7 a.m. hour four bursts of smoke produced approximately twelve minutes of smoke emissions and through the 8 a.m. hour six bursts also produced approximately twelve minutes of emissions. Below are three examples of the smoke emissions seen during this period.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/14/22 complaint, H323816-071422, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachments dated 7/12/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
July 5, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H322568-070622)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a thirty minute period during which there was over twenty minutes of opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site. Through the time referenced it is overcast and the majority of emissions flow northwest, some of which seems to cross Metalico’s property line. Below are three examples of the emissions seen during this time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your three attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/06/22 VE complaint, H322568-070622, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 7/05/22, the compliant has been reviewed and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 29, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H322169-070122)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed a thirty-minute period of almost continuous light opaque smoke emissions rising from the shredder on site. In the thirty-minute period there are approximately twenty-minutes of smoke emissions coming from the shredder. Below are two examples of the emissions from this time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 7/01/22 VE/FE complaint, H322169-070122, and reviewed the time stamps on the two attachments dated 6/29/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 28, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:55 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H321707-062922)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed dust clouds being raised on site though the water truck seemed to be operating. Below is an example of a dust cloud being raised on the east side of the site and extending over Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 6/29/22 dust complaint, H321707-062922, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 6/28/22. We see the dust that you were referring to, the water truck on the Neville Metal side may have kicked up the dust while it was watering the Neville Metal side, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 28, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H321700-062922)
Description: When watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I observed an extended period of excessive smoke emissions from the shredder on site. Through the nine o’clock hour there was approximately 20 minutes of opaque smoke emissions and through the ten o’clock hour there was approximately 17 minutes of smoke emissions. Below are a few examples of the type of emissions seen through this period.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 6/29/22 VE/FE complaint, H321700-062922, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 6/28/22, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 23, 2022
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Very excessive smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H320845-062322)
Description: I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth from about 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. this morning. During that time the shredder was operating and producing some smoke emissions. From about 9:58 - 10:00 a.m. the shredder produced extremely heavy smoke emissions. I have been certified as a smoke reader in the past and know the difference between steam and smoke. As you can see in the photos below, the smoke at times shows a clear separation from the plume and is, at times, 100% opaque.
ACHD Response (received on 8/4/22): Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, we received your eight still photograph attachments taken from the Emsworth location. ACHD reviewed your 6/23/22 complaint, H320845-062322, and reviewed your comments regarding “VE” visible emissions. The photographs were reviewed and noted that the stills were uploaded 6/23/22. The photographs were discussed with Metalico prior to completing and closing this complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.
June 22, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H321249-062722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera at accancamera.com I witnessed a period of excessive emissions from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. during which there was at least seventeen minutes of opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site. The emissions later in the hour also correlate with a spike in the PM 2.5 readings at the Emsworth ramp monitor. Below is an image of the data correlating with the spike and a video showing the type of smoke emissions seen during the time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera and the data from the Emsworth PM monitor. ACHD reviewed your 6/27/22 complaint, H321249-062722, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 6/22/22, thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 20, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds from Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H320757-062322)
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com I observed dust being raised on site throughout the day despite the water truck operating. Dust is raised on different parts of the site, both to the west and east of the shredder and is visible beyond Metalico’s property line. Below are two examples of the variety of dust clouds raised through the 2:00 p.m. hour.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 6/23/22 dust complaint, H320757-062322, and reviewed the time stamps on the two attachments dated 6/20/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 20, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H320749-062322)
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com I observed an extended period of sustained smoke emissions coming from the shredder on site. Through the hour, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. there are more than ten minutes of opaque smoke emissions coming from multiple bursts of smoke. It is overcast throughout the period observed and below is an example of emissions seen from 2:51 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 6/23/22 VE / FE complaint, H320749-062322, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 6/20/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 20, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:50 a.m. - 10:55 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H320746-062322)
Description: While watching Metalico on accancamera.com I observed an odd colored plume of smoke come from the shredder on site from approximately 10:51 a.m. to 10:54 a.m. This plume was observed while it was overcast and the smoke blew southeast.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, ACHD reviewed your 6/23/22 complaint, H320746-062322, your complaint states that you observed an odd colored plume while watching the ACCAN camera 6/20/22. ACHD reviewed the 6/20/22 attachment and the timestamp, the attachment was discussed with Metalico prior to completing and closing this complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 14, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H319962-061822)
Description: While watching Metalico on accancamera.com I observed an extended period of heavy opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m while it was overcast. Below is an example of the smoke emissions blowing southeast potentially across Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 6/18/22 VE / FE complaint, H319962-061822, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 6/14/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
June 6, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. (Ongoing)
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth by resident
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions and heavy odors from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H317954-060622)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Cream colored emissions coming from the shredder and lingering around the shredder for extended periods of time. Smells like burning piles of plastics/metal/rubber. The smell is overwhelming and overpowering today. I had to stop working in my yard because it’s so bad that you can’t be outside continually breathing it in. Causing headache, nausea, and leaves an acrid metalic taste on your lips and in your nose. My neighbor had to bring her kids inside the house because the smell is so strong. (It’s interesting that there was zero smell this weekend when they weren’t operating) The wind is blowing today and it’s pushing all that toxic air into my neighborhood. Again, Metalico is directly impacting my community’s daily activities in an extreme and negative way. Why are they allowed to continually … all over our rights and be the neighbor from hell? None of the other businesses on Neville Island impact us to the point where we have to literally stop our daily activities and hide inside our homes until the smell goes away. Why should we be forced to rearrange our lives for this filthy, irresponsible, polluter-business who can’t seem to get their shit together to mitigate the mess they create daily? What if it was your kid who you had to drag inside because the odor is too toxic to breathe?”
June 2, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H317772-060422)
Description: When watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com there were frequent bursts of opaque smoke from the shredder on site. Through the 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. hours there were approximately twelve minutes per hour of opaque smoke emissions and through the 11:00 a.m. hour there were almost twenty minutes of heavy smoke emissions and it was overcast the majority of the day. Below is camera evidence displaying what these emissions look like.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 6/04/22 complaint,H317772-060422, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 6/02/22.Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 26, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:33 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Bursts of opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H316805-052722)
Description: I observed the operation of Metalico’s shredder in person from across the river in Emsworth. During this time I saw the shredder produce several bursts of opaque smoke emissions as shown in the photos below. Some of these emissions drifted toward the property line.
ACHD Responses: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your complaint and the four (4) photograph attachments taken from the Emsworth’s side of the river. ACHD reviewed your 5/27/22 complaint, H316805-052722, and reviewed the four (4) photograph attachments for VE. The photographs that were reviewed by ACHD, were dated 5/26/22, it would be helpful if the photographs had an actual time stamp. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
“Thank you for your response. On my computer, I can see a timestamp. When I bring up a photo, there is an “i” symbol in the top right side of the photo that includes file information, including a time stamp. Using the last digit of each photo, the respective times are: (1) 9:36 a.m.; (2) 9:59 a.m. (3) 9:46 a.m.; and (4) 9:46 a.m.”
May 26, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H316776-052722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera from accancamera.com I observed several heavy periods of opaque smoke emissions from the shredder on site from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Below are two examples of bursts of smoke emissions that occurred during this time frame.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/27/22 complaint, H316776-052722, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 5/26/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 25, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:45 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H316761-052722)
Description: While watching Metalico on camera from accancamera.com there were excessive opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder. The smoke from the shredder seems to blow across the property line and into residential areas. There were many bursts of smoke that occurred during the morning hours and below is an example of one of the heavier periods of emissions.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/27/22 complaint, H316761-052722, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 5/25/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 23, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy and consistent emissions from the shredder at Metalico throughout the day
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H316338-052522)
Description: When viewing Metalico on camera at accancamera.com there were multiple periods of heavy opaque emissions throughout the day. Below is an example of excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico from 9:02 a.m. to 9:06 a.m. Though this is an example of a heavier burst of smoke, throughout the hour, and much of the day, lighter smoke emissions were visible and sustained.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/25/22 complaint, H316338-052522, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 5/23/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 20, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy and consistent emissions from the shredder at Metalico throughout the day
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H316074-052422)
Description: When viewing Metalico on camera from accancamera.com there were excessive emissions throughout the day, particularly during the 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. hours. Through many of the hours it was fairly overcast and the opaque smoke emissions were both heavy and sustained. During the 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. hours there were at least five bursts of smoke during each respective hour that add up to at least fifteen minutes per hour of heavy smoke emissions. During the 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. hours there are several periods of heavy emissions, two of which can be seen in the examples of emissions below. Two examples are also shown from the morning hours.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/24/22 complaint, H316074-052422, and reviewed the morning and afternoon attachments that were time stamp dated, 5/20/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 20, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m.
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy odors and emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H315695-052022)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident “Metalico’s shredder belched out these heavy cream-colored emissions at 12:08pm and a few minutes later the wind blew an incredibly overwhelming odor of hot, melting plastics/metal/garbage into my home. It’s been ongoing both with emissions and sickening odors ever since then. The odor is so bad today that I’ve had to cancel a planned visit of some friends because I don’t want them getting sick by the smell while sitting on my porch.” Below is an image of the event.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, your five (5) photographs of the Metalico operations taken Friday 5/20/22, at your Emsworth location, were reviewed for VE and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group and Metalico. Your complaint and photographs were not the only ones that ACHD received Friday 5/20/22. Thank you again for using GovQA and for the real-time photographs taken from your Emsworth side of the river, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 19, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H315717-052122)
Description: Through the day there were excessive emissions that occurred in short bursts coming from the shredder at Metalico. One of the most sustained periods of opaque emissions that occurred while it was fairly overcast, from 2:04 p.m. to 2:08 p.m. is shown below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/21/22 complaint, H315717-052122, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachment dated 5/19/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 19, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:20 - 9:50 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Almost continuous smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H315606-051922 )
Description: I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth from 9:20 - 9:50 a.m. when the sky was overcast. During that time the shredder was producing almost continuous opaque smoke emissions that often created a haze over the site as shown in the photos below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, and for the seven (7) photographs of the Metalico operations, taken while you were onsite in Emsworth Thursday morning, 5/19/22. The photographs were reviewed for VE and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group and shared with Metalico. Thank you for the photographs and again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 18, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Almost continuous emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H315716-052122)
Description: Through almost the entire day there were emissions, which included heavy and sustained smoke, coming from the shredder at Metalico. There are many overcast periods through the day and smoke bursts occur consistently correlating with a spike in the air quality monitor across the river from the site. Below are three pieces of camera evidence showing what the bursts of smoke from the shredder look like through the time frame mentioned and an image of the air quality monitor data from Avalon.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/21/22 complaint, H315716-052122, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 5/18/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 18, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. (continuous throughout the day)
Observation: In person across the river in Emsworth by Emsworth Resident
Type of Complaint: Extreme Noise Complaint
Submitted to ACHD: No
Description: In the words of the Emsworth Resident, “Metalico is using two loaders to dump heavy metal scrap 20+ feet into a metal barge. The noise has been constant for hours and it’s deafening. It travels straight through the walls of my home and sounds like heavy cars are being dropped/crushed next to my window. The vibration from the metal dumps hitting the metal barge causes my entire home to shake. It’s like mini-earthquakes every few minutes. I’m literally wearing earplugs in my own home and can feel the vibration through my feet. My home is less than 1,400 feet away and directly across the river. The open-sided “building” acts like an amplifier in the valley and directs that noise straight into my RESIDENTIAL community. Metalico is BEYOND a “nuisance” company and a poor neighbor. The families, ( no toddlers are napping through this…), and people who work from home, (can’t make phone calls when it sounds like WW III outside), are being forced to endure eardrum-shattering noises that are WAY above what is an acceptable and safe decibel level for hours on end. They are invading and destroying our homes, our health, our livelihoods, and quality of life. This is not right. COMPANIES LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE SO CLOSE TO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD!!!” The camera evidence below shows the activity on site during the time of the complaint including the barge being loaded and materials being moved constantly.
May 18, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Observation: In person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Frequent opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H315514-051822)
Description: I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth from approximately 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. today. During that time the shredder was often producing opaque smoke emissions and those emissions were often creating a haze over the site (as shown in the photos below). The operation of the shredder and the emissions were also producing an industrial odor.
ACHD Responses: “...thank you for using GovQA, the eight (8) photographs of the Metalico operations taken while you were onsite in Emsworth 5/18/22, were reviewed for VE and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group. As you are aware , I was on both sides of the river viewing the Metalico operations that morning, we met on the Emsworth side, while onsite, I spoke with a couple of your colleagues regarding odor and the photographing of VE. ACHD does not read from a camera, enlarging (enhancing) photographs does not support what we actually see in person. Industrial odors were also mentioned in this complaint, industrial odors may be coming from Neville Island, but not necessarily coming from Metalico as suggested. Thank you for using GovQA and for the photographs, ACHD reviews the photographs to determine possible operation problems, if determined, it’s discussed with Metalico. Thank you again, ACHD Air Quality.”
“Thank you for responding to my complaint. I am puzzled by your comments concerning the photographic data that we submit. Back in January you were questioning the validity of the CREATE lab camera data, When we asked about that we were told to submit our questions through the GovQA system which we did on 3/4/22 (Ref. # H303880-030422). We never received any response to the questions that we submitted. In the case of in person photographs, our experience differs from yours. We believe that the photographs we take of Metalico’s operations do support what we actually see in person.”
“Concerning odors, when we were there on May 18th we were smelling different types of odors, not just the typical odor that [Emsworth resident] smells when the Metalico shredder is operating. While you may not have the documentation to cite Metalico for an odor complaint, we think you should respect the years-long observations of residents. Whether you intend it or not, your statement about odor supports what Metalico has been saying for years, i.e., that what we see and smell couldn’t be coming from their operation. Residents have for years reported the smell of burning plastic and rubber when Metalico’s shredder is operating. They are there every day, so we believe what they believe, i.e., that they can trust what they see and smell. In addition to that, on the day of the April 14, 2021 Metalico fire, residents from the larger community reported smelling burning plastic and rubber. There was even a resident about five miles away that reported smelling burning plastic and rubber. There is no denying the source of the smoke that carried the odor into the community that day. The material that was burning at Metalico that day was material that they put through their shredder. For us, this creates a link between what residents were smelling that day and what they have been smelling for years when Metalico’s shredder operates. So, yes, there are other industrial odors that come from Neville Island that don’t come from Metalico, but the odor that comes from the operation of the shredder at Metalico is distinctive and the residents know the difference.”
May 11 & 12
May 10, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Numerous bursts of smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H314764-051322)
Description: Over a two hour long period there were numerous bursts of opaque emissions from the shredder at Metalico. From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. there were at least seven bursts and from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. another seven, a total of five of which were sustained for five or more minutes. Below are three examples of the emissions over this extended period of time.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/13/22 complaint, H314764-051322, and reviewed the time stamps on the attachments dated 5/10/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
May 5, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:20 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H313755-050722)
Description: The shredder at Metalico emitted a heavy burst of emissions that crossed the site’s property line and blew into residential areas during the afternoon’s operations. It was overcast during the time when the polluting event occurred from approximately 2:18 p.m. to 2:28 p.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 5/07/22 complaint, H313755-050722, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 5/05/22. After review of the 5/07/22 complaint and the 5/05/22 attachment, VE/FE could not be determined nor the fact that anything was leaving property boundaries as mentioned in the complaint. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 21, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:10 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.org
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H312225-042722)
Description: At 9:10 a.m. there is a large burst of heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico that blows across the site’s property line. There are consistent emissions through the day and it is fairly overcast.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 4/27/22 complaint, H312225-042722, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 4/21/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 20, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H312221-042722)
Description: Through the day there were bursts of emissions from the shredder at Metalico with the heaviest occurring at 12:30 p.m. as seen in the camera evidence below. The burst crosses Metalico’s property line and blow into residential areas.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera. ACHD reviewed your 4/27/22 complaint, H312221-042722, and reviewed the time stamp on the attachment dated 4/20/22. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 15, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy and thick odor and emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310513-041522)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Again today, for a solid two hours so far, Metalico has been belching out noxious fumes from the shredder operation. It smells like someone dumped car parts, vinyl seating, tires, electrical wire and oil into a barrel and lit it on fire. The smell is overwhelming and, again, it makes it impossible to work outside in my yard. The odor is causing headaches, dizziness, and it leaves a foul metalic/motor oil type taste on the lips and in the throat. The heavy winds are blowing the odor directly across the river into my neighborhood.” Below is camera evidence that shows the shredder operating at 11:00 a.m. during the time of the complaint.
April 14, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muizka-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy and consistent emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310859-041822)
Description: Through the afternoon there were consistent heavy emissions from the shredder at Metalico, much of which crossed the site’s property line. Below is camera evidence that shows opaque emissions blowing from the shredder, some of which blow across the river and into residential areas.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamp on the attachments, complaint H310859-041822 was received 4/18/22 and the attachments were from 4/14/22. Your complaint and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 13, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Large dust clouds at Metalico’s site
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310853-041822)
Description: Throughout the day dust blew through the air at Metalico’s site. The worst offense was at 2:00 p.m. though throughout the two o’clock hour there was a significant amount of dust that seemed to blow into residential areas.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamp on the attachments, complaint H310853-041822 was received 4/18/22 and the attachments were from 4/13/22. Your complaint and attachments were reviewed for (dust) FE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 13, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy and thick odor of burning plastic/metal/rubber/car parts/electrical wire
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310159-041322)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “EXTREMELY HEAVY AND THICK odor of burning plastic, metal, rubber, car parts, electrical wire. Etc. It smells so… bad outside that I literally got dizzy and started sweating after breathing it in for less than a minute. It was like being trapped in a closed garage with a car running and a barrel of trash being lit on fire. I can’t do yard work in my own… yard because the smell is so overwhelming that I’m forced to stay in my home with all the windows/doors sealed. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MORE THAN 4 YEARS! My neighbors and I have been filing complaints about this odor for MORE THAN 4 YEARS, yet NOTHING IS DONE!!! WHAT the hell are we being forced to breathe in? WHY does this odor give my community severe headaches and dizziness? WHY does this odor leave a sick oily metalic taste on our lips and in our throats????? Metalico feeds that shredder with unregulated, unchecked, unwatched trash for eight hours a day WITHOUT ANY KIND OF CAPTURE OF THE ENSUING EMISSIONS OR ANY KIND OF PREVENTION OF THOSE EMISSIONS FROM TRAVELING ACROSS THE RIVER INTO A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD WITH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN! THIS SMELL IS COMING FROM METALICO’S SHREDDER!!!! My neighborhood does not experience this odor when they are not operating AND THERE IS NOTHING ELSE NEAR US THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ODOR!!!! Every single time the wind blows across Metalico towards our neighborhood the smell intensifies. I don’t understand why the “Health” dept. continually IGNORES my neighborhoods complaints and concerns and gives lip service about “Discussing the complaint with Metalico”. THIS HAS DONE NOTHING to stop Metalico. Your dept. has been “talking” to them for 4 years and they still CONSISTENTLY KEEP doing the same thing! Not only have the explosions and heavy emissions increased in the past year, but worst, and most frightening, of all, is that the “bad air” days have increased and gotten far worse since my community started submitting claims to your dept. ????? WHY IS YOUR DEPT NOT DOING MORE TO FIND OUT WHAT METALICO IS EMITTING TO CAUSE THESE ODORS THAT ARE MAKING MY COMMUNITY SICK??? WHY ISN’T THERE A COUNTY AIR MONITOR DOWNWIND OF METALICO??? Emsworth IS a part of Allegheny County, correct??!”
April 13, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy and consistent emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310850-041822)
Description: Throughout the day there were consistent bursts of opaque emissions from the shredder at Metalico, often blowing across Metalico’s property line. The most sustained period of emissions is shown in the video below from the mid-ten o’clock hour though there are also bursts of emissions that are heavy and sustained through the nine o’clock hour. The day was fairly overcast so emissions can be seen more clearly.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamp on the attachment, complaint H310850-041822 was received 4/18/22 and the attachment was from 4/13/22. Your complaint and attachment were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 12, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:45 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy and consistent emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310326-041422)
Description: Throughout the morning and afternoon there were consistent heavy opaque emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico. Heavy bursts of opaque emissions occur over twenty times through the morning hours. During the afternoon the emission crossed the western property line at Metalico several times, including in the camera evidence shown below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachments, complaint H310318-041422, received 4/14/22, attachment(s) 4/11/22, and complaint H310326-041422, received 4/14/22, attachment(s) 4/12/22. Your complaints and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico while onsite, Thursday 4/14/22. ACHD had representatives on Neville Island and at the ACCAN camera location in Emsworth, Wednesday 4/13/22, and Thursday 4/14/22. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 11, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy and consistent emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H310318-041422)
Description: Throughout the morning and afternoon there were consistent heavy opaque emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico. Bursts occur over a dozen times through the morning hours and at least ten times in the afternoon hours until the shredder stops operating at 3:00 p.m. The day was overcast and many times the emissions cross Metalico’s property line and blow into residential communities. Below is one example of emissions from 11:50 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachments, complaint H310318-041422, received 4/14/22, attachment(s) 4/11/22, and complaint H310326-041422, received 4/14/22, attachment(s) 4/12/22. Your complaints and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico while onsite, Thursday 4/14/22. ACHD had representatives on Neville Island and at the ACCAN camera location in Emsworth, Wednesday 4/13/22, and Thursday 4/14/22. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
April 11, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico and hot plastic odor
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309776-041122)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Heavy cream-colored emissions belching from the shredder consistently for the past hour. (Started observing it at 11:30am) A lot of smog/haze hanging in the air around the site and the usual odor of hot plastics/rubber in the air.”
April 11, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:35 - 9:55 a.m.
Observation: In-person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, opaque, smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico and an odor of burning plastic and rubber.
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309839-041122)
Description: I observed Metalico in-person from across the river in Emsworth from 9:35 - 9:55 a.m. During that time the shredding was operating and producing opaque smoke emissions as shown in the photos below and it was also producing an odor of burning plastic and rubber. The opacity of the emissions varied; however, during most of the time emissions were enough to produce a haze over the site.
ACHD Response: Angelo, thank you for using GovQA, your seven (7) photographs of the Metalico operations taken yesterday morning while you were onsite in Emsworth, 4/11/22, were reviewed for VE and discussed with our ACHD Air Quality group as well shared with Metalico today. Thank you again for using GovQA and for the real-time photographs taken from the Emsworth side of the river, ACHD Air Quality.
April 1, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:35 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy burst of opaque emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309358-040722)
Description: A burst of heavy opaque emissions comes from the shredder at Metalico and seems to blow into residential areas, such as Emsworth, across the river from the industrial site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachment, complaint H309358-040722, received 4/07/22, attachment was dated 4/01/22. Your complaint and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 31, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 2:10 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Smoke emissions coming from the structures at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309357-040722)
Description: In the early two o’clock hour smoke was billowing and blowing from the main structures at Metalico. The emissions seem to blow across the Ohio River and into residential areas. Below is camera evidence of the polluting event.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachment, complaint H309357-040722, received 4/07/22, attachment was dated 3/31/22. Your complaint and attachment were reviewed by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed, it was inconclusive of what we were looking at. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 31, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:15 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy burst of opaque emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309353-040722)
Description: When the shredder is started at Metalico at approximately 7:15 a.m. there is a burst of opaque emissions that can be seen via camera evidence. Though it is rainy, a plume of opaque emissions can be seen rising from the shredder on site.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachment, complaint H309353-040722, received 4/07/22, attachment was dated 3/31/22. Your complaint and attachment were reviewed by our ACHD Air Quality group, due to the time of day, the rain and camera lens, it was inconclusive of what we were looking at. ACHD had representatives monitoring both sides of the river Thursday morning, March 31, 2022. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 29, 2022 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:20 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Heavy emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico and an odor of hot/burnt rubber, metal and plastic
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H307862-032922)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Extremely heavy emissions coming from the shredder continuously for over 5 min. My neighbor and I thought for sure there was another fire starting. Odor of burnt/hot plastic, rubber, metal.” Below are images taken in Emsworth across the river from Metalico.
March 29, 2022 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:45 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy burst of opaque emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309349-040722)
Description: During the early afternoon hours there were several bursts of emissions from the shredder at Metalico, several of which cross Metalico’s property line and blow into residential areas, such as Emsworth. Below are two examples from 12:43 p.m. and 1:17 p.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your two attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachments, complaint H309349-040722, received 4/07/22, attachments were dated 3/29/22. Your complaint and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 29, 2022 - Complaint #1
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:45 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Dust clouds at Metalico due to lack of watering down the scrap pile during activity on site
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H309346-040422)
Description: Between 10:43 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. there were bursts of dust clouds that occurred at Metalico that were the result of activity on site, such as loading the barge, and the scrap pile not being watered down. This activity continued through the day and there was no evidence of watering down the pile. Below is camera evidence showing the dust bursts being pushed across the river into residential areas.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachment, complaint H309346-040422, received 4/07/22, attachment was dated 3/29/22. Your complaint and attachment were reviewed for FE (dust) by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. ACHD had representatives monitoring both sides of the river Tuesday morning, March 29, 2022. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 25, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy burst of opaque emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H307926-032922)
Description: At approximately 8:30 a.m. a burst of heavy opaque emissions came from the shredder at Metalico. As can be seen on the video below, it was an overcast day. Similar emissions occurred through the morning hours including when the shredder began operation at 7:08 a.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachments, complaint H306936-032322, received 3/23/22, attachment(s) 3/21/22, complaint H307926-032922, received 3/29/22, attachment(s) 3/25/22 and complaint H307925-032922, received 3/29/22, attachment(s) 3/22/22. Your complaints and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. ACHD had representatives on Neville Island and at the ACCAN camera location in Emsworth, Monday 3/21/22, Tuesday 3/29/22, Thursday 3/31/22 and Monday 4/04/22. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 22, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H307925-032922)
Description: Through the morning hours, beginning at 7:15 a.m., there were heavy opaque emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico. Some of the emissions shown on video cross Metalico’s property line. The morning hours were overcast and the bursts of heavy emissions occurred between 7:40 to 7:50 a.m., 7:55 to 8:00 a.m., 8:14 to 8:24 a.m., 8:38 to 8:48 a.m., 10:25 to 10:35 a.m., and 10:50 to 11:00 a.m, several of which can be seen below.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachments, complaint H306936-032322, received 3/23/22, attachment(s) 3/21/22, complaint H307926-032922, received 3/29/22, attachment(s) 3/25/22 and complaint H307925-032922, received 3/29/22, attachment(s) 3/22/22. Your complaints and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. ACHD had representatives on Neville Island and at the ACCAN camera location in Emsworth, Monday 3/21/22, Tuesday 3/29/22, Thursday 3/31/22 and Monday 4/04/22. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 21, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 a.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H306936-032322)
Description: Through the morning, beginning at 7:30 a.m., there were consistent heavy opaque emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico, examples of which can be seen in the camera footage below. Similar heavy emissions came from the shredder in the afternoon between approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. We received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera, ACHD reviewed the time stamps on the attachments, complaint H306936-032322, received 3/23/22, attachment(s) 3/21/22, complaint H307926-032922, received 3/29/22, attachment(s) 3/25/22 and complaint H307925-032922, received 3/29/22, attachment(s) 3/22/22. Your complaints and attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. ACHD had representatives on Neville Island and at the ACCAN camera location in Emsworth, Monday 3/21/22, Tuesday 3/29/22, Thursday 3/31/22 and Monday 4/04/22. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 4, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Observation: On video from camera across the river in Emsworth at accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H305384-031422)
Description: Throughout the hour from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and once again from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. there were consistent heavy opaque emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico. There were frequent bursts from the shredder during these times that can be seen via camera footage.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. Monday 3/14/22 we received your attachments from the Emsworth ACCAN camera dated 3/04/22, ACHD reviewed the time stamps of the four attachments dated for Friday 3/04/22. Your attachments were reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. ACHD had representatives on Neville Island and at the ACCAN camera location in Emsworth Friday 3/04/22, it was a clear sunny day, winds 2 MPH with 4 MPH wind gusts. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
March 1, 2022 (Complaint #2)
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 9:34 a.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth and on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: An apparent explosion from the shredder and heavy odor of hot plastic/rubber/metal
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H303021-030122)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “One of the biggest explosions I’ve ever heard/felt at the shredder. It shook my entire home to the point where plaster pieces/dust from a crack in my ceiling fell onto the floor. My windows rattled so hard that I thought for sure they were busted.
There has been a really heavy odor all morning since they started up the shredder of hot plastic/rubber/metal. The wind is blowing the emissions directly across the river into my neighborhood.”
March 1, 2022 (Complaint #1)
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:15 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H303329-030222)
Description: I viewed Metalico on video at accancamera.com and noticed excessive visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at approximately 7:15 a.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA. Wednesday 3/02/22 we received your attachment from the Emsworth ACCAN camera dated 3/01/22, the camera time stamp began at 07:10 AM Tuesday morning. Your attachment was reviewed for VE by our ACHD Air Quality group and discussed with Metalico. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
February 21, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:56 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Sporadic heavy emissions and heavy odors of burnt plastic/metal
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H301818-022122)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “Sporadic heavy emissions coming from the shredder since 9am. along with heavy odors of burnt plastic/metal. At times the odor is so strong that I can smell it in my car as I’m pulling up to my house. Metalico’s shredder operation has been minimal for the past month and the air has been relatively breathable. It’s interesting that once they started ramping up shredder operations to full day, the smell returned.”
February 15, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:42 a.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth and on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico from an apparent explosion
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H300719-021522)
Description: In the words of the Emsworth resident, “MASSIVE explosion at the shredder. It shook the entire house and scared the hell out of me. Thick emissions over the shredder after the explosion.”
January 14, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 1:40 p.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H296651-012022)
Description: I viewed Metalico on video from accancamera.com and noticed excessive visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at several points during the day, including the video example shown below beginning at approximately 1:40 p.m., which blew across Metalico’s eastern property line.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, your condensed ACCAN camera video and still shot taken from the condensed video the afternoon of 1/14/22 was reviewed for VE, our ACHD Air Quality group did not determine much of anything from the condensed version of the video attached to the complaint. Your review of the ACCAN camera dated 1/14/22 was not submitted as a complaint until 1/20/22 which is six days after the fact. Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
January 6, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:30 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H294866-010722)
Description: I viewed Metalico on video from accancamera.com and noticed excessive emissions coming from the shredder beginning at 11:25 a.m. which blew across Metalico’s eastern property line.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, your condensed ACCAN camera video from the morning of 1/06/22 was reviewed for VE, our ACHD Air Quality group did not determine much of anything from the condensed version of the video attached to the complaint. Our Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
January 5, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:40 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from an explosion from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H294693-010622)
Description: I viewed Metalico on video at accancamera.com and noticed an apparent explosion that occurred just after 11:40 a.m. with excessive smoke emissions blowing directly into the residential area of Emsworth and across Metalico’s property line.
ACHD Response: “... thank you for using GovQA, your 10-minute ACCAN camera video from the morning of 1/05/22 was reviewed for VE. It was noticed by our ACHD Air Quality group and by Metalico, that the video was zoomed in and sped up to condense 10 minutes into 20 seconds and the condensed version of the video does not accurately show the shredder in operation, Metalico did not have a pressure release or fire as mentioned in the complaint. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, from both sides of the river each week. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
January 3, 2022
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 12:55 p.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes (Reference Number: H294321-010422)
Description: I viewed Metalico at accancamera.com and on that day the shredder was producing smoke emissions throughout the day with particularly heavy emissions at certain times, as illustrated in the attached video from 12:55 to 1:05 p.m.
ACHD Response: “...thank you for using GovQA, your 9-minute ACCAN camera video from the afternoon of 01/03/22 was reviewed for VE. Our ACHD Air Quality representatives continue to monitor the Metalico facility, in person, weekly, from both sides of the river. Monday afternoon, January 3, 2022, was not overcast, in the afternoon the view of Metalico should be viewed from the opposite side of the river, not from the ACCAN camera in Emsworth. Thank you again for using GovQA, ACHD Air Quality.”
December 29, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:50 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: I viewed Metalico on video at accancamera.com on December 29, 2021. On that day, the shredder was operating starting from about 7:30 a.m. Between approximately 9:50 - 10:00 a.m., the shredder produced especially heavy visible, opaque smoke emissions as shown in the video below. These emissions blew across Metalico’s eastern property line.
December 27, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 11:35 - 11:45 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: I viewed Metalico on video at accancamera.com on December 27, 2021. On that day, the shredder was operating from about 7:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Between approximately 11:35 - 11:45 a.m., the shredder produced especially heavy visible, opaque smoke emissions as shown in the video below. These emissions blew across the river into Emsworth and across Metalico’s western property line. An example of these emissions is shown in the video below.
December 22, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 2:40 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Fire in scrap pile next to shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): Another fire (THIS IS THE THIRD ONE THIS YEAR!) at the pile of metal next to the shredder. Thick heavy, at times gray/dark smoke was coming from this area for well over 20 minutes. … the wind was blowing the smoke away from my community.
I do not understand why the Health Department, (that had twice previously cited Metalico), has now for the past year turned a blind eye to the exact same violations. Constant emissions, explosions, foul air, and now a THIRD fire with no action, none whatsoever, being taken against Metalico. No action for the April 14 fire. No action for the May 22 fire. It’s suspicious and it’s not right.
Will ANYTHING be done for this fire? What about the uptick in explosions that have been occurring again? Why is this company being allowed to continually trample all over my community’s rights? What is the purpose of having an “air quality” dept. if they do NOTHING to punish these companies for constant/continual violations? It’s been THREE years since my community reached out for help and nothing has changed. We are still being forced to breathe in foul and toxic air and to have our homes slowly destroyed by the shocks from explosions.
December 21, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: All morning with an explosion around 12:40 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion at the shredder and heavy odors of burning/melting plastic
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): Explosion at the shredder on Tuesday December 21st around 12:35pm. All morning there were heavy odors of burning/melting plastic.
December 20, 2021 - Second Complaint
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 7:20 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: I viewed Metalico on video at accancamera.com on December 20, 2021. On that day, the shredder was operating from about 7:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During that time,. there were periods when frequent bursts of visible, opaque smoke emissions were produced by the shredder. At other times the shredder produced continuous visible, opaque smoke emissions. At times, these emissions blew across the river into Emsworth. An example of these emissions is shown in the video below.
December 20, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. - ongoing for hours
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Extremely heavy opaque emissions and incredibly strong odors of melting plastic/metal/rubber
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): Extremely heavy opaque emissions and incredibly strong odors of melting plastic/metal/rubber coming from the shredder at Metalico all morning long. The odor was so strong that I could smell it in my home and all the way to the end of my parking pad.
The wind was blowing all the smoke directly across the river into my neighborhood which can clearly be seen in the video below.
December 16, 2021 - Complaint #3
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 2:52pm (ongoing since 11am)
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth and from accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Heavy odor of burnt melting plastics/rubber/metal
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): “The odor of burnt melting plastics/rubber/metal has only continued to get worse and heavier. It’s almost impossible to walk outside without gagging or having your chest tighten up from the fumes.
There’s a lot more visible emissions as well coming from the shredder and they are torching something in the open building. I can see sparks and smoke coming out of the building but am unable to capture it in photos. The photos below with the circle show where they are doing the torching.”
(See videos and photos below)
December 16, 2021 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 11:00 a.m. and ongoing
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth and from accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Extremely heavy/thick odor of hot/melting plastics
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): “Extremely heavy/thick odor of hot/melting plastics /rubber and metal that has been continuous for the past hour. The wind is very strong today and it’s blowing emissions from Metalico’s shredder directly across the river into my neighborhood.
Being outside for more than a few minutes, is causing a headache and leaves a weird metalic taste in your nose and mouth. My Mom was supposed to visit this afternoon but I will now have to cancel because she was sickened (migraine, tightness in chest) by this same odor over the summer and will not visit when it smells bad. So, yet again, Metalico’s pollution is causing negative physical symptoms, forcing me and my neighbors to alter/cancel plans and generally destroying any rights we have to a decent quality of life where we’re not being forced to breathe in polluted toxins. “
The video below illustrates that the shredder was emitting bursts of visible opaque smoke emissions during this time; however, the odor persisted whether there were visible emissions or not.
December 16, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 9:20 - 10:00 a.m.
Observation: Viewed in person from across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico accompanied by odor
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: I observed Metalico in person from about 9:20 - 10:00 a.m. from across the river in Emsworth. While I was observing, there were times when the shredder was emitting visible, opaque smoke emissions. The video and photos below show the emissions around 9:30 a.m. At that time, the sky was overcast. In addition, during the entire time I was observing Metalico, even when there weren't visible emissions, a strong odor of burning plastic and rubber was blowing across the river from Metalico to the extent that I experienced irritation in my mouth and throat.
December 14, 2021 - Complaint #2
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 12:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While viewing Metalico on video at accancamera.com, I observed frequent bursts of visible, opaque smoke emissions being produced by the shredder, sometimes blowing across the river into Emsworth. An example of these bursts is shown in the video below.
December 14, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 7:15 - 12:00 p.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Explosion and visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While viewing Metalico on video at accancamera.com, I observed frequent bursts of visible, opaque smoke emissions being produced by the shredder. An example of these bursts is shown in the video below.
December 9, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 8:20 - 8:30 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from unidentified sources adjacent to Metalico’s shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: I observed Metalico on accancamera.com. I have been watching Metalico for several years now. I sometimes see emissions from unfamiliar sources on Metalico's site. The video below is from accancamera.com on December 9, 2021 from 8:20 to 8:30 a.m. That is part of the time period during which I saw emissions coming from at least three sources adjacent to Metalico's shredder - one to the left of the shredder, one in front of the shredder and one to the right of the shredder. In my complaint to the Health Department I asked them to identify these sources.
December 2, 2021
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 7:30 - 7:35 a.m. (explosion at 7:33 a.m.)
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth and from accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Visible smoke emissions coming from an explosion at the shredder at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): Massive explosion at the shredder followed by an enormous release of smoke and emissions. The percussion of the explosion shook my windows and released dust from a crack in my plaster wall
December 1, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Visible opaque smoke emissions coming from open burning at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com, I observed smoke emissions coming from open burning at Metalico. An example of this is shown in the video below. It may have been from an accidental fire that was getting out of control. They appeared to be trying to put it out.
November 30, 2021
Entered By: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 11:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive visible opaque smoke emissions from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching Metalico on video from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at accancamera.com, I observed frequent bursts of smoke emissions coming from Metalico. The emissions changed direction from east to west through the day as the wind direction changed, flowing across the property line. An example is shown below.
November 24, 2021 - Second Complaint
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 8:17 - 8:34 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions rising from the Grand Avenue side of Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching video of Metalico at accancamera.com, I observed excessive, visible smoke emissions rising from the Grand Avenue side of Metalico and blowing over their western property line. I submitted a complaint (#H285787-111321) for emissions that I observed on November 9, 2021 that were coming from the same location. In both cases, the emissions didn’t appear to be coming from a vehicle.
November 24, 2021
Entered By: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:00 - 10:05 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., I observed several incidents of excessive visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico blowing both west and north across the property line and into residential areas of Emsworth. One example is shown in the video below.
November 22, 2021
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 10:50 - 11:00 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com from 7:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., I observed frequent excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder at Metalico blowing east toward residential areas in the north boroughs. One example is shown in the video below.
November 12, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 11:20 -11:25 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com, I observed excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder and blowing across Metalico’s northern property line into the residential area in Emsworth.
November 11, 2021
Entered by: Cecilia Muzika-Minteer
Time of Day: 8:50 - 9:00 a.m.
Observation: Viewed in-person by Angelo Taranto and from accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of in-person viewer): I observed Metalico in person from across the river in Emsworth from about 8:45 - 9:20 a.m. During some of that time, the shredder was producing opaque, visible smoke emissions that were being blown toward Metalico's western property line. The attached photos show these smoke emissions.
November 9, 2021 - Third Complaint
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 10:56 - 10:59 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions coming from vehicle at Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching video of Metalico at accancamera.com, I observed a vehicle on the site producing excessive, visible smoke emissions as shown in the video below. The same issue was reported in a complaint and blog post on October 13, 2021.
November 9, 2021- Second Complaint
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 10:56 - 10:59 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions rising from the Grand Avenue side of Metalico
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching video of Metalico at accancamera.com, I observed excessive, visible smoke emissions rising from the Grand Avenue side of Metalico and blowing over their western property line.
November 9, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While watching Metalico on video at accancamera.com, I observed excessive, visible opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder and blowing across Metalico’s western property line. This was happening all day while the shredder was operating. An example of this is shown in the video below.
November 4, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 11:50-11:55 a.m.
Observation: Viewed on video from camera across the river in Emsworth
Type of Complaint: Excessive smoke emission from Metalico shredder
Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: While observing video of Metalico on accancamera.com, I viewed excessive, opaque smoke emissions coming from the shredder, as shown on the video below. Also included below is a screenshot of air monitor readings that are shown on accancamera.com. Those readings are from a RAMP and VOC monitor in Emsworth at the location of the camera. These readings show that PM2.5, CO and tVOC were dramatically elevated at the time I observed the excessive smoke emissions from Metalico's shredder.
October 25, 2021
Entered by: Angelo Taranto
Time of Day: 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
Observation: In-person by Emsworth resident from across the river in Emsworth and from accancamera.com
Type of Complaint: Extremely heavy emissions and heavy odor of burning rubber, plastic and motor oil Submitted to ACHD: Yes
Description: (In the words of the Emsworth resident): Extremely heavy odor of hot/melting plastics, rubber, paper, and metal but also, at times, a rotten egg smell or rotting garbage mixed in. I first noticed the odor INSIDE my home because it’s that strong. The wind is blowing pretty strong today and pushing the emissions from the shredder across the river. It leaves a weird Metalic taste on your lips and in your nose. I can see the clouds of smog blow over their dock but it’s hard to capture the cloud in a photo.
