Judge lifts temporary suspension of EMR shredder operations pending safety requirements

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A judge has lifted the city's temporary suspension of EMR's operations, allowing the company to resume use of the equipment once it meets a series of required conditions.

According to authorities, EMR must satisfy specific requirements before the shredder can be turned back on, including ensuring its fire suppression system is fully operational.

City officials characterized the decision as a positive outcome.

"They have to meet those requirements and make sure their fire suppression system is up to par. It's a step," said Arthur Barclay, vice president of City Council.

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The city said it is now working with EMR to send a team to evaluate the protocols that must be met before operations can resume.

"Ultimately, the order is going to include eight specific conditions that EMR needs to make before they turn that shredder back on," said William Tambussi, the attorney representing the city.

The case stems from the city's temporary suspension of EMR's license six days after a two-alarm fire on May 29.

During court proceedings, EMR questioned the timing of the city's action, arguing that the suspension led to layoffs of more than 300 employees and losses totaling tens of millions of dollars.

The city disputed those claims and maintained that its actions were necessary to address risks to the community and prevent additional fires.

Officials noted there have been 12 fires at EMR over the past five years. The city said its fire department will inspect the facility and provide assurance to the mayor and administration that all required conditions have been met before EMR is allowed to resume operations.

"I think it shows the city is going to fight for its residents. As the court ordered, it found that EMR was entitled for additional notice, but the city doesn't apologize for rushing its decision for trying to protect its residents," Tambussi said.

EMR declined to comment but issued the following statement:

"For over 100 years, Camden Iron & Metal, now part of EMR, has operated in Camden, recycling materials necessary to build a more sustainable future. EMR is committed to the city and the people of Camden who are our employees, friends, and neighbors. We are just as committed to improving the safety of the recycled material stream that has been upended by a flood of lithium-ion batteries that create demonstrated fire risks. EMR will continue to address risks to limit the entry of prohibited scrap with embedded lithium-ion batteries into our facilities. And, through our ongoing series of operational and technology enhancements, EMR will continue to adapt and improve inbound material management, reducing fire risks that affect our facilities, and responding safely and swiftly if incidents arise."

Both sides are scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17.