EPA Cites Vim Recycling For Clean-Air Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited VIM Recycling Inc., Elkhart, Ind., for alleged Clean Air Act violations at the company's construction waste recycling facility.

EPA alleges that VIM has violated federally enforceable regulations contained in Indiana's plan for implementing the Clean Air Act. Specifically, EPA said VIM allegedly violated Indiana's EPA-approved regulations prohibiting open burning at the site.

EPA has been working with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to gather information about the VIM site and to address the environmental compliance issues at the site.

These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them, EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty or bring suit in federal court against the company. VIM has seven days from receipt of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.

Earlier this week, a VIM worker died at the company’s recycling operation after being struck by a front-end loader. In 2007, a worker there died and another was seriously injured after an explosion at the facility.

A nearby neighborhood group has filed suit against VIM, alleging the company caused injuries to area residents because of smoke, dust and "extreme" noxious odors from processing waste materials.