UPDATE: Judge orders temporary shutdown of Rhode Island Recycled Metals

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — In the wake of Wednesday’s fire at Rhode Island Recycled Metals’ scrap yard on Allens Avenue, a judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the business.

Judge Brian Stern cited the business as a “public nuisance” and it will remained shut down until it can prove it is equipped to prevent future fires.

Officials including Mayor Brett Smiley, members of the Providence City Council and Rhode Island General Assembly, and Attorney General Peter Neronha have attempted to shutdown the yard multiple times previously.

Attorney General Peter Neronha said that his office appreciates the judge recognizing the “inherent danger” of letting the scrap yard continue to operate as it has.

“The court’s decision to grant our motion, thereby shutting down operations for the foreseeable future, will ensure that South Providence won’t have to continue to bear the burden of significant health risks while this business figures out if it can operate safely,” Neronha said. “I look forward to the Special Master’s report and we will work diligently to make sure RIRM’s negligence doesn’t continue to harm South Providence.”

Mayor Smiley said the closure is a “crucial step” for the health and safety of the city.

“We remain committed to holding Rhode Island Recycled Metals accountable and ensuring any operation at this location meets all necessary safety and municipal regulations and hope that our partners at the state will hold them accountable for environmental impacts on our community,” he said. “We will continue working with state partners to protect our neighborhoods and ensure all businesses operate safely and responsibly.”

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terrence Gray said that the new order was a “team effort” between RIDEM and the Attorney General’s Office.

“We stand ready to hold Rhode Island Recycled Metals accountable and compel correction of the environmental violations at the site,” Gray added. “That is what our community deserves.”

Sen. Tiara Mack and Rep. José F. Batista, who called for the closure after the fire, said the current order is a “small but significant” victory for public health in the city.

“We thank everyone who has been involved in temporarily closing this dangerous and polluting business down for the foreseeable future and ensuring the health and safety of the community remains protected,” the two said in a joint statement.