Statement from Elected Legislators on Fire at RI Recycled Metals

Providence, RI – As a large fire burns at Rhode Island Recycled Metals, Councilman Pedro Espinal, Senator Tiara Mack, and Representative Jose Batista released the following joint statement:

 “As the elected legislators who represent this area, we are furious at yet another environmental disaster at our neighborhood pariah, Rhode Island Recycled Metals. The third fire in three years, and second this year, is so big it is taking 30 firefighters to battle it, depleting resources and wasting taxpayer dollars. RI Recycled Metals are a bad faith actor whose negligence and malfeasance are poisoning South Providence residents. Enough is enough. We demand the immediate closure of the scrapyard, and will continue to explore every possible legal mechanism at the city and state’s disposal to ensure they are shut down. We are calling on the Superior Court to approve the city’s cease-and desist order, and ask the Department of Environmental Management, Attorney General, and Governor to take immediate action to shut down RI Recycled Metals and end this public health nightmare.”