Contrite Camden Councilwoman condemned court’s conclusion

The scrap-metal recycling facility at the center of a years-long fire and health controversy may resume operations under a court order issued Wednesday, overriding a unanimous Camden City Council vote and a city-ordered license suspension.

Superior Court Judge ruled EMR Recycling may restart its Waterfront South plant once it proves its fire suppression system works. The decision follows more than a dozen fires at the facility since 2020, with residents reporting smoke forcing evacuations and persistent health concerns.

Councilwoman Sheila Davis said the court did not rule on the facility’s safety but determined the city failed to follow proper legal procedure when it suspended EMR’s license.

“Our residents did everything right,” Davis said in a statement on social media. “They showed up, they spoke out, they demanded action. The City rushed to respond, however well-intentioned, and left a procedural opening that EMR’s attorneys were able to use.”

Davis acknowledged the city’s legal approach was insufficient. “When the city moves to protect its residents, it has an obligation to do so in a way that holds up — legally, procedurally and completely,” she said. “This time, we did not meet that obligation.”

She apologized directly to Waterfront South residents, saying the people who paid for the city’s shortfall were “not City Hall, but the families.”

Davis pointed to new statewide scrap-metal safety legislation signed this week by Gov. Mikie Sherrill as “a real and needed step forward.” Sherrill, who took office Jan. 20, also signed legislation Tuesday aimed at reining in energy costs through increased transmission oversight and utility regulation.

Under the court order, EMR must demonstrate its fire suppression system is fully operational before restarting the shredder. The city retains regulatory authority and may pursue a full shutdown through proper legal channels.

EMR Recycling did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company has been shut down for more than a month, and more than a dozen fires have happened at the recycling facility.

A Superior Court judge ruled after a short hearing dismissing city arguments that the scrap metal facility is putting neighbors’ and families’ safety in jeopardy. The ruling came one day after Camden City Council unanimously voted against allowing EMR to reopen.

EMR’s attorneys argued they have lost millions since their license was suspended, and they’ve had to lay off more than 300 employees.

Davis said the city would continue fighting for accountability. “This is not the end of the fight,” she said. “You have not been wrong to demand better, and I will keep fighting alongside you until this community and our city gets the safety and the accountability it deserves.”