CAMDEN, N.J. – EMR USA reopened its Camden recycling plant in late July following a series of fires that prompted the city to suspend the facility’s operating license. During a Thursday tour, company leaders showed how they have upgraded safety measures to prevent future incidents and to reassure the waterfront South community.
New technology and procedures
Chief Executive Officer Joe Balzano said the company has invested heavily in “technology that’s available” to detect and suppress fires before they spread. The plant now operates five fire‑suppression towers equipped with thermal cameras that continuously monitor temperature changes in the scrap piles.
In addition, EMR has reduced the maximum height of scrap piles to 20 feet, complying with a state law enacted earlier this year. The company also added six inspectors per shift to identify hazardous materials such as lithium batteries, which have been linked to more than a dozen fires at the site since 2020.
Addressing lithium‑battery hazards
Inspectors displayed bins containing items recently flagged by regulators, including car batteries and e‑bikes, to illustrate the types of materials that should not be processed at the facility. Balzano emphasized that the plant now screens incoming loads more rigorously to keep highly flammable lithium batteries out of the recycling stream.
Legislative support
U.S. Representative Donald Norcross (D‑N.J.) used the tour to promote his proposed Battery Fire Prevention Act, which would offer tax credits to companies that purchase battery‑detection equipment and would establish a national battery‑recycling program. “Recyclers are often under‑equipped,” Norcross said, pointing to the new technology on display.
Local officials welcome the changes
Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen, who also attended the tour, praised the upgrades. “Everyone wants to ensure that fires of this magnitude never occur,” he said, adding that he commends Rep. Norcross for seeking federal solutions and improving labeling standards for hazardous materials.
Balzano expressed optimism about rebuilding trust with the surrounding neighborhoods. “Hopefully, as we continue to communicate and grow some relations with the waterfront South community and greater Camden, we’ll be able to endear them to our company,” he said.
Impact on the community
The new safety protocols aim to reduce the risk of evacuations and air‑quality concerns that have affected nearby residents during past incidents. By adding advanced detection systems and stricter operational limits, EMR hopes to demonstrate responsible stewardship of Camden’s industrial waterfront while supporting local jobs.
City officials will continue to monitor the plant’s compliance with the revised safety standards, and the judge’s order allowing the facility to operate remains contingent on the company maintaining these precautions.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
