A fire that broke out at the Canada-based metal recycling company American Iron & Metal Company Inc.’s (AIM) facility in Montreal East on Thursday has drawn renewed attention to the company’s long-standing environmental issues, according to local media reports.
The blaze, which produced foul-smelling smoke visible for miles, significantly impacted air quality across the city. Authorities emphasized that the incident is part of a broader pattern of non-compliance.
Permits revoked amid fire
On the same morning as the fire, the City of Montreal sent a formal notice to AIM revoking its operating permits. Officials clarified that the timing was coincidental. The company has been given 30 days to comply with atmospheric emission regulations. Failure to do so will result in a complete shutdown of its operations.
Chantal Rouleau, minister responsible for the Greater Montreal area, criticized the company’s leadership, stating that it has consistently failed to respect regulations.
Ongoing legal dispute
The conflict between Montreal authorities and AIM dates back to October 2024, when the city suspended a permit related to PCB emissions. AIM responded by filing a lawsuit to overturn the decision. Subsequent discussions led the city to warn that additional permits could be revoked due to continued environmental breaches.
Company response
In a statement, AIM said its teams are fully mobilized to manage the fire situation. The company also confirmed that it has received communications from the City of Montreal regarding its permits and is currently evaluating its options while responding to the incident.
