Rensselaer scrap metal contract gains narrow approval

Rensselaer scrap metal contract gains narrow approval

Portsmouth, New Hampshire-based Rensselaer Iron & Steel Inc. won approval for its one-year scrap metal contract from the Pease Development Authority (PDA) in a 4-3 vote. The contract allows the PDA to cancel the contract with a 90-day notice and for no reason. Portsmouth has a legal obligation to remain open as a working port. Denying Rensselaer would have left Portsmouth without a port occupant. Several Portsmouth residents attending the Authority’s meeting complained about the scrap shipping company’s alleged poor business and environmental practices. They spoke of hovering clouds of rust dust, loud noises, and cited instances where Rensselaer did not water down their scrap properly. The PDA agreed to create an advisory committee to study the use of the port.