Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Department of Environmental Protection announced on March 19 that they have amended their lawsuit against EMR Advanced Recycling to address several additional fires at the company’s facilities in recent weeks.
The issue is significant because repeated fires at EMR’s scrap metal recycling sites have raised concerns about public health, safety, and quality of life for nearby residents. The state aims to hold EMR accountable for what officials describe as ongoing risks to the community.
“Shame on EMR. For years, fires at their facilities have endangered public health and public safety. Those fires continue to this day, with multiple new blazes reported in the last few weeks alone,” Attorney General Davenport said. “Together with our partners in the Department of Environmental Protection, we are committed to holding EMR accountable and protecting the public from these recurring fires. We look forward to proving our case against EMR in court and putting a stop to this outrageous conduct once and for all.”
DEP Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said, “Camden residents should not have to live under the ongoing threat of fires that impact their quality of life and pose public health and safety risks. Together with Attorney General Davenport and her team, the DEP will work to ensure that EMR is held accountable for its continued failure to prevent these fires from occurring.”
The amended complaint now includes reports of a fire at EMR’s shredder facility on February 26 as well as an incident involving burning scrap metal aboard an EMR-owned barge traveling through Delaware Bay on March 10. The barge was transporting material from Bayonne to Camden facilities.
EMR has reportedly experienced numerous fires since 2020, which have led to smoke and air pollution affecting local streets and creating what officials call a persistent nuisance for Camden residents. The company operates recycling centers in Camden Waterfront South, an area identified as an overburdened community under New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law due to its significant low-income, minority, or limited English proficiency populations.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards across all counties according to its official website. The office also influences public safety by enforcing laws statewide, providing oversight, legal representation, law enforcement support services such as crime labs, victim advocacy programs, consumer protection initiatives, and regulatory functions according to the agency.
As legal proceedings move forward, state officials say they remain focused on ensuring accountability for companies whose operations may threaten community well-being.