Montreal has taken decisive action following a significant fire at a metal recycling center. The city officially revoked the operating license of American Iron & Metal (AIM) due to persistent compliance issues.
Details of the Incident
The fire erupted around 5:20 AM at AIM’s facility located at 9100 Henri-Bourassa East in Montreal-Est. More than 50 firefighters were deployed to combat the flames, which originated from a pile of scrap metal and vehicles. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
City’s Response and Regulatory Issues
Montreal’s administration expressed concerns about AIM’s operations. The city highlighted that despite repeated requests to comply with regulations, AIM has repeatedly exceeded particle and metal limits at the property boundary.
- The city first requested compliance plans from AIM in May 2025.
- Documents submitted by AIM failed to show that operational changes could meet regulatory demands.
- Insufficient equipment for controlling particulate emissions was also a concern.
History of Non-Compliance
AIM has faced numerous interventions from city officials in recent years. In October 2024, the municipality suspended a permit for equipment linked to excessive particle emissions. This decision is currently under legal review.
Moreover, AIM is contesting a new pollutant discharge regulation from the Montreal Metropolitan Community, claiming it is discriminatory and unreasonable.
Environmental Concerns
Public health authorities alerted residents that air quality in various sectors could be impacted by the fire. The Ministry of the Environment indicated that the fire was likely started by a bicycle battery.
AIM’s Corporate Background
Founded in 1936 by Peter Black, American Iron & Metal operates as a leader in metal recycling. With over 3,500 employees across 130 locations globally, the company strives to be a premier entity in metal recovery.
Despite the incident, AIM’s CEO, Herbert Black, claimed that no toxic substances were involved and that the situation was under control.
Previous Violations
From 2012 to 2024, the Quebec Ministry of the Environment imposed 18 sanctions against AIM for various compliance failures. These breaches often related to the improper handling of waste materials, including concrete, brick, and rubber.
With a long history of regulatory issues, the recent license revocation could lead to further legal disputes between the city and AIM.
