Barstow Recycling Facility Owner Defends Compliance Efforts Amid Fire Department Concerns

In a recent meeting of the Jurupa Valley Planning Commission, tensions rose as discussions centered around compliance with fire safety regulations for a local recycling facility. The owner, Ted Smith, expressed frustration over the lengthy process of obtaining necessary permits and the perceived lack of communication with the fire department.

Under the bright lights of city hall, Smith recounted his journey since acquiring the property in 1988, transforming it from a junkyard into a recycling center. Despite investing significant resources—over $350,000—into making the facility compliant, he claimed that the transition to city governance had stalled progress. “We were the first applicant for the city of Jurupa Valley, and our application didn’t get looked at for a year and a half,” he lamented, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles faced by local businesses.

Commission members questioned why the facility had not yet met the fire department's requirements, including the establishment of a fuel modification plan and the installation of fire hydrants. Smith responded that he had not received direct instructions from the fire department regarding these issues. “We’ve never been told what to do,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to safety and compliance.

The discussion also touched on the facility's evacuation history, with Smith asserting that there had been no evacuations despite nearby fires. This raised concerns among commission members about the adequacy of safety measures in place, particularly given that the facility has only one primary access route.

As the meeting progressed, the need for clearer communication between business owners and city officials became evident. The commission's members expressed a desire for proactive measures to ensure compliance and safety, urging Smith to take the necessary steps to align with fire department standards.

The outcome of this meeting remains pivotal for the future of the recycling facility and its operations within Jurupa Valley. As the city navigates the complexities of local governance and safety regulations, the discussions underscore the importance of collaboration between city officials and business owners to foster a safe and compliant community.