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South Bend council votes to deny US Scrap and Recycling license after IDEM cites hazardous‑waste violations
Summary
After state environmental inspections found hazardous‑waste violations at 1610 Circle Avenue, the Common Council adopted a resolution to deny US Scrap and Recycling LLC’s scrap‑metal license renewal following public testimony and administration recommendations.
The South Bend Common Council on April 14, 2025 adopted Resolution 25‑21, recommending denial of a scrap‑metal dealer license for US Scrap and Recycling LLC at 1610 Circle Avenue, after city staff and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management documented hazardous‑waste violations at the site and neighborhood residents raised safety and nuisance concerns.
Michelle Adams, business‑license administrator in the Community Investment office, told the council the applicant’s file had been reviewed by police, fire, zoning and code‑enforcement staff; city reviewers recommended denial based on IDEM findings. Caleb Bauer, executive director of Community Investment, summarized IDEM’s January 14 notice of violation and said the state inspection in 2024 found failures that “potentially endangered public health and safety.”
Bauer told the council the IDEM inspection cited three categories of violations related to demolition and handling of hazardous materials: failing to make required waste determinations for certain materials; releases and unacceptable deposits of solid waste or contaminants on the land; and shipping large quantities of waste without proper paperwork and EPA documentation. He also said the city previously revoked the business license on administrative grounds when demolition activity began, and that statements made by the company in an appeal had asserted compliance with IDEM rules even though the agency’s subsequent inspection recorded active violations.
Residents from the surrounding neighborhood urged denial during the public hearing. Speakers described long‑standing concerns about contamination, truck traffic and the effect on recent neighborhood reinvestment. One resident who identified himself as living a half‑mile away said hearing that a “toxic Brownfield site” was operating nearby was “a little rattling,” and urged the council to deny the renewal. Saint Joseph County Commissioner Rafael Morton appeared in support of denial and thanked council members and staff for their coordination on the issue.
The council voted unanimously on the record. The roll call recorded Council member McBride: Aye; Council member Warner: Aye; Council member Neskoski: Aye; Council member Doctor Davis: Aye; Council member White: Aye; Council member Gooden Rogers: Aye; Vice President Thomas Morgan: Aye; President Lee: Aye. The resolution therefore passed with eight recorded ayes.
Ending: City staff said next steps include coordinating with IDEM on enforcement and remediation options. The denial prevents the company from holding an authorized scrap‑metal license while the city and state continue environmental review and any enforcement actions arising from IDEM’s findings.
