Committee recommends denying US Scrap license after IDEM finds hazardous‑waste violations; neighbors urge cleanup

The Community Investment Committee recommended denial of the scrap‑metal license renewal for US Scrap and Recycling LLC at 1610 Circle Avenue after city staff reviewed alleged environmental and hazardous‑waste violations identified by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

Caleb Bauer, Executive Director of Community Investment, told the committee IDEM discovered violations tied to demolition activity at the site that began in May 2024. IDEM issued a Notice of Violation dated Jan. 14, 2025, alleging failures including: lack of required hazardous‑waste characterization and determinations; releases and contaminants at multiple on‑site locations; improper container management and shipping of large volumes of waste without required notices and documentation; and depositing solid waste in an unacceptable manner on the land. Bauer said the city issued a stop‑work order after IDEM informed the city of the violations, and that as of the…