Attorney General Neronha Statement on Rhode Island Recycled Metals Fire

Published on Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today issued the following statement regarding today’s fire at Rhode Island Recycled Metals (RIRM):

“Rhode Island Recycled Metals presents an ongoing environmental nuisance and public safety hazard that this Office has, for years, fought against in court, alongside efforts by our neighboring communities and stakeholders.

Today’s fire at their facility is yet another example of RIRM’s inability to safely operate. This afternoon, our Office appeared before Superior Court Justice Brian Stern to request that the court order RIRM to immediately shut down their operations. We also argued for the court to immediately convert the special mastership into a receivership. 

The Court took these matters under advisement and scheduled a hearing for Friday, July 12 at 11 a.m.  RIRM has agreed that it will not resume operations prior to the hearing. 

My Office will now be formally filing a motion for an emergency preliminary injunction to shut down RIRM's operations, and to convert the special mastership into a receivership.

It has now become more than evident that the monitoring and oversight provided by the special mastership is not enough - our Office will continue to argue that to adequately protect the public, the full operational control of a receivership is required.”

The Office will provide updates as they are available.

###