The disputed port industry, American Iron and Metal (AIM), is unlikely to win a popularity contest in the city of Saint John any time soon. Nor will it be operating until the New Brunswick government and the Port of Saint John complete a joint investigation into last week’s fire in the metal recycling company’s yard, which spewed toxic smoke into the residential and commercial districts surrounding the harbour.

In a joint communique with Craig Bell Estabrooks, the Port of Saint John’s chief executive officer, New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs confirms that “multiple departments and arms of government” will be involved. “The citizens of Saint John and our province deserve answers, and we will work diligently to provide them,” he pledges.

The provincial government has suspended AIM’s operating license while it examines the circumstances behind the fire, and the Port of Saint John will scrutinize the recycler’s compliance with the terms and conditions of its lease. Meanwhile, Saint John Mayor Donna Noade Reardon is calling for an independent audit of AIM’s operational oversight and environmental compliance, and full disclosure of the environmental and public health impacts of the fire.

Bell Estabrooks maintains that last week’s events were “never envisioned” when AIM signed its lease in 2011. “First and foremost, community safety is paramount to us, as well as being a good neighbour to the people of Saint John,” he states.

In her parallel statement, Noade Reardon reiterates that the City has been raising concerns about AIM’s operations for several years. “Its location is unacceptable and incompatible with our residential communities on both sides of the harbour, our tourism economy from the cruise industry, and our work to attract private investment to beautify our waterfront and create housing for our growing population,” she asserts.