US EPA determined that Metalico is a major source of air pollution. Neighbors and air activists have been complaining about odors and pollution for years.
Extreme weather has been cited more and more frequently as a contributing cause in serious marine accidents at a time when shipping of hazardous materials like crude oil is increasing.
The brain-harming metal is discharged directly into the river or carried to it on air currents. Some argue authorities are doing too little to stop both routes of pollution.