Attorney General Peter F. Neronha released a statement in response to Superior Court Justice Brian P. Stern's decision regarding the Office's motion to modify the Special Mastership related to Rhode Island Recycled Metals (RIRM).
"Today’s decision represents a hard-fought victory for environmental protection and for the health and safety of RIRM’s surrounding communities, and I am grateful to Judge Stern for his thoughtful and thorough decision on this matter," Neronha stated. He expressed that although a full receivership was preferred, the additional safeguards provided by the decision are encouraging.
The court's ruling grants the Special Master complete control over the site's environmental permitting process and compliance, including site remediation and stormwater pollution prevention. Neronha emphasized that RIRM has caused significant harm to South Providence residents for over a decade without facing adequate consequences. "That stops now," he declared.
Neronha assured continued vigilance in ensuring RIRM's compliance with environmental regulations at the site, adding, "We certainly won’t hesitate to take further action if necessary."