BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Controversy is brewing as community members push back against a proposed metal shredder in Bellingham.

Canadian company ABC Recycling recently bought 20 acres of land just off Marine Drive near Locust Beach. They plan to build a metal shredding facility to make products like cars and appliances easier to recycle.

Scott Jones is the President of the South Hill Neighborhood Association and was one of the organizers of last week’s community meeting to discuss the project. He said residents voiced their many concerns during the event.

“They’re worried about the schools that are nearby. They’re worried about their own quality of life, the noise and the possible air pollution,” said Jones. “And there were some people who were outright angry.”

But ABC Community Relations Manager Riley Sweeney said the facility is causing a bigger dispute than is warranted. He attended last week’s meeting to answer questions and clarify issues that were brought up.

“We will meet and exceed all the standards set by the Department of Ecology, the Clean Air Agency, to make sure we’re not having an impact on our neighborhood,” said Sweeney.

He added the facility would bring 30 new “green collar” jobs to the city.

ABC has yet to submit an official proposal for the facility, but Sweeney says they plan to send an application soon.