A metals recycling company in west Springfield has been ordered by the health department to cease operations.

Springfield Iron and Metal at 1323 W. Locust Street, was cited Friday morning for failing to get required permits for air emissions.

The company operates a massive metals recycling operation.  Health department officials say the metal shredding operation involves several truckloads of scrap vehicles and appliances every day - some of which contain fuel, oils, lead and other hazardous materials.

Health director Kevin Gipson said without the proper permits, the health department has no way of knowing what types of pollutants the shredding operation puts into the air on a daily basis.

Springfield Iron and Metal was ordered today to stop operating for at least 60 days under it can be ensured the operation is not exceeding air emission limits. 

Additionally, the Springfield Fire Department is also requiring the company to get a permit to handle hazardous materials, which mandates the removal of any propane or fuel tanks from salvage materials before being shredded.

Company officials told KOLR10 News the business is continuing to perform maintenance inside their building.  "There is no proof to backup the city's allegations or claims," said Greg Westfall, co-owner of Springfield Iron and Metal.

Westfall says the company plans to vigorously fight the order,  but would not elaborate on how.