Board approves tire-pyrolysis facility at Birmingham Highway with screening conditions

The Montgomery City Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception for Alabama Renewable Energy to operate a tire-recycling/pyrolysis facility at 3042 Birmingham Highway, subject to conditions on screening and concealment of on-site tire handling.

A company representative identified only as David, vice president of Alabama Renewable Energy, told the board the facility will shred and thermally process waste tires to recover 'pyrolysis oil, recover the carbon black, and also the steel metals.' He described an initial daily intake of about 50 tons of tires ("roughly about 5,000 individual tariffs" as presented) and said two ISO tanks — each described in testimony as roughly 13,200 gallons — would temporarily hold oil output before daily pickup.

The applicant said they hold an air permit "issued by ADAMS" and that operations would meet EPA and ISO standards; board members requested documentation of permits and more detail on stockpiling, truck circulation and fence/screening. The company confirmed it plans to avoid long-term on-site tire stockpiles and to place shredding equipment inside the building, with a screened fence near the street. "We don't even — No stockpiles," the presenter stated when asked about outdoor storage.

Board members moved to approve the special exception as requested but added conditions requiring a six-foot opaque or screened fence and a plan showing where deliveries and equipment will be staged so tires are not visible from the road. The motion passed by voice vote.

City staff were asked to include a checklist of required documentation and to confirm the applicant's air-permit status with the relevant environmental agency before final administrative sign-off.