Environmental impacts of a scrapyard loom in Camden, N.J.

The memo of understanding announced last spring followed a massive fire at EMR’s Ferry Avenue facility earlier this year.

Residents want EMR to be held accountable and said they are upset about the city striking a deal without input from the community.

The operator of the South Camden metal recycling complex agreed to change operations and reduce footprint, but residents are skeptical.

EMR says lithium-ion batteries at their scrapyard caused a four-alarm blaze. Residents are skeptical it will hold the yard operator accountable.

“There have been way too many fires at EMR,” one neighbor said. “Nothing’s been done.”

“Their actions caused the … 4-story building to be fully engulfed in flames,” one first responder wrote in a report obtained by WHYY News.

Neighbors reported difficulty breathing, headaches and lingering odors in the aftermath of the massive blaze.

In a recording obtained by WHYY, a Camden County official said it was “by the grace of God” neighboring sewage treatment operations were spared.

Friday’s scrapyard fire caused roughly 100 people to evacuate their homes. It wasn’t EMR’s first.