WEIRTON – A new metal recycling facility is set to begin operating in Weirton.

The Weirton Zoning Board of Appeals, during its meeting Tuesday, approved a request for a conditional use permit which would allow Crowned Eagle Holding LLC to open and operate its planned facility at 4701 Freedom Way.

Under terms of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, such businesses must receive approval in an M-2 Industrial district.

“They’ve been in this industry for dozens of years,” attorney Mike Simon said, noting those involved are now opening their own business.

According to information provided by city officials, the facility will serve as a transfer station for materials, housing copper, aluminum, brass and other non-ferrous metals in an existing building. In other areas of the property, various grades of steel and other miscellaneous metals, will be kept in an outdoor site.

Simon introduced Rob Santoro, whom he said is part of the ownership of the company.

When asked about employment prospects, Santoro said much will depend on the amount of growth experienced by the business.

“If all goes as planned, we could end up with 50 people; maybe more,” Santoro said.

Responding to a question from Zoning Board Chair Bill Frohnapfel, Santoro indicated there will be radiation detectors installed at the facility, to monitor any metals brought in an ensure they are clear of radioactive materials.

“We have to have them. There’s no option in this business,” he said.

The business is set to operate on approximately 5.713 acres along Freedom Way just past the entrance to the Half Moon Industrial Park. Operations will include the use of shears, balers, material handlers, and scales, with controlled access to the site, perimeter fencing and screening, according to application information.

In other business Tuesday, the Zoning Board also approved a conditional use permit for Mike Heilman to build an additional self-storage facility, to be located adjacent to his existing units at 300 County Road. Such approval is required in a mixed use district.