Indiana Auto Recyclers Face Enforcement, Possible Penalties

The state of Indiana Department of Environmental Management is contemplating taking enforcement action against several automobile salvage yards and their owners/operators. The decision is part of the state’s goal to force companies to follow the state’s environmental rules.

In 2000, staff members in the agency's Pollution Complaint Clearinghouse recognized the need to provide technical assistance and ensure continual compliance at Indiana's auto salvage facilities. In response, IDEM obtained a grant for $190,000 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for an auto salvage facility initiative.

After working to identify and locate auto salvage facilities around the state, staff members sent out letters about the initiative. IDEM technical staff provided education about managing storm water, waste tires and used oil, and preventing illegal open burning and illegal open dumping. Staff members also educated the business people about removing mercury switches prior to shredding or crushing vehicles.

"IDEM's auto salvage facility initiative shows that clear direction and information from our technical staff helps businesses successfully comply with environmental rules," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "Many auto salvage facility owners and operators have worked cooperatively with our staff, and we commend them for their commitment to preventing pollution."

"The facilities receiving Notices of Violation have, unfortunately, disregarded the agency's attempts to inform them about and help them comply with rules that are designed to protect the public health and environment," said Easterly. "Their disregard for compliance leaves us no other choice but to take this formal action."

IDEM has issued Notices of Violations against the following operations:

Gulley's Auto Salvage, Francisco;

GW Pierce Auto Parts, Cicero;

John Ridge Property, Sheridan;

Parker Auto Parts of Vincennes, Inc., Vincennes;

I-94 Auto Recyclers, Inc., Gary;

Illiana Scrap and Core, Inc., Hammond;

Bloomington Auto Parts, Bloomington; and

Bud & Son's Auto Salvage, West Terre Haute

Each Notice of Violation outlines specific environmental problems that the agency believes the facility must correct and requires the recipient to present IDEM with an acceptable plan for preventing future violations. There is a potential for penalties, as well.

"We at IDEM prefer to put our efforts toward working with businesses and providing them with the technical assistance they need to understand and comply with environmental regulations," said Easterly. "But, we will take action against anyone whose disregard for compliance presents a threat to public health and the environment."

In addition to distributing the comprehensive Compliance Manual for Indiana Auto Salvage Facilities, the agency is distributing a booklet called Make the Switch!. The booklet contains information and instructions about mercury switches in vehicles, and a poster to help raise awareness. Auto salvage facilities and the public can find more information, including an on-line version of the compliance manual, on the IDEM Web site at http://www.IN.gov/idem/autosalvage.