Pennsylvania DEP Issues Permits for Auto Shredder

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued four permits that will allow Eastern Metal Recycling Terminal LLC to operate an auto shredding and recycling operation at a facility in Eddystone, Pa.

“Following a careful review of the company’s plans to address air quality, water quality and stormwater issues, DEP believes that the permits will be protective of the environment and human health,” Joseph Feola, DEP southeast regional director, says. “We have required special provisions to protect air quality in Eddystone and to minimize discharges of contaminants in stormwater runoff to the Delaware River.”

According to the DEP, permit conditions include additional daily air monitoring, enhanced dust control, certification from scrap suppliers that deliveries will not contain restricted materials and stormwater monitoring and management practices, including treatment tanks and landscaping, that will process and filter runoff.

Feola says, the DEP will work to make sure the facility meets the terms of the permits through more frequent inspections and prompt responses to complaints received from the community, along with verifying that the additional controls are effective in protecting public health and safety.

The four permits issued by DEP are: 

• An air quality plan approval to construct and temporarily operate a shredder, conveyors and stockpiles;
• An individual National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for stormwater discharge associated with construction work; and
• An individual NPDES permit for discharging storm water from industrial activities; and
• A Chapter 105 water obstruction and encroachment permit to build stormwater outfalls along the Delaware River. 

More information about environmental justice communities or these permits, is available at www.depweb.state.pa.us or by calling 484-250-5900.