RI Agency Files Public Notice for Metals Recycling LLC Permit

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Water Resources is filing a public notice for a proposed permit. The agency noted that Metals Recycling LLC, located in Johnston, RI, is seeking a RIPDES Permit to discharge water to the Woonassquatucket River.

Operations conducted at the facility include processing, separating, sorting, and stockpiling scrap metal and associated by-products. As part of these operations, automobiles are transported to the facility, any hazardous materials and automotive fluids are removed from the vehicles, the vehicles are shredded, and the shredded materials are sorted prior to being transported off-site for further processing.

The proposed permit authorizes the discharge of storm water and certain non-storm water discharges (limited to fire fighting activity discharges; fire hydrant flushings; external building washdowns that do not use detergents; air conditioning condensate; and pavement wash waters where significant materials are not located, spills or leaks of oil and hazardous material have not occurred, and where detergents are not used) from this facility and also establishes requirements for the control of pollutants in storm water.

Proposed improvements to be made at the site include the installation of a storm water collection system and a storm water treatment system using two (2) oil/water separators and three (3) solids separation units. The permit includes a twelve (12) month implementation schedule for Metals Recycling to install the storm water collection and treatment system improvements. Additionally, this permit also requires that Metals Recycling comply with the approved Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

This SWPPP includes, but is not limited to, a description of the pollution controls and maintenance activities necessary to properly control storm water runoff and source reduction measures such as minimization of material storage volumes, paving and sweeping of the site, and covering the fluids drainage area to minimize contact with storm water.

Since all of the limitations and conditions in the permit reduce the quantity of pollutants discharged, when compared to historic levels, the DEM has determined that the permit complies with the Policy on the Implementation of the Antidegradation Provisions of the Rhode Island Water Quality Regulations.

Pursuant to Chapter 42-17.4 of the Rhode Island General Laws a public hearing has been scheduled to consider the permit if requested. Requests for a Public Hearing must be submitted in writing to the attention of Joseph B. Haberek, P.E. at Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Water Resources, 235 Promenade St., Providence, Rim 02908-5767, tel. (401) 222-4700 ext. 7715.

A public hearing will be held October 22, 2003, in Providence at 5:00 p.m., Room 280, 235 Promenade Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02908

If, during the public comment period, significant new questions are raised concerning the permit, DEM may require a new draft permit or statement of basis or may reopen the public comment period. A public notice will be issued for any of these actions.