IDEM recognizes auto recycler with award

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has presented Veldman’s Auto Parts Inc., an auto recycling company located in South Bend, Indiana, with its Clean Yard Gold Level award. The company was recognized for its efforts to protect the environment.

The IDEM, along with the Automotive Recyclers of Indiana, developed the recognition program for auto salvage yards in 2007. The goal of the initiative is to have auto recyclers in the state to operate their facilities with exemplary environmental safety. The initiative has two levels of requirement: Indiana Clean Yard and Indiana Clean Yard – Gold Level.

The initiative was launched with the assistance of a State Innovative grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since the initiative began IDEM estimates that it has conducted hundreds of inspections of auto recycling facilities to help steer the more than 650 auto recycling facilities in the state toward better environmental stewardship and encourage compliance with all state regulations.

To pursue either of the Indiana Clean Yard awards, auto salvage yards begin by contacting IDEM for an environmental self-evaluation checklist. After correcting any problems as determined by the checklist, the yard becomes eligible for IDEM’s Indiana Clean Yard award.

The Indiana Clean Yard – Gold Level status is a higher certification level that signifies the auto salvage facility has gone above and beyond required regulations and voluntarily implemented measures to ensure greater protection of air, land and water.

Pictured, from left: Roman Veldman, Ted Veldman (founder), IDEM Commissioner Carol S. Comer and Wayne Veldman.