With the potential financial impacts that come with salvaging a car and looking for a new one, it is easy to overlook the environmental concerns when cars reach their end of life. Used car parts can leave behind many types of hazardous residues that pollute surface and groundwater.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) offers a unique “clean yard” program to certify auto salvage businesses that follow all environmental regulations and also have an effective recycling program. Businesses may apply for certifications for the Indiana Clean Yard or Indiana Clean Yard Gold Level.
What BMPs must an Indiana Clean Yard implement?
IDEM publishes the Auto Salvage Recyclers Environmental Self-Audit Workbook, which contains different topic areas that the business must address. The different sections of the workbook detail best management practices (BMPs) to minimize risks and liabilities and protect land, air, and water.
Sections include:
- Licensing
- Fluids Management (gas, antifreeze, brake fluid, etc)
- Oil
- Underground Storage Tanks
- Hazardous Waste Management (paints, lead acid batteries, fluorescent lights, etc)
- Waste Tire Management
- Mercury Switches
- Solid Waste Management (garbage, shredder fluff, discarded parts, etc)
- Air (degreasers/solvents, open burning, etc)
- Water (land disturbing activities, stormwater management, erosion, floodway, wetlands, discharge)
How can a business become an Indiana Clean Yard?
First the business must conduct a self-audit using the Auto Salvage Recyclers Environmental Self-Audit Workbook and fix any issues found. Then, they can submit the checklist and certification statement to IDEM. IDEM will review the forms and schedule a site visit to verify that your facility follows environmental regulations, has necessary licenses and approvals, and has an effective recycling program.
Before scheduling an IDEM site visit, businesses are encouraged to reach out to MCWEC or staff from IDEM’s Compliance and Technical Assistance Program for free confidential assistance in complying with environmental regulations. Also be sure to review the resources from The Indiana Department of Environmental Management specifically for auto salvage.
Ask your local auto salvage if they are part of the program and if not encourage them to become certified in protecting our groundwater resources!
