P2 for Junkyards & Scrap Metal Facilities

The first steps to be taken by NBC will be to survey a representative sampling of the more than 45 licensed automotive salvage yards located within NBC servicing. This survey will help to identify environmental impacts from common scrap metal facility practices and procedures such as: vehicle crushing/shredding operations; removal and management of automobile fluids (including automotive waste oil, anti-freeze, transmission fluids, and brake fluids); management of mercury switches; employee environmental awareness training; and management and disposal of tires. The goal of this initial survey is to develop P2/Environmental Compliance audit procedures that can be used by NBC staff and project partners from the Rhode Island DEM and the University of Rhode Island to conduct P2 assessments of auto salvage operations throughout the state. Efforts will focus on collecting information that will both allow for a quantitative measurement of pollutant loadings to air water and land from auto salvage operations and will help in the development of appropriate technical assistance programs to minimize these environmental impacts. Work commenced on these projects in fall 2003.