New certification program helps auto salvage yards protect Hoosiers and the environment

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - While the world gears up for the Indianapolis 500, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is helping auto salvage yards tune-up to protect the environment. IDEM's Auto Salvage Recyclers Certificate Program is ready to drop the green flag for summer workshops beginning in May.

IDEM is working with the Auto Salvage Recyclers of Indiana to host a series of workshops focused on helping auto salvage yards improve their environmental stewardship through a new program that will feature workshops, a workbook and instructional DVD. The goal is for auto salvage businesses to achieve gold level certification by voluntarily participating in the new Indiana Clean Yard program.

Below is a list of workshop dates and locations:

• May 27, 2009    IVY Tech, Valparaiso, Ind.              9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• May 29, 2009    IVY Tech, Indianapolis, Ind.    9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• June 2, 2009            IU Southeast, New Albany, Ind.  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The workshops will incorporate a 105-page workbook with an instructional DVD. Workshops will teach auto salvage yard personnel the benefits of becoming an Indiana Clean Yard, and how to go through the steps to achieve certification.

"This is a great example of how we can work with a particular business sector and help them find ways to improve their process and protect Hoosiers and our environment," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "Auto salvage yards are an important part of Indiana's economy. Working with them to assure they are properly managing the waste fluids, gases, tires and mercury switches generated by their salvage operations is our main objective."

To achieve Indiana Clean Yard certification, auto salvage yards will start with an environmental self-evaluation. After correcting any problems found on the checklist, they will be eligible to be certified by IDEM as an Indiana Clean Yard. If the facility meets additional requirements, they can achieve the Indiana Clean Yard - Gold Level status. This signifies to all Hoosiers that the auto salvage facility has gone beyond environmental regulations to show that they care about the community and want to protect the environment.

IDEM launched its current initiative for auto salvage facilities in 2007 with a $200,000 State Innovative Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). IDEM staff members have since conducted numerous inspections around the state to help steer Indiana's 650-plus auto salvage recyclers toward better environmental stewardship and ensure their compliance.

To register or receive more information about the seminars call (800) 451-6027, extension 4-6960.

Auto salvage recyclers can obtain free, confidential compliance assistance and request confidential site visits by contacting IDEM's Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance toll free at (800) 988-7901. For more information, visit the IDEM Web site at www.idem.IN.gov/4993.htm.