BACKGROUND

Pollution prevention (P2) means "source reduction," as defined under the Pollution Prevention Act, and other practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants through:

• increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources; or
• protection of natural resources by conservation.

The Pollution Prevention Resource Exchange (P2Rx) was created in 1997 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The goal was to lay the groundwork for a seamless national network of easy to access, high quality pollution prevention information that promotes waste reduction throughout the United States.

Much of this information is now provided through “Topic Hubs,” which are web-based guides to peer-reviewed pollution prevention information and expertise on a particular subject. Included in the 70 topic hubs is the Auto Salvage Topic Hub found at http://www.p2rx.org/topichubs/index.cfm?page=toc&hub_id=506&subsec_id=7. Following are some relevant excerpts from this site.

SOURCES OF POTENTIAL POLLUTION AT SALVAGE YARDS

Environmental contamination can occur at many stages of the salvage yard operations. Soil, groundwater and air can be contaminated during vehicle disassembly and fluid drainage operations. Contamination can also result from improper handling and storage of materials (batteries, captured refrigerants, fluids, etc). In addition to a variety of fluids that may contaminate the environment if spilled or evaporated, automobiles are also a source of other hazardous materials, such as mercury, lead, and asbestos.

The two most important regulatory issues for salvage yards are fluid management and contaminated stormwater. Other issues most subject to regulation are:

• Storage tanks--above ground and under ground
• Fugitive air emissions--evaporating fuel, refrigerants
• Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) recovery licensure and training
• Improper disposal
• Tire storage and disposal

For information on how best to manage these issues, go to the relevant fact sheets for your state posted on ECAR at http://www.ecarcenter.org/ecartour.html.

NEED FOR ACTION

The auto salvage industry is fast becoming a highly regulated industry in the United States by EPA, state environmental regulatory agencies, county government, and municipal government. By taking preventive actions, salvage yards can minimize the potential for regulatory enforcement and increase positive public perception of the reuse and recycling roles that auto salvage yards play.