ARA Provides Feedback to the EPA on Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet for Automobile Salvage Yards
On January 25, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a notice for public input in the Federal Register requesting public input on the EPA’s industrial stormwater program’s 29 industry-specific fact sheets. ARA submitted comments to the EPA to assist the agency in its evaluation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet for automobile salvage yards. ARA was the only party that submitted recommendations or comments relevant to the automobile salvage yard fact sheet.
The U.S. EPA’s industry-specific fact sheets are “used by permittees, industrial stormwater stakeholders, and state/territory NPDES permitting authorities on a voluntary basis as a reference tool and informational resource.” Therefore, the final fact sheets published by the U.S. EPA will have an impact on automotive recyclers as they become persuasive authority. ARA’s comments focused on addressing provisions in the fact sheet for automobile salvage yards that were either irrelevant to preventing stormwater pollution or that encouraged outdated business practices. ARA is hopeful that the EPA will recognize ARA’s expertise on this matter and will subsequently implement ARA’s recommendations.
Every five years, an industrial facility covered by the EPA’s industrial stormwater program must renew their stormwater permit and the EPA issues a new revised permit. In 2020, ARA submitted comments expressing serious concern with the EPA’s inclusion of an Appendix Q within their Draft 2021 Permit. Appendix Q included best management practices and stormwater control measures specific to automotive recyclers. Appendix Q also evidenced a clear lack of understanding for the automotive recycling industry and contained best management practices and stormwater control measures that were problematic. Some of the best management practices and stormwater control measures recommended were either obsolete (and in some cases) physically dangerous business practices that may lead to injury or death. Fortunately, in 2021, the EPA took ARA’s comments into account and eliminated the entirety of the proposed Appendix Q from the final issued stormwater permit.
ARA Member Benefits: Save Up To 20 Cents Off Per Gallon
The average price of a gallon of gas is quickly rising, leading some business owners to rethink their routines and spending.
Let your access to WEX fuel cards through the MyARA Savings Marketplace reduce the impact of these rising fuel prices. For businesses that frequently fill-up, this member benefit gives you access to exclusive savings. Visit the Marketplace today via the yellow button at the top of the ARA homepage. WEX fuel cards are free to use with no setup or monthly card fees and you can use the card at over 95% of stations nationwide. Receive both a great promotional fuel price and an attractive discount that sticks around for the life of the card. Right now, you can save up to 20 cents off per gallon at Exxon Mobil, Sunoco, Philips 66, Conoco, 76, Shell and Stripes. Visit wexinc.savings4members.com for more information on ALL available fuel card brands and their current promotions. For more information on your member benefits contact Kelly Badillo (kelly@a-r-a.org).
WELCOME NEW & RETURNING MEMBERS OF THE AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION
A & A Auto and Truck Parts, Inc. (North)
A. A. Recycling Pty., Ltd.
Advance Tire, Inc.
Al-jon Manufacturing, LLC
Auto World Salvage & Sales
Box Auto Salvage, Inc.
C&Y Global Inc.
CarParts4Sale, Inc.
Hamer Rd Auto Salvage, LLC
Hazard Control Technologies, Inc.
I-17 Auto & Truck Recyclers
M & R Auto Salvage
M51 Auto Parts, LLC
Misgen Auto Parts, Inc.
Pat's Auto Salvage, LLC
Recycled OE Parts
Riteway Auto Parts, Inc.
TJ'S Auto & Truck Parts
U-Pull-R-Parts III
Vin Match Pro
WEN Industries, div of Hyde Specialty Products
Electric Battery Opportunity for Auto Recyclers
ARA wants to make you aware of an opportunity available to automotive recyclers in the New England area to partner with a company called EVB360, which is currently purchasing electric vehicle batteries for second life repurposing. EVB360 has been working for over two years to develop a process for the safe reconditioning of electric batteries and energy storage. The company will begin refurbishing EV batteries this spring at a technical facility in Montreal and is looking to purchase the following models:
• Nissan Leaf
• Chevy Bolt or Volt models
• Toyota vehicles using lithium batteries
• Ford vehicles using lithium batteries
• BMW i3 and i8
• Mitsubishi Outlander model years 2014 to 2021 using lithium batteries To participate or for questions, please contact Martin Menard at mmenard@evb360.com.
Recyclers! Advertise NOW with Regional Advertising from ARA!
ToolBox® offers Auto Recycler B2B Marketing Opportunity!
Are you looking to build your business relationships with other quality automotive recyclers or to boost your company’s industry image? Here is a great opportunity to expand your reach. The Auto Recyclers ToolBox® now offers regionally-driven advertising from professional auto recyclers to market and grow their B2B sales. There are four regions, and your company can be in as many regions as you want to reach. The ToolBox® reaches most of the industry, which provides a comprehensive way to get exposure with your participation in the NEW “Recycler to Recycler” section dedicated solely to business-to-business connections between automotive recyclers. This opportunity is available only to automotive recyclers. Email Toolboxads@a-r-a.org for details!
Be an Agent of Change! ARA Attendee and Exhibitor Registration is Now Open for the 79th Annual Convention & Expo
ARA’s 79th Annual Convention & Exposition, to be held in Orlando, Florida Sept. 22-24, 2022, offers one-of-a-kind opportunities to learn of and see new products and services, experience outstanding educational sessions and network with colleagues! Attendee registration opened May 1, and the Expo Hall has been quickly filling up with exhibitor booth reservations of the leading industry innovators and companies. Jump online at ARA website, www.a-r-a.org/convention for everything you need to be an agent of change.
We are assembling the usual suspects along with some new change agents of top-notch speakers and industry experts focusing on the topics that automotive recyclers need to know. This year, we will include sessions to provide you with the tools and information you need to take your business to the next level. Improve results by bringing several members of your team to attend multiple sessions and gain as much knowledge as possible.
ARA’s Exposition features the largest assortment of automotive recycling vendors under one roof and is a must-attend for any business wanting to stay ahead of their mission. This is your best opportunity to directly connect with nearly 100 service providers to the automotive recycling industry.
Self-service is an area of focus for the educational sessions. ARA volunteer leaders are committed to growing the education and training available for our self-service members during the Annual Convention, planning three separate panel discussions on topics such as efficiency and safety, commodity recovery, and brand marketing. Hear from fellow self-service operators on topics important to you! This year’s Convention will also feature a one-hour long Tech Talk showcasing industry software and technology providers tailored to self-service operations.
The show host is the wonderful Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista. ARA has negotiated a room rate of $235 for single/double occupancy + $23/day resort services fee for all ARA Convention delegates. You may secure hotel reservations via https://swandolphin.com/groupres/AU2351/. ALL RESERVATIONS WILL REQUIRE A 1-NIGHT NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT. (NOTE: No one will call you to make this reservation.)
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to advance your mission as an agent of change! www.a-r-a.org/convention
