DEM asks junkyards to voluntarily self-certify

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management is calling on operators of auto salvage yards to participate in its voluntary self-certification program.
The program, funded through a prior grant of $200,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, allows operators to self-certify to the DEM that they are complying with environmental regulations and best management practices.
By participating, auto salvage yard owners would become compliant with all applicable air, water, solid and hazardous waste requirements. Participants will also receive guidance documents, such as a certification workbook, brochure and fact sheets, as well as pollution prevention technical assistance. Those who complete the program will be placed on a public list of certified auto salvage yard facilities on the DEM’s Web site.
Rhode Island is home to 73 auto salvage yards. The facilities are licensed by the R.I. Department of Business Regulation and subject to various local laws.