Small Resources, Big ResultsN.H. Department of Environmental ServicesPamela H. Sprague, Program CoordinatorSeptember 28, 2005

N.H.Green Yards ProgramObjective: Improve environmental practices at auto recycling yards

Partners:N.H. Auto & Truck Recyclers AssociationN.H. Pollution Prevention Program

Two Phase ProgramPhase I:Education & Compliance AssistanceLaunched in 2003

Phase II:Compliance Self-Audit & CertificationCommence in 2006

Participating YardsAbout 200 facilities total

Facilities that:Dismantle or crush 12 or more end-of-life vehicles yearly; and/or

Store 25 or more end-of-life vehicles longer than 60 days

Profile of Typical NH FacilityLess than:5 employees5 acres of land500 vehicles stored500 vehicles processed yearlyMulti-functionauto bodyauto repair/serviceauto salesModest profits

Capacity Need500,000 registered vehicles in NH are 10+ years old

End-of-life vehicles (ELVs) are 7 10 years old, on average

33% population increase in next 25 years

NH needs capacity to recycle 50,000+++ ELVs yearly

A big job, with big concerns...

Groundwater Contamination

Surface Water Quality

Soil Contamination

Air Quality

Designing the N.H. Green Yards Program Established stakeholder workgroupExchanged business knowledge & concernsDeveloped auto recycling BMPsIdentified:Barriers to achieving compliance Measures for overcoming barriersAvailable resourcesSelected measures consistent with resources

Limited Resources$38,000 grant + 40% state match

Key Partners:N.H. Pollution Prevention ProgramN.H. Auto & Truck Recyclers Assoc.

Cutbacks & layoffs mid-stream

Compliance BarriersCommunication Problems

Financial Limitations & Dis-incentives

Physical Working Constraints

Moving Target Syndrome

Attitude/Lack of Environmental Stewardship

Lack of Enforcement

Key Program PrinciplesAssume (for now) most people will do the right thing Tell them what to doTell them why (personalize the consequences)Identify incentives and resources

Keep it simpleMake it achievable / incremental cooperative complianceProvide options (performance based / not prescriptive)Be outcome-oriented / not process-oriented

Make it sustainableProvide a vision the industry can adopt as its ownInstill pride / provide standingBuild environmental stewardship

Phase OneEducation & Compliance AssistanceBest Management Practices (BMPs) information and materialsMailed in Installments

Statewide Workshops and Meetings

Confidential Compliance Assistance---P2 Program

Phase I Results?Survey datapreliminary analysis

BMP Evaluation ReportsInspections are now on-going

Voluntary Certification Program15% participation

Technical assistance requestsP2

Complaint investigations / Remedial projects

Fewer yards are now dismantling vehicles over bare ground and out in the open.

Big improvements are reported re: storage practices for gas and oil

Some positive behavior changes re: preparing vehicles for crushing.

27% report improved tire storage practices by bringing stockpiles into compliance.

And now a few case studies about being careful what you say GollyWas it something I said?

I listened to what you said and now I always dismantle my vehicles over a concrete pad

I got it! Always store fuel tanks off the ground, in a well ventilated area

Look! I fixed things so I dont need a storm water discharge permit.

Im pretty sure were all set I labeled the gas tank and put a roof over it, plus I keep absorbent nearby, just like you said.

Stop by sometime we built that concrete pad you recommended and its working out swell.

We made some important changes here now, we always put down a tarp and a little Speedee-Dri before draining gas.

Whats Next?Complete Voluntary Certification ProjectAdopt rules for Mandatory CertificationComplete BMP Evaluation InspectionsEvaluate results & do Targeted OutreachIdentify / Inspect / Educate Non-NotifiersTrain Municipal OfficialsMobile Crusher InitiativeConsumer EducationNew Legislation

Questions?

LecturesTable top displaysGive-awaysMeet and greetNetworking1/3 yards attended

Municipal official workshops too