For Immediate Release
March 8, 2011

Indianapolis’ Pic-A-Part receives award from IDEM

Theresa Bordenkecher, Office of Land Quality Section Chief for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), presented Sherri Heckenast, owner of Pic-A-Part, with the Indiana Clean Yard award today, in recognition of the company’s efforts to protect the environment.

Salvage yards receive and store wrecked vehicles containing antifreeze, gasoline, oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, batteries, mercury switches and tires. If not managed properly, wrecked vehicles stockpiled in salvage yards can pose an environmental threat.

“I am pleased to see companies like Pic-A-Part help lead the industry down a better path,” said IDEM Commissioner Thomas Easterly. “This is a great example of how we can work with a particular business sector and help them find ways to improve their process while protecting Hoosiers and our environment. Auto salvage yards are an important part of Indiana’s economy. Pic-A-Part has shown that by properly managing the wastes generated by their salvage operations, they can protect the environment while operating a viable business.”

IDEM is committed to helping auto salvage recyclers ensure environmental protection. IDEM has partnered with Automotive Recyclers of Indiana, Inc. (ARI) to develop a recognition program to reward auto salvage yard operators that meet two different levels of requirements. This program is called “Indiana Clean Yard,” and the awards are called “Indiana Clean Yard” and “Indiana Clean Yard – Gold Level.”

To pursue either of the Indiana Clean Yard recognitions, auto salvage yards begin by contacting IDEM for an environmental self-evaluation checklist. After correcting any problems as determined by the checklist, the yard becomes eligible for IDEM’s Indiana Clean Yard award. The Indiana Clean Yard – Gold Level status is a higher certification level that signifies the auto salvage facility has gone above and beyond required regulations and voluntarily implemented measures to ensure greater protection of air, land and water.

IDEM launched its current initiative for auto salvage facilities in 2007 with a State Innovative Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. IDEM staff members have since conducted hundreds of inspections around the state to help steer Indiana’s 650-plus auto salvage recyclers toward better environmental stewardship and encourage their compliance.

To register or receive more information about the Indiana Clean Yard and Indiana Clean Yard — Gold Level awards, call (800) 451-6027, ext. 4-6955.

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 Clean Yard Program web page at www.idem.IN.gov/6240.htm or the IDEM auto salvage program web page at www.idem.IN.gov/4993.htm.

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

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Media contact:
Barry Sneed
IDEM’s Office of Media and Communications Services
(317) 232-8596
bsneed@idem.IN.gov