The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) presented automotive recycler Pull-A-Part’s Indianapolis facility with their seventh Indiana Clean Yard-Gold Level award in recognition of the company’s efforts to protect the environment. Hani Sharaya, IDEM Senior Environmental Engineer, presented a commemorative certificate to Pull-A-Part’s Gabriel Boateng, chief of production operations, and Steve Jones, retail manager, during a site visit July 27.
IDEM partnered with Automotive Recyclers of Indiana, Inc. (ARI) to develop the “Indiana Clean Yard” recognition program to reward auto salvage yard operators who meet two different levels of requirements: “Indiana Clean Yard” and “Indiana Clean Yard – Gold Level.”
IDEM uses a checklist to evaluate the Best Management Practices (BMPs) and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan to evaluate Indiana Clean Yard Gold Level applicants. Only those who satisfy the standards set by IDEM receive Gold Level status.
Automotive recyclers 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. IDEM is committed to helping auto salvage recyclers ensure environmental protection.
Derick Corbett, senior vice president of external affairs at Atlanta-based Pull-A-Part, was excited to see Pull-A-Part Indianapolis win the award again. “Receiving this honor really is the gold standard for auto salvage recyclers in the state,” he says “It’s the goal for which we should all strive because it signifies the care with which a company serves their environment and their community, both of which should be the top priority. So, for Pull-A-Part, it is affirmation that we are working toward the right priorities.”
Founded in 1997, Pull-A-Part is a nationally recognized leader in the automotive recycling industry, operating 25 self-service auto parts stores and automotive salvage and recycling facilities in 12 U.S. states. The company has been acclaimed for outstanding citizenship by federal, state, and local organizations.
“What this [latest] recognition really validates is that the team in place in Indianapolis is doing an outstanding job,” Corbett says. “We have great leadership in Indianapolis and a great team that buys in to our philosophy of stewardship. This really is their award, and the entire Pull-A-Part operation is proud of them.”
All Indiana businesses can obtain free, confidential compliance assistance and request confidential site visits by contacting IDEM’s Office of Compliance and Technical Assistance (CTAP) at 800-988-7901 or by visiting the CTAP website.
Photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Caption: Gabriel Boateng, chief of production operations for Pull-A-Part; Hani Sharaya, IDEM’s senior environmental engineer; and Steve Jones, retail manager for Pull-A-Part.
