Garden City Iron and Metal – A Success Story

For this edition of ARI News, VET Environmental Engineering, LLC (VET) is proud to feature Garden City Iron and Metal (Garden City) in Columbus, Indiana.  Garden City is owned by Matt Ellegood.  We started working with Matt and his team just last year, in 2019, when we visited his yard for his first Indiana Certified Automotive Recyclers Exemplary Standards (INCARES) audit.  In October 2019, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) inspected Garden City and issued a Notice of Violation (NOV).  Matt was determined to correct the issues and return to compliance.  Over the next few months, we worked with Matt and his employees to help fix the issues observed by IDEM inspectors.

First, Matt took the necessary steps to implement required compliance plans for his site.  He worked with VET to evaluate his site for storm water compliance. VET submitted required paperwork on behalf of Garden City to IDEM’s Office of Water Quality (OWQ).  Additionally, we assisted in implementing a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan for the site. Matt invested in Safety Strategy System and ComplianceGo software subscriptions through VET.  Safety Strategy System will ensure that Garden City employees are frequently and sufficiently trained on annual Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training requirements such as Fire Safety, Mercury Safety, and Cutting Torch Protocol.  ComplianceGo software assigns, notifies, and reminds Matt and his team to perform inspections required by regulatory stakeholders.

Since the inspection, Matt and his team have made the effort to profile and properly dispose of any unknown substances on-site.  Throughout this process, the team labeled any fluids containers on-site clearly and correctly.  Additionally, Garden City properly disposed of over 4,200 tires!  What an impressive feat!  Now, Garden City aims to frequently dispose of waste tires and store tires under roof to avoid water accumulation.  No one likes mosquitos!  Furthermore, Matt made the investment to install a covered dismantling area with a new concrete floor!  This shows the dedication that Matt has to improving the quality of his operation!  See the pictures below for a before and after look.  In addition to all of these improvements, Matt has gone to great lengths to clear out the ditch surrounding his yard.   Previously, there were all sorts of things surrounding the yard – tires, refrigerators, car parts, and lots of weeds!  Now, it is spotless!  We are very impressed with the dedication to inspection and good housekeeping practices that Matt and his team have adopted.

BEFORE: The uncovered dismantling area.

AFTER: The new and improved dismantling area with a roof!

We recently visited Garden City in July for the yard’s annual INCARES audit and could see the major improvements that the team was making.  The yard looks amazing!  We are happy to say that IDEM recently completed a follow up inspection in August and Garden City was returned to compliance!  Not only that, but the yard will be a certified SILVER medalist this year in the INCARES program!  We are beyond proud of Matt and his team and everything they have accomplished – way to go!  We know this facility isn’t done making improvements.  They have some big plans in the works.  Keep up the great work!

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