Small Business Advisor - September 2021

Small Biz News

Small Business Advisor - September 2021

Metal Shredding Facilities a Focus of EPA Enforcement

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified Clean Air Act violations at multiple metal recycling facilities that operate auto and scrap metal shredders, causing excess emissions of air pollution. These facilities are often located in densely populated areas, where noncompliant shredders can have an impact on overburdened communities.  Metal recycling facility owners and operators should be aware of Clean Air Act requirements that might apply at their facilities and the air pollution control systems that are in use for shredders at similar facilities. Specifically, shredder operators should be aware of the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other emissions from their facilities. 

Metal recycling facilities with shredders collect automobiles, large appliances, and other items containing recyclable metal. These items come from municipalities, manufacturers, small businesses, and the public. Materials are processed by loading and conveying materials into a hammermill shredder that breaks apart materials into a size suitable for further processing.  Significant amounts of non-metal materials are contained in the shredded materials, which can vaporize and become organic air emissions. These materials include plastics, paints, caulks, sealants, rubber, switches, fluids, and fluid residues. The process of grinding and shredding scrap metal generates heat, resulting in residual fluids and fuels becoming gases. The violent nature of the process creates the potential for particulate matter emissions of various sizes. Thus, the process generates emissions of VOCs, particulate matter, and hazardous air pollutants including lead, zinc, cadmium, mercury, and organic pollutants.

Operators of metal shredders in Wisconsin may want to assess their current level of air pollution emissions to prepare in the event of a visit from EPA.  The DNR Small Business Environmental Assistance Program has created resources that help businesses calculate emissions and determine whether an air pollution permit is needed:  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/SmallBusiness/PermitTypes.html

For more details on the regulatory issues and corrective actions from EPA:  https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-07/metalshredder-enfalert.pdf 


Energy Team Toolkit

Energy Toolkit

Looking to start an energy team at your facility? Take the first step with Focus on Energy's Energy Team Toolkit. This FREE toolkit provides you with the resources you need to get started. Each toolkit includes:

  • A sample energy policy
  • Energy team meeting topics and agenda
  • Highlights from successful energy teams

Begin your energy management journey by visiting focusonenergy.com/toolkit for more details.


Training Opportunities

2021 Wisconsin Asbestos Conference - December 3

The 2021 Wisconsin Asbestos Conference is being held in person on Friday, December 3 at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.  The conference will run from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

  • Registration is $65 for an individual, before November 15, and will increase to $85 after. 
  • Exhibit booths, which include one registration, are $175 before November 15, and will increase to $225 for late registrations. 

The topics for this year’s event include:

  • Updates from Regulatory Agencies: Back to Basics
  • Renovation, Demolition, and De-Construction in the City of Milwaukee 
  • It's NOT All About Asbestos 
  • Common Abatement Issues Encountered during Renovation of Commercial and Public Buildings

Register NOW to get the early bird rates. 

 

WISCON Webinars

Weekly online webinars from WisCon Safety Consultation Program, held at 1:00 pm each Monday.  Join the webinar via the ZOOM link:  https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/99797590129.  Future topics include:

  • September 27 – Emergency Exits
  • October 4 – COVID-19 Update
  • October 11 – Housekeeping
  • October 18 – Understanding SDS Information
  • October 25 – Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records