ARKANSAS MERCURY SWITCH REMOVAL PROGRAM Arkansas Dept of

ARKANSAS MERCURY SWITCH REMOVAL PROGRAM Arkansas Dept. of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Management Division January 26, 2006

CONTENTS OF PRESENTATION n Mercury Switch Removal Act Timeline n n Arkansas is a Financial Incentive State Arkansas Qualified Vehicle Recycling and Scrap Recycling Facilities n Arkansas Fish Advisory n Issues of Concern

Arkansas Mercury Switch Act Timeline n The Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 649 better known as the “Mercury Switch Removal Act of 2005”. n The Act was effective on August 12, 2005. n By September 10, 2005, manufacturers must provide vehicle recyclers (VR) and scrap recyclers facilities (SRF) with containers suitable for storing mercury switches. – On Sept. 7, 2005, 80 Bucket were sent out. – January 25, 2006, the State updated the manufacturers VR list and requested another mail out to approximately 125 VR.

Timeline Continued… n By November 9, 2005, manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in the state of Arkansas must submit a Mercury Minimization Plan. – On November 8, 2005, The plan was submitted by ELVIS on behave of the auto manufactures. n February 28, 2006, a draft state regulation will be presented to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. n On or before March 8, 2006, the director shall approve, disapprove or conditionally approve the Mercury Minimization Plan.

n n Arkansas is a Financial Incentive State The costs listed below shall be borne by the manufacturers of vehicles sold in the state, – Five dollars ($5. 00) for each mercury switch removed by a vehicle recycler (VR) or scrap recycling facility (SRF); and – One dollar ($1. 00) for each mercury switch removed by a VR or SRF as partial compensation to the Department. The manufacturer is also responsible for: educational materials; packaging; shipping; recycling, storage or disposal of mercury; and maintenance of all appropriate record-keeping systems.

End of Life Vehicle Total Number of Recyclers n Vehicle Recyclers (VR): – At this time, approximately 200 Qualified VR n Qualified = VR that crush > 6 per year n Scrap Recycling Facilities (SRF): – – – Nucor-Yamato Steel Company, Armorel (EAF) Nucor Steel Company, Armorel (EAF) A. Tenenbaum Company Inc. , North Little Rock (Shredder)

Dept. of Health & Human Services Mercury Fish Advisory Reports 1997 - 18 areas 1999 – 20 areas 2006 – Pending Information obtained from:

Issues of Concern n Information sent to vehicle recyclers (VR) was incomplete and not sent to all qualified facilities. n Inspections of sites not required by Act. Mercury Switch Bucket n – – – n Should assemblies or bullets be placed in the bucket When and where to send the bucket Should there be an annual recycling due date (12 -31) How to handle vehicle recyclers that do not qualify for the program.

Contacts: Chrissy Heider, Mgmt. Project Analyst II heider@adeq. state. ar. us (501) 682 -0592 Susan Speake, Program Branch Manager speake@adeq. state. ar. us (501) 682 -0589 ADEQ Web Site: www. adeq. state. ar. us