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I-CARE Path to Compliance
Program Tools
The Iowa Certified Auto Recyclers Environmental or
I-CARE program has been supporting members of
the Iowa Auto Recycler with a framework for compli-
ance and education since its inception in 2008. The
program thrives on the sharing of experiences and
information through the network of resources that is
the Iowa Automotive Recyclers association.
The foundation of the I-CARE program is built on the
legal requirements for a salvage facility in Iowa. Get-
ting members started with the basic framework of
rules and regulations outlined in the I-CARE program
is a simple and direct path to compliance. Members
then work through the details by applying the practi-
cal solutions put together through the experiences of
the group and the program coordinator. By working
one-on-one with individual members and issues as
they arise the program grows and strengthens in
ways that exceed all expectations.
Yet often even I-CARE certified facilities get lost in
the detail, get overwhelmed with backlog or have
gaps in their program management. That is when it is
important to go back to the basics and makes sure
the program standards are guiding you down the path
to compliance. Here are some of the issues to watch.
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP) and Inspection Requirements
Storm Water Permit inspections are not only happen-
ing more frequently but tend to be more in depth than
in previous eras. Annual review of the components of
your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan or
SWPPP and the inspections, training and logging re-
quirements are important requirements of the permit.
Don’t get caught unprepared, read your SWPPP and
stay up-to-date.
Storm water sampling
is re-
quired annually in Iowa and quarterly in some sur-
rounding states. Request a kit today!
PARTS WASHING
Wastewater management issue from aqueous parts
washing and power washing whether on city sewer or
septic are creating inspection headaches throughout
the state and the country. Those facilities on city sew-
er have different disposal issues than those on septic
systems that cannot receive commercial wastewater.
Except in self-contained wash bay areas power
washing should not take place outside. Likewise,
parts washer wastewater cannot be legally dis-
charged to a septic system designed only for sanitary
waste and mop water. Instead of sending water to the
septic system use a sump pump to bring the water
above ground (to a tote or tanker) and then dispose
at the local wastewater treatment facility. (Yes, haul it
to town and pay for disposal, sorry.)
SPILL PREVENTION CONTROL AND
COUNTERMEASURE (SPCC)
Now is the time to update and/or develop your Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasures plan for the
storage of gasoline, diesel, used oil and all petroleum
products both new and used.
Start with a quick survey of your on-suite storage ca-
pacity using a tank inventory process to determine if
an SPCC is required and if your secondary contain-
ment is up to par. The inventory can be a list of the
tank, size, contents and location at the facility. If the
total capacity to store petroleum products is 1,320
gallons or more then the facility needs to prepare and
implement an SPCC plan. Fuel and oil storage con-
tainer compatibility should also be review to deter-
mine “tank integrity” requirements.
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Recyclers News Press