The following list of local, state and federal laws should be familiar to all Philadelphia owners and operators of scrap, auto salvage and similar businesses. Owners and operators have a responsibility to determine if they are in compliance with all applicable laws.

1. City of Philadelphia Laws

The Philadelphia Code (Phila.Code) can be obtained at public libraries in Philadelphia and found on the Internet at http://municipalcodes.lexisnexis.com/codes/philadelphia/
Water Department Regulations can be found at http://www.phila.gov/water/.
The Health Department’s Air Management Regulations can be found at http://www.phila.gov/health/units/ams/index.html.
(a) Laws Administered by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)
Zoning Code Requirements: G-2 Zoning with Certificate
Business Licenses and Administrative Requirements:

Fire Code Requirements - Phila.Code Chapter 4.F:
The following are just some of the violations apply to
“Automotive and Scrap Recyclers” in accordance with
“The New 2007 Philadelphia Fire Code.”

FOR VEHICLE SALVAGE AND WRECKING FACILITY

2. Laws Administered by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) enforces the state laws that prohibit water pollution. Metal scrap yards and auto salvage yards are businesses that, by the nature of the operation, have the potential to cause water pollution. To address this potential for pollution, federal regulations require any business that is involved in the recycling of materials (including metal scrapyards, battery reclaimers, salvage yards, and automobile junkyards - Standard Industrial Codes 5015 and 5093), to obtain a permit for the discharge of stormwater from the industrial area to waters of the United States. In Pennsylvania, PADEP issues these permits.

The required permit is called a “General Permit for the Discharge of Storm Water from Industrial Activities,” or “PAG-3.” Businesses that are required to apply should submit the appropriate “Notice of Intent” forms (NOI) to PADEP. Upon properly submitting the NOI forms, the business is deemed to be covered by the permit. Information about Pennsylvania stormwater permits can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/efacts/GeneralPermitsListing.htm
One important requirement of the General Permit is that the business must prepare and use a “Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan,” (which may also be called a “Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency Plan”). By preparing and using this document, businesses will be reminded of the things they need to do to ensure that water pollution is not occurring at their facilities. Guidelines for the preparation of these plans are available from PADEP.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act requires PADEP to regulate the management of solid wastes generated by scrap yards and auto salvage yards. The types of wastes typically generated by these facilities include used oil, gasoline, batteries, antifreeze, and tires. The regulations require that these wastes be managed in a manner that does not result in a release of contaminants to the surface of the ground, or to waters of the Commonwealth. The waste materials should be properly stored while on the site, and ultimately recycled or disposed of at a facility that is lawfully authorized to accept such wastes.

3. Laws Administered by United States Environmental Protection Agency

EPA is responsible for assuring compliance with federal environmental regulations and works closely with the state and local governments to enforce the rules. Complying with federal environmental regulations is important for the protection of public health and the environment. The following are some of the major environmental laws that apply to salvage yard facilities: Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Oil Pollution Act (Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plan), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (waste management). Most of the major environmental laws carry a $25,000 penalty per violation, per day.