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 Arkansas is a Financial Incentive State n 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, 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.

Arkansas is a Financial Incentive State n 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. n The manufacturer is also responsible for: educational materials; packaging; shipping; recycling, storage or disposal of mercury; and maintenance of all appropriate record-keeping systems. n 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 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. n Mercury Switch Bucket –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) n How to handle vehicle recyclers that do not qualify for the program.

Chrissy Heider, Mgmt. Project Analyst II (501) Susan Speake, Program Branch Manager (501) ADEQ Web Site: Contacts: