Automotive Mechanic Shop Problem

The automobile is perhaps one of the world’s most useful inventions. The increasing popularity of automobiles lends its way to globalization; making globalization possible. This singular system of transportation gives people, now termed drivers, the freedom to live where they want and the opportunity to travel and explore the world. Automobiles have also become a mark of one’s socio-economic status. Having more than one automobile becomes both a sign of wealth and a necessity to rural community workers, commuting from and to work in cities or metropolitans. Because of the speed of human consumption in this market, the inevitable wear and tear of machine parts necessitates a need for automotive mechanic shops. These automotive mechanic or repair …show more content…
The automotive industry created service sectors, such as automotive mechanic/repair shops, which pose a silent hazard for surrounding communities. These shops generate the largest amount of potentially hazardous waste among small businesses. The Environmental Pollution Center states that, “the handling of chemicals used in everyday work of repairing vehicles such as replacing engines, changing oil, and cleaning car parts, pose a potential hazard” (2009).These everyday tasks develop into unnoticed threats. As these varying types of hazardous materials shift hands and places throughout the day, these materials can be accidentally spilled or leaked into the environment, potentially emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Environmental Health …show more content…
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are tasked to implement and enforce laws to prevent exposure to environmental hazards and protect human health. However, they cannot achieve this goal by themselves. The federal, state, and tribal government’s works together as partners to accomplish this shared goal. The EPA delegates authority to the states to implement policies and laws in their jurisdiction to ensure compliance of this federal regulation. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the nation’s main law for regulating solid and hazardous waste. It provides a complete cycle of regulations, from beginning to end, on the control of generators, treatment, storage, disposal and transportation of hazardous waste. Federal RCRA regulations are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). At 40 CFR, parts 260-280, requires businesses that are large and small quantity generators of hazardous waste to have a hazardous waste management plan to ensure the safe use and disposal of hazardous chemicals. However, this code within the overarching policy, conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQGs), and non-notifiers are not required. In this event, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) implemented the Georgia Hazardous Waste Management Act (GHWMA) to assist all local businesses (i.e., mechanic shops) that generator hazardous waste streams. These hazardous waste streams include used oil, spent