Document jyMYjVKLE5mRe8g1GKyGqaOqO

REGION 5 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division INSPECTION REPORT Inspection Date: Time: Media: Statute (s)/Program(s): Type of inspection: Access: April 25, 2025 Inspection Announced: No Entry: 10:15 AM EST Exit: 11:10 AM EST Water Clean Water Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Industrial CEI - Compliance Evaluation Inspection Granted Permittee Name: Facility or Site Name: Facility/Site Physical Address: (city, state, zip code) County/Parish: Maumee Metal Recycling Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave Fort Wayne, Indiana 46803 Allen Permit Number: -- Page 1 of 24 REGION 5 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Persons Participating in Inspection: Title Name Phone Physical Scientist, Matthew (312) 886-2405 U.S. EPA Schulte Life Scientist, U.S. EPA Megan Bobb (312) 353-6057 Life Scientist, U.S. EPA Tatiana Frontera (312) 353-5307 Stormwater Specialist, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Reid Harris (317) 447-7189 Yard Manager Omar -- Restrepo Email schulte.matthew@epa.gov bobb.megan@epa.gov Frontera.tatiana@epa.gov raharri@idem.IN.gov Olr1984@yahoo.com Present at Opening Conference Yes Present at Closing Conference Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Lead Inspector: Matthew Schulte Supervisor Review: Molly Smith Schulte, Matthew Region 5 Digitally signed by Schulte, Matthew Date: 2025.06.27 14:50:33 -05'00' schulte.matthew@epa.gov (312) 886-2405 MOLLY SMITH Region 5 Digitally signed by MOLLY SMITH Date: 2025.06.27 15:34:38 -05'00' smith.molly@epa.gov (312) 353-8773 SECTION I - INTRODUCTION Site Entry and Inspection Objectives Region 5 Lead Inspector, Matthew Schulte, and inspectors Tatiana Frontera and Megan Bobb arrived at Maumee Metal Recycling (the "Site" or "Facility"), located at 1400 Estella Ave., at 10:14AM on April 25, 2025, for an unannounced inspection. Inspectors presented their credentials to site Yard Manager, Omar Restrepo, and informed the Facility that this was an EPA Region 5 inspection to investigate elements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The inspection Page 2 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): April 25, 2025 was conducted under the authority of Section 308 of the CWA. The table above identifies the attendees that participated in the inspection. This report is based on information supplied by Facility representatives, observations made by the Region 5 inspectors, and records and reports maintained by the permittee and Region 5. These include the following: direct observations made by the Region 5 inspectors, photographs taken by Region 5 inspectors, physical evidence collected by Region 5 inspectors, measurements taken by Region 5 inspectors, verbal or written statements made or supplied by Facility representatives (the permittee) during or subsequent to the on-site inspection, and materials, processes, data, photographs, or documents shown, demonstrated, or submitted to the Region 5 inspectors by Facility representatives during or subsequent to the on-site inspection. In addition, information gathered prior to or subsequent to the inspection from a review of U.S. EPA, State, and public records may be included in this report. Facility/Site Description Region 5 Lead Inspector confirmed the following Facility information: The Facility is a scrap metal recycling yard located near the Maumee River. Materials collected onsite primarily come from the general public, but the Facility will also accept scrap from other vendors. Material is sorted into various piles around the Facility before being sold. Scrap metal is expected to remain onsite for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The Facility's scrap metal storage area is surrounded by a wall made from concrete blocks, that, according to the Facility, prevent scrap from leaving the site and entering the Maumee River. Scrap metal piles are kept away from wall to prevent runoff. Facility is also located next to a railroad, but no material is transported by rail. On April 28, 2025, IDEM issued an inspection report for the April 25, 2025, site visit. On June 27, 2025, the Facility emailed U.S. EPA and IDEM stating that items identified in IDEM's April 25, 2025, inspection report, had been addressed; however, no documentation was provided. SECTION II - OBSERVATIONS Observations may not be in sequential order. Unique Identifying No. MS-OB-001 MS-OB-002 Observation During the site tour, Inspectors observed that the concrete wall surrounding the Facility failed to extend to the back area. In the back area, Inspectors observed a large pile of debris. During the site tour, Inspectors observed that the concrete wall surrounding the Facility contained openings between the blocks. Area of Concern? Yes Yes Page 3 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Unique Identifying No. MS-OB-003 Observation During the site tour, Inspectors observed debris located along the concrete wall. April 25, 2025 Area of Concern? Yes SECTION III - AREAS OF CONCERN The presentation of areas of concern does not constitute a formal compliance determination or violation. No. MS-OB-001 During the site tour, Inspectors observed that the concrete wall surrounding the Facility failed to extend to the back area where a large pile of debris was located. MS-OB-002 Barriers and other best management practices should be maintained to prevent any debris or stormwater from leaving site and entering navigable waters, such as the Maumee River. During the site tour, Inspectors observed that the concrete wall surrounding the Facility contained openings between the blocks. MS-RR-001 Barriers and other best management practices should be maintained to prevent any debris or stormwater from leaving site and entering navigable waters, such as the Maumee River. During the site tour, Inspectors observed debris located along the concrete wall. Debris should be kept away from barriers. Other best management practices should be maintained to prevent any debris or stormwater from leaving site and entering navigable waters, such as the Maumee River. SECTION VI - CLOSING CONFERENCE AND FOLLOW UP Closing Conference The Lead Inspector held a closing conference with Facility personnel on April 25, 2025, for the inspection. During the closing conference, the Lead Inspector discussed the observations and Areas of Concern identified during the inspection. Observations and Areas of Concern have not yet been evaluated for a formal compliance determination. SECTION VII - LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Photo Log [times listed on images are incorrect. Correct times for photos are in Eastern Standard Time (EST) to left of photo log. Page 4 of 24 REGION 5 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photographer: Matthew Schulte Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) Photo No.: 1 Time: 10:29 AM Direction Photo Taken: North Photo Description: Scrap metal loading yard File: MMR_01.jpg Page 5 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 2 Time: 10:29 AM Direction Photo Taken: Northeast Photo Description: Concrete wall separating scrap yard from the Maumee River. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_02.jpg Page 6 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 3 Time: 10:32 AM Direction Photo Taken: South Photo Description: Scrap metal pile. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_03.jpg Page 7 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 4 Time: 10:32 AM Direction Photo Taken: West Photo Description: Railcar behind berm. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_04.jpg Page 8 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 5 Time: 10:34 AM Direction Photo Taken: West Photo Description: Tire tracks from shipments. Stain stated to be from water. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_05.jpg Page 9 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 6 Time: 10:34 AM Direction Photo Taken: South Photo Description: Concrete wall separating yard from the Maumee River. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_06.jpg Page 10 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 7 Time: 10:34 AM Direction Photo Taken: Southwest Photo Description: Pooling water. No sheen. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_07.jpg Page 11 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 8 Time: 10:35 AM Direction Photo Taken: Northwest Photo Description: Totes of hydraulic oil (blue). Fuel with secondary containment. Tote is empty. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_08.jpg Page 12 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 9 Time: 10:35 AM Direction Photo Taken: South Photo Description: Fuel Basin with secondary containment. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_09.jpg Page 13 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 10 Time: 10:35 AM Direction Photo Taken: East Photo Description: Trash bin. Holes in bottom Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_10.jpg Page 14 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 11 Time: Direction Photo Taken: down Photo Description: Trash bin. Openings at bottom of bin walls. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_11.jpg Page 15 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 12 Time: 10:40 AM Direction Photo Taken: Southwest Photo Description: Concrete and wood and piles from owner's other properties. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_12.jpg Page 16 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 13 Time: 10:40 AM Direction Photo Taken: East Photo Description: Wood piles. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_13.jpg Page 17 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 14 Time: 10:42 AM Direction Photo Taken: East Photo Description: Wall ends and piles along edge of property. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_14.jpg Page 18 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 15 Time: 10:43 Direction Photo Taken: East Photo Description: Maumee River on other side of piles. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_15.jpg Page 19 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 16 Time: 10:4 Direction Photo Taken: North Photo Description: Scrap metal piles mixed with dirt to be separated. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_16.jpg Page 20 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 17 Time: 10:47 AM Direction Photo Taken: Northeast Photo Description: Corner of concrete berm. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_17.jpg Page 21 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 18 Time: 10:50 AM Direction Photo Taken: North Photo Description: Elevated drive path. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_18.jpg Page 22 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 19 Time: 11:00 AM Direction Photo Taken: West Photo Description: Inlet grate. Unknown of where the drains goes. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_19.jpg Page 23 of 24 Maumee Metal Recycling Inspection Date(s): Facility Name & Location: Maumee Metal Recycling 1400 Estella Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana Date Photograph Was Taken: April 25, 2025 Photo No.: 20 Time: 11:05 AM Direction Photo Taken: South Photo Description: Driveway entrance with dirt tracking along road tot city street. Photographer: Matthew Schulte April 25, 2025 Camera: Olympus Tough TG-6 (S/N #BJ5B21169) File: MMR_20.jpg Page 24 of 24