Document wDmv6Bx4wJRgk6nyxR3Ee1Rw3
DATE: SUBJECT: FROM: THRU: TO:
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 5
77 WEST JACKSON BOULEYARD CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60604
NOV 2 t 2018
CLEAN AIR ACT INSPECTION REPORT National Metal Recycling, Houston, Texas
Natalie Topink.a, Environmental Scientist AECAB (IL/IN)
Nathan Frank, Section Chief AECAB (IL/IN)
File
BASIC lNFOR.1\1.ATION
Facility Name: National Metal Recycling
Facility Location: 2401 Frick Road, Houston, Texas
Date of Inspection: November 7, 2018
EPA Inspector(s): 1. Natalie Topinka, Environmental Scientist 2. Scott Connolly, Environmental Engineer
Other Attendees 1. Mary Fajardo, Scalehouse Operator, National Metal Recycling
Contact Email Address: nationalmetalrecycling240 l@gmail.com
Purpose of Inspection: Assess compliance with the refrigerant disposal requirements
Facility Type: scrap metal recycler
Regulations Central to Inspection: 40 C.F.R Part 82, Subpart F
Arrival Time: 1:55 pm Departure Time: 2:15 pm
Inspection Type: [:gJ Unannounced Inspection Announced Inspection
OPENING CONFERENCE
[:gJ Credentials Presented [:gJ CBI warning to facility provided
The following information was obtained verbally from Ms. Fajardo unless otherwise noted.
Process Description: National Metal Recycling accepts ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including small appliances, from members of the public. No vehicles are accepted. No refrigerant recovery is performed on-site and National Metal Recycling does not require any documentation regarding the fate of refrigerant contained in small appliances.
Staff Interview: We observed a cart of window air conditioning unit near the ferrous scrap pile and asked an employee why they were segregated. He said they were waiting to be "cleaned" (i.e. having the copper and non-ferrous components separated). We asked what happens to the refrigerants and the employee went looking for a refrigerant bottle but did not produce any recovery equipment. Ms. Fajardo was unaware of any company that might come to National Metal to recover or collect refrigerant. Per local law, customers selling larger air conditioning units, such as residential central or rooftop commercial units, must produce an air conditioning technician license in order to sell the material.
TOUR INFORMATION
EPA toured the facility: Yes
Data Collected and Observations: In addition to the cart of window air conditioning units, we observed several small appliances in the scrap pile, some with intact refrigerant lines and some with cut lines.
Photos and/or Videos: were taken during the inspection.
Field Measurements: were not taken during this inspection.
CLOSING CONFERENCE
Compliance Assistance: We gave an overview of the regulatory requirements and compliance options in 40 C.F.R. Part 82, Subpart F. We were instructed to contact the owner, Mr. Pedro Fajardo, who was not on-site at the time of our inspections, with additional questions or concerns.
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SIGNATURES
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Facility Name: National Metal Recycling Facility Location: 2401 Frick Road, Houston, Texas Date oflnspection: November 7, 2018
APPENDICES AND ATTACHMENTS
!.
Digital Image Log
7
Digital Im.ages attached on CD
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Facility Name: National Metal Recycling Facility Location: 2401 Friok Road, Houston, Texas Date of Inspection: November 7, 2018
APPENDIX A: DIGITAL IMAGE LOG
1. Inspector Name: Natalie Topinka
3. Company/Facility Name: National Metal Recycling
5. Number of Images:
5
2. Date(s) of Inspection: November 7, 2018
4. Street Address, City, State: 2401 Frick Road, Houston, Texas
6. Archival Record Location:
CD-R labeled National Metal Recycling Inspection photos, November 7, 2018
Image Number
File Name
Date and nme (CST)
6
PB070006.JPG 11/7/2018 16:06
7
PB070007.JPG 11/7/2018 16:06
8
PB070008.JPG 11/7/2018 16:07
9
PB070009.JPG 11/7/2018 16:08
10
PB070010.JPG 11/7/2018 16:08
Latitude and Longitude
29.922277, -95.453312 29.922283,
-95.453487
29.922265, -95.45348 29.92227,
-95.453447
Description of Image Nationa I Metal Recycling - overview of ferrous
scrap pile National Metal Recycling -appliance with intact
refrigerant circuitry on scrap pile National Metal Recycling - label on refrigerator on scrap pile indicating presence of refrigerant National Metal Recycling- intact appliances on
scrap pile National Metal Recycling - appliance with cut
refrigerant lines
Appendices Page 1 of 1