Sector Compliance Branch: Inspections

Autobody and Auto Repair Sector

The Sector Compliance Branch conducted a sweep of the autobody and auto repair sector from February 2002 to March 2003. A total of 371 inspections were performed during this period. Additional inspections occasionally occur in this sector as a result of special projects.

• Background
• The Inspections
• Inspection Results

Background

This sector's processes can have a significant impact on human health and the environment. Environmental issues related to autobody and auto repair operations include air impacts such as volatile organic compounds and particulate. The main sources of emission include paint spray booths, welding stations, waste oil burners, sand blasting, natural gas fired heaters and refrigerants. Another common issue is handling and disposal of waste. Hazardous fluids and components, if not handled properly, may contaminate the soil and groundwater. Wastes generated include waste oil, oil filters, solvents, coolants, used batteries, aerosol containers and used tires.

The Inspections

Inspections were conducted in the autobody and auto repair sector in order to:

• assess and address non-compliance issues, and obtain a current profile of the autobody and auto repair facilities in Ontario
• identify opportunities to improve the sector's environmental performance
• identify policy issues requiring follow-up within the ministry (standards, legislation & guidelines)

Inspection Results

The inspectors found a combined non-compliance rate of 93% (98% non-compliance in autobody and 89% in auto repair) within this sector. Some common violations included:

Autobody

• operating without a certificate of approval for air emissions
• no written agreement with an approved waste management system for disposal of wastes
• failure to comply with conditions in the certificate of approval (air)

Auto Repair

• no written agreement with an approved waste management system for disposal of wastes
• non-compliance with Ozone Depletion Prevention (licensing, record keeping)
• inadequate spill containment area

View a summary of results.

Resources Environmental Compliance in the Autobody and Auto Repair Sector