Scrap-tire violations draw fines
Six Sussex County tire companies have been cited by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for violations of state scrap-tire regulations.
DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin has issued six notices of administrative penalty and secretary’s orders to resolve compliance issues to: Bayly’s Garage, 36671 Sussex Highway, Delmar, owned by Robert Bayly; Irfan Tire Center, 30535 E. DuPont Blvd., Millsboro, owned by Irfan Mall; Mall Tire Center LLC, 23436 Sussex Highway, Seaford, owned by Qama Mall; Master Tire & Auto, 20269 N. DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, owned by Salman Choudhary; Gulab’s Tire Center LLC, 28505 DuPont Blvd., Millsboro, owned by Kashar Gulab; and West Auto Repair & Salvage Inc., 36540 Bi State Blvd., Delmar, owned by Tim Dyson.
The orders call for a penalty of $5,000 with an additional penalty of $1,000 per day if compliance is not achieved by the established deadlines. Companies have to submit documentation showing compliance with the regulations or submit a plan to remove all scrap tires from their locations.
On Jan. 1, 2017, regulations governing the management of scrap tires became effective in Delaware. Since then, DNREC’s Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Section has conducted mass mailings and training sessions to educate businesses generating scrap tires about the regulatory requirements.
After the educational period for businesses ended, DNREC staff began inspecting facilities accumulating scrap tires outdoors and providing onsite guidance to companies that were not in compliance with the new regulations, affording each the opportunity to voluntarily comply.
The six companies issued the orders did not meet the deadline to comply with the regulations and were operating without permits.
During these inspections, DNREC staff verify that tire retailers are registered with the Delaware Division of Revenue and are submitting the required $2 fee on every tire sold. The collected fees assist in the removal and proper disposal of scrap tires. Currently, DNREC is focusing its inspections on businesses identified as not paying the required fee for the sale of each tire.
Each company has 20 days to appeal the order or 30 days to request a public hearing.
The order can be found on the DNREC website at dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/secretarys-orders.
