Three auto repair facilities in the Poulsbo-based Courtesy Automotive Group are now EnviroStar certified. EnviroStar is a regional pollution prevention recognition program administered by local agencies and partnership organizations. It certifies businesses at the two to five star level after a thorough facility evaluation, operations review, and hazardous waste reduction goal setting.

According to EnviroStars Coordinator, Elizabeth McCloskey, Courtesy Chevrolet has earned recognition at the four-star level and Courtesy Ford’s Service Department and Courtesy Mitsubishi have earned three stars.

Four-star facilities demonstrate a serious commitment to hazardous waste reduction and pollution prevention. Three-star facilities have built waste reduction into their operations. All three and four-star facilities have made

Courtesy Chevrolet distinguished itself at the four-star level by acting on recommendations from a complete and thorough examination of its facility taking the initiative to go beyond hazardous waste compliance and goal setting.

“Management and staff implemented numerous changes that present a very clean and organized work environment, limiting the potential for accidents and spills,” stated McCloskey.

She cited the firm’s initiative in securing its battery rack to a wall for earthquake preparedness as an example This limits the potential for a release of corrosive acids if the batteries became damaged.

“We all need to be proactive to ensure a safe environment for future generations,”

At Courtesy Mitsubishi, changes include improving spill control readiness and improved waste storage that allows for an easier transfer of liquids.

Three-star Courtesy Ford has 35 repair bays and does a high volume of work on a daily basis. Changes implemented lower hazardous waste generating status from Medium Quantity Generator to Small Quantity Generator. Additionally, spill control readiness is improved and new techniques for the handling of antifreeze, used oil, oil filters, and other wastes are in place.

Tom Salmon, Service Director for the Courtesy Auto Group for ten years, notes that all three facilities received special parts washing equipment in the past year that actually distills the non-hazardous solvent on-site after it is used and provides a continuous supply of fresh (recycled) solvent for employee use. The entire process takes place in a self-contained unit so there is no need to continually add new solvent or remove dirty solvent.

“The Auto Group has proven that a genuine concern for the environment is part of a successful business plan. We were able to achieve EnviroStar recognition because everyone in the Auto Group Team worked together to make environmental awareness part of our every day business operation,” Salmon said.

The Courtesy Group website is www.courtesyautos.com.

For more information about EnviroStar, see www.envirostars.org or contact the Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District, (360) 692-3611.