PHOENIX (April 2, 2024) – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials today announced the rollout of an online, bilingual Pollution Prevention (P2) training program aimed to inform automotive maintenance and repair facilities across Arizona. Developed by ADEQ's P2 Program, this initiative provides businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance operational sustainability and minimize environmental impacts. Participating in the program and implementing P2 activities can significantly cut down on waste and reduce the risk of harmful chemical exposures for both workers and the local community. 

“This innovative online training course marks a significant step forward in ADEQ’s commitment to supporting the automotive maintenance and repair industry in Arizona,” said ADEQ Waste Programs Division Director Julie Riemenschneider. “Our training portal is an important resource, educating shop staff of potential harms in their workplace and guiding them in the implementation of pollution prevention measures. Together, we’re encouraging environmental responsibility and helping shops make positive changes for their community.”

ADEQ’s comprehensive training covers a range of topics essential to P2, including:

• Introduction to P2 fundamentals
• Automotive maintenance best practices
• Detailing and car wash techniques
• Collision repair and refinishing protocols
• General P2 opportunities

ADEQ’s training is designed for all levels of staff, empowering them to make informed decisions about environmentally friendly materials and best management practices:

Access the P2 Automotive Training Portal >

Completion of the program earns participants a certificate, and facilities that excel in P2 improvements may be eligible to receive recognition through ADEQ’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program | Learn More >

The ADEQ P2 team conducted targeted outreach in Southern Tucson and Southern Phoenix to understand specific challenges faced by the automotive maintenance and repair industry. This feedback, coupled with collaboration with Salem Boys Auto Repair, helped ADEQ develop targeted training materials addressing common P2-related pitfalls and a case study demonstrating how buying car fluids in bulk can help the environment. 

“Dating back to 1979 when we first opened our auto repair shop, we were environmentally focused,” said Salem Boys Auto Repair’s Chief Executive Officer Andi Salem. “Over the years, we have implemented more processes like buying in large bulk for all our oil and fluids, LED lighting in our shop, and recycling all of our cardboard and metal. All of these steps have greatly reduced our waste. For us here at Salem Boys Auto, being environmentally conscious is the only way!”

“I am excited to see how this grant, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will allow us to better safeguard Arizonans and automotive maintenance workers, including those in underserved communities, from pollution,” said ADEQ Environmental Justice Coordinator Joaquin Marruffo.

The online P2 training platform is now accessible to all automotive shops. ADEQ is hosting webinars providing an overview of the training materials, with opportunities for engagement and questions. Webinars will be conducted in both English and Spanish. Use the following links to register:

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 
1 – 1:45 PM (MST) | GoToWebinar (English) | Register >
2:30 – 3:15 PM (MST) | GoToWebinar (Spanish) | Register >

Background

In September 2022, ADEQ was awarded $296K in funding from the EPA as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant supports research, outreach and training practices to address P2 challenges in underserved communities within the automotive maintenance and repair sector. While the grant period concludes in October 2024, the free training resource will remain available on ADEQ’s website, ensuring ongoing support for automotive facilities | View EPA Press Release >

Contacts

ADEQ Public Information Officer
Ph: 602-540-8072 (cell) 
Email >