Wisconsin metal fabricator A.H. Stock Manufacturing Corporation (A.H Stock) headquartered in Manitowoc County is known the world over as the premier builder of the Newton Kwik-Dump valves and water chutes. This high flow water discharge system, praised by firefighters, speedily transfers water from tanker truck to waiting fire pumps. In addition, the 65 year strong company, located near the shores of Lake Michigan, is a leader in scrap metal recycling. Today, A.H. Stocks’ innovative thinking and progressive environmental actions showcase their stewardship towards storm water management.
Through partnership efforts, led by industry initiative and the Department of Natural Resources (Department), Wisconsin’s metal fabricators take a strong interest in storm water management. In 1994, with a revision in 2004, a new environmental law was adopted to enhance storm water management activities at industrial sites, like A.H. Stock. The Department classifies industrial facilities by the level of ’exposure’ their materials, equipment, and grounds have to storm water and runoff. Facilities with few potential impacts and that meet certain criteria can be classified as ‘No Exposure’ sites. These ’no exposure’ sites benefit from not only minimizing storm water runoff impacts but also are exempt from annual reporting requirements and environmental fees, which are mandatory with other tiers. However, the industry recognizes that all facilities benefit from enhanced storm water management and pollution prevention activities, tailored to a facilities unique needs.
With all metal fabrication comes scrap, and it’s commonly stored outside awaiting pickup for recycling. A.H. Stock is no different. It produces many tons of various types of scrap metal each month. Most raw materials and finished products are generally stored inside A.H. Stock’s facility, protected from rainwater. Like most manufactures, inside storage is at a premium and scrap metal dumpsters are stored outside in the elements. These large commercial-sized metal recycling dumpsters are supplied and owned by Sadoff & Rudoy Industries, LLP (Sadoff), headquartered in Fond du Lac county. Sadoff is a regional leader in scrap metal recycling and wholesaler of various metals and metal by-products. Industry standard open-air scrap metal dumpsters prevented A.H. Stock from becoming a ’no exposure’ facility. “A.H. Stock prides itself on environmental stewardship and has a goal to become a no exposure site”, said company president Dick Stock.
Water resistant covers for large scrap metal dumpsters are generally not commercially available. In addition, traditional covers prevent quick and easy access, which is important when you are dealing with heavy materials. Water resistant covers also pose challenges during transportation of a dumpster.
A.H. Stock and Sadoff have a long-standing business partnership and saw the design of a new type of dumpster cover as a joint venture, beneficial to business and the environment. A.H. Stock designers went to work, with their fabrication team in the wings and Sadoff ready to take orders.
The result is a durable cover that excludes rain water and snowmelt from entering the dumpster. The metal covers are easily removed and handled with a fork lift--standard equipment at most manufactures--and is easily transferred to empty dumpsters as they arrive. Once the covers are in place, the contents are protected while allowing an access window to the open ’nose’ portion of the containers. This access window allows for disposal of small amounts of scrap and enables a quick visual check of the level of the contents without having to remove the cover. The covers have secondary business benefits as well. With the increased value of scrap metal these covers, along with a ‘nose’ cover modification, deter theft and prevent overloading.
The market for these environmental covers is expanding, especially for those industrial businesses that have outside dumpsters that might be impacting storm water management. With increased awareness of storm water management and regulatory requirements comes the need for innovative thinking and actions. Please remember how Wisconsin business leaders A.H. Stock and Sadoff showcase how business and environmental management work together to protect and enhance water quality.
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