Automotive maintenance facilities are considered stormwater "hot spots" because of the significant amount of waste that is produced at these facilities. Wastes generated from automobile manintenance include:
- Solvents (paints and paint thinners)
- Antifreeze
- Brake fluid and brake lining
- Batteries
- Motor Oil
- Fuels (gasoline, kerosene, diesel)
- Lubricating grease
Best Management Practices for Automobile Repair Facilities
Waste Reduction
- Minimize the number of solvents used.
- Minimize the amout of solvents and detergents used when cleaning parts and engines.
- Locate drip pans and draining boards to direct solvents into a holding tank or solvent sink for reuse.
- Conduct all liquid cleaning at a specific location so that solvents and residues are located in one place.
- Use a bin to collect metal fillings under part grinders. Uncontaminated filings can be sent to a scrap metal dealer for recycling.
Alternatives
- Use non-toxic cleaners.
- Purchase recycled products whenever feasible. Engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, and hydraulic fluid can all be purchased recycled.
- Use non-chlorinated organic solvents (kerosene, mineral spirits).
Spill Clean Up
- Use a dry absorbant material to soak up large spills. For small spills or drips, a towel or cloth could be used.
- Use as little water as possible to clean up spills.
Good Housekeeping
- Cover drains with drain mats.
- Never pour liquid waste down floor drains, sinks, or outdoor storm drains.
- Have a designated waste storage area with a secondary containment system. Promptly transfer used fluids to recycling drums or hazardous waste containers. Keep wastes separate to simplify disposal and maximize disposal options.
- Develop a spill prevention plan and train all employees on proper disposal practices and spill prevention. Make sure all employees know to contact the NYSDEC 24 hour spill hotline (1-800-457-7362) in the event of a spill.
- Maintain an inventory of all materials used at the facility, with Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets outlining proper use and disposal practices available at all times.
- Inspect facility vehicles and any other vehicles on site for leaks. If a leak is found, either place a drip pan under the leak or drain the fluids from the vehicle.
- Perform all vehicle maintenance indoors and on an impervious surface.
- Install barriers to direct any accidental releases to impervious areas and away from storm drains.
- Avoid hosing down work areas, use a mop if you have to use a wet method. Never dump mop water outside, it will end up in a storm drain.
Cleaning Parts
- Use detergent-based or water-based cleaning systems, instead of organic solvent degreasers
- Use steam cleaning and pressure washing instead of cleaning parts with solvent.
For more information, visit the USEPA's webpage on automobile maintenance.