08-BMP-Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning.pdf

VEHICLE, AND EQUIPMENT WASHING AND

DEGREASING ACTIVITIES – BMP FACTSHEET 1.4

U.S. ARMY, PICATINNY ARSENAL

PICATINNY, NEW JERSEY

Definition and Purpose:

Prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to stormwater. To provide guidance on the correct procedures, operations, and pollution prevention practices when washing and degreasing vehicles, and other types of equipment.

The goal of regulating procedures when washing and degreasing vehicles and equipment is to prevent unnecessary and unlawful discharges of harmful pollutants into our waterways. Facility owners will be required to comply with various safeguard requirements. These safeguard requirements include; practicing good housekeeping and implementing proper Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Facilities on Picatinny Arsenal operate vehicles and other types of equipment that must be routinely washed and degreased to not only extend the life of the machinery but also as a means of pollution prevention. It is very important to follow proper procedures when carrying out washing and degreasing activities so that byproducts of these activities do not come into contact with stormwater. If proper procedures and precautions are not followed harmful pollutants can migrate by means of stormwater run-off into our natural waterways.

Approach:

The new permit authorizes certain new and existing discharges of stormwater to receiving waters in accordance with your facilities effluent limitations and includes the development and implementation of BMPs (Best Management Practices). In order to insure BMPs are being implemented, visual inspections of outfalls will be performed periodically and during the course of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) annual inspections.

Existing and New Facilities: When complaint investigations or routine stormwater audits for current facilities indicate impacts to water resources due to poor management practices, DPW can take action to address any problems identified. Infrastructure and equipment, in addition to BMP implementation, are evaluated during inspections. To minimize the potential for compliance issues and to reduce liability, the recommendations in this document should be followed.

Pollution prevention

It is very important that wash water from washing/degreasing activities does not get discharged into storm drains. The pollutants found in wash water (such as oil, grease, cleaning solutions, heavy metals and suspended solids) pose a threat to natural water ways and can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic organisms. The discharge of these harmful pollutants into storm drains can be reduced if proper BMPs are implemented and good housekeeping practices are followed.

General Good Housekeeping

• Keep workspaces orderly. Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors rather than hosing them down to prevent harmful contaminants from entering storm drains.

• Stencil storm drains at the facility for employee awareness.

• Inspect storm drains for clogs and clean-out, and when doing so, let DPW Environmental Affairs know if storm drain labels need to be replaced

• Make sure all containers are labeled properly, lids are secure, and have proper secondary containment. Routinely inspect containers and tanks for leaks and signs of corrosion/damage.

• Clean up any spills or leaks immediately.

Use things like drip pans to prevent future spills.

• Make sure proper spill procedures are posted and easily available. Be sure to have fully stocked, easily assessable, and labeled spill kits on site.

• Be conscious of any detergents you are using. Even the least toxic chemicals can be harmful if used incorrectly. Exercise caution when handling any type of chemical and reduce chemical use whenever possible.

Best Management Practices- Washing/degreasing activities

**IMPORTANT** Picatinny has several locations that are designated for vehicle wash downs.

Unless special permission has been granted by DPW Environmental Affairs) vehicle washing is to be carried out at these locations ONLY. This is because these facilities are designed to trap sediment and pollutants before they are discharged into the sanitary sewer systems.

Special considerations and restrictions are to be taken when using these wash racks.

To the best of my knowledge Picatinny does not have any wash racks only wash areas.

jason.j.huggan Sticky Note jason.j.huggan Sticky Note main vehicle wash area is at the back of the Motor Pool parking lot near the Gas Station side

• Always use designated wash areas.

• Use “dry” washing techniques whenever possible (brushes, wipes, powders etc.) and use as little water as possible.

• When possible, wash vehicles and equipment indoors where the wastewater can be collected and drained into the sanitary sewer.

• If power washing without detergents or soaps, wastewater may only drain to vegetated areas or areas where it can evaporate. Do not let wastewater enter storm drains.

• If detergents must be used make sure they are in accordance with the designated wash facilities ** Reduce the amount of heavy metals and paint chips removed from equipment during the washing process by reducing water pressure and choose the least abrasive cleaning techniques.

• If washing small portable equipment like lawn mowers and where no soaps or detergents are used (plain water only), mowers or equipment may be washed on flat grassy areas that are not near surface water bodies or storm drain inlets. Wastes generated by cleaning such as grass clippings should be collected and disposed of by composting or in the trash.

• If vehicles or equipment are cleaned in the field (such as brushing off mowing equipment) collect all waste items such as rags, towels, or brushes. These items can contain pollutants like oils and greases must be placed in a DOT approved containers and turned into Hazwaste for proper disposal.

• Do not store solvents or degreasers in the wash area.

• Train all current and new employees who perform vehicle or equipment washing on this BMP annually or when hired.