ION LLUT ION PO ENT PREV

Best Practice Guidelines for Stormwater Pollution Prevention

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS

Information in this book is correct at the time of publication. September 2010

Contents
SECTION 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 Introduction Management of outdoor areas Handling and storing chemicals Trade waste Managing hazardous wastes Spill management Solid waste and resource recovery Washing and cleaning activities The stormwater system The wastewater system Procedures and training Health & Safety PAGE 2 3 4 7 8 9 11 14 15 17 18 19

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INTRODUCTION
Automotive workshops carry out a range of activities which can lead to the pollution of waterways.
Pollutants such as oil, dust, detergents, sediment or other substances should not leave your site. If wash water, spilt liquids or any substance enters stormwater drains or street gutters you are committing a water pollution offence.

Activities that pose a risk of water pollution from your operation include: Poor house keeping and management of outdoor areas. Conducting repairs outside the workshop. Poor storage and handling of liquid substances such as oils, fuels and other chemicals. Poor storage of wastes (both liquid and solid). Washing and cleaning of vehicle parts, equipment and work areas.

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

2.0
MANAGEMENT OF OUTDOOR AREAS
When it rains, stormwater runoff flows directly to streams, rivers or the sea.
Outdoor areas need to be managed to prevent the accumulation of pollutants that could be washed away by rain. Outdoor areas that drain to stormwater must not be hosed down or used for servicing or mechanical repair work.

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The following measures will help to ensure that your outdoor areas are not causing water pollution: Unload vehicles direct to inside areas if possible. As vehicles arrive check for leaks straight away and contain any leaks using a drip tray. Any work on vehicles that involves transferring or dispensing of oils, coolants or other substances must be done inside the building or within a roofed, bunded area. Clearly mark all drains on the site that connect to the stormwater system. This will increase awareness of the pollution risk and enable immediate identification in the event of a spill. Place all deliveries of liquids in covered and bunded areas. Do not leave them outside, even for short periods of time. Store solid waste under cover or keep lids on bins so that rain cannot come into contact with the waste. Store liquid waste awaiting collection in the workshop or in a secure bunded area protected from rain. Regularly sweep outdoor areas to minimise the build up of pollutants. Indoors, a floor scrubbing or cleaning machine that does not discharge water may be suitable. Make sure staff know that chemicals including paint, solvents or other toxic substances must not be poured on the ground or into stormwater drains or waterways. Oily and greasy parts should be stored inside the building with sufficient drip collection.

Contaminated runoff from your premises is your responsibility. Rain water falling on your premises that becomes contaminated must be contained on-site for treatment or be collected for appropriate disposal by a liquid waste contractor.

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3.0

HANDLING AND STORING CHEMICALS

Appropriate storage, use and disposal of chemicals will benefit your staff, customers and the environment.
The most common chemicals used by automotive repair workshops are: Lubricating oils (including waste oil) Brake fluid and other hydraulic fluids Coolants Chemicals present a risk to the environment and spills that reach stormwater drains can pollute rivers and the ocean. Fires involving chemicals can spread toxic fumes. Fuels Chemicals solvents and other cleaning fluids

When storing chemicals:

Store in a designated covered and bunded area away from stormwater drains (see Bunding on page 5). Drain all fluids in a designated indoor area. Store each type of chemical in a container that is appropriate for the substance. Inspect storage containers regularly and replace them if they are rusted, damaged or likely to leak. Allow yourself easy access. Clearly label each container with the name of the chemical it contains. Keep an up to-date register of all chemicals on site, including Material Safety Data Sheets (see Material Safety Data Sheets on page 9). Where chemicals are in constant use, place drip trays where leakage is likely to occur. Regular equipment maintenance and careful handling should prevent leaks and spills. Make sure all staff know about the potential hazards of the chemicals on-site and how to respond to spills and other emergencies (see Spill Management on page 9). Make sure staff read the labels on all the chemical products that they use. Labels on chemical products help to identify the product, its ingredients, its hazards and health and safety requirements. Store liquids according to the manufacturers requirements for example, solvents should be stored away from heat, naked flames, direct sunlight, oil or other flammable liquids. Do not store incompatible chemicals together.

(Top and middle) Heavy hydrocarbon staining on workshop floor. Use drip trays to capture all fluids and prevent spills and subsequent tracking across site. Spills should be cleaned immediately and contaminated spill product disposed of correctly.

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

3.1 Bunding

Make sure that all liquids (including waste liquids and parts containing oil, etc) are stored and used within areas that will contain the liquid in the event of a spill. The most common way of achieving this is by creating bunded areas, preferably inside or under cover. Bunds are used to capture and hold liquids in the event of a spill or leak. They can be made of any non-porous material such as concrete, flexible rubber or metal. Chemical storage units with in-built containment can be used for small chemical storage needs. Check the bund regularly to make sure it is not damaged. Oils and chemicals can be stored inside a workshop that is fully bunded, provided they are stored in accordance with dangerous goods requirements. (Contact Council for information about hazardous substances storage and certification requirements.) Bunded areas should be big enough to hold the contents of the largest container stored inside the bund. Any liquid product that collects in the bunded area should be pumped or drained out as quickly as possible for reuse or for collection by a licensed waste contractor. If you drain the bund, don't forget to reset and lock the drain trap. Outdoor or uncovered bunds should be able to contain the largest container stored inside the bund plus 10% of its volume. Water build-up can rust metal drums and decrease the storage capacity of the containment area. Rainwater build-up should only be released to stormwater by an authorized person after checking for contamination.

Right: Bunding correctly constructed and used

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3.2 Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

You must not allow any material, including hazardous substances or other chemicals, which may pollute soil or waters to soak into the ground. The ground should never be used as a means of disposing of unwanted substances. Chemicals can accumulate within the soil and may eventually seep into and degrade waterways or ground water. They may also affect people who come into direct contact with the contaminated soil. Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), which include the tanks and pipework, are a potential source of soil and groundwater contamination. This contamination can remain undetected until it becomes a major problem that requires very expensive clean-up. If you store waste oil or other liquid waste in an underground storage tank you must ensure it is regularly maintained and checked for leaks. Information relating to detection of leaks and recommended management practices for USTs can be found in The Code of Practice for the Design, Installation and Operation of Underground Petroleum Storage Systems available from the Department of Labour (www.dol.govt.nz). Information on how to clean up soil and groundwater contamination can be sought from a suitably qualified and experienced contaminated land consultant.

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION

4.0
TRADE WASTE
Trade waste is any liquid produced by an industrial or commercial activity at a business premise. Trade wastewater from automotive repair workshops is usually generated by cleaning of engines, parts, vehicles, workshop floors or hardstand areas. It is likely to contain pollutants such as sediments, oils, detergents and other chemicals. Trade wastewater does not include wastewater from toilets, bathrooms or non-commercial kitchens and laundries.

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There are several options for dealing with the wastewater generated by your business Contact Council's Trade Waste Officer to see if it can be discharged to the Council's wastewater network. Direct the wastewater to a storage tank and arrange for an authorised liquid waste contractor to remove it from site. Invest in water treatment equipment and storage tanks and reuse the wastewater in your business.

You must have a trade waste agreement from Council to discharge trade wastewater to the sewer. This agreement will set out the discharge conditions for trade waste.

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5.0

MANAGING HAZARDOUS WASTES

Storing hazardous waste requires extra care. It should be stored under cover and in a bunded and secure area, or in an underground tank. Storage systems must contain any leaks or spills and prevent waste coming in contact with the ground or escaping to the environment via stormwater drains or gutters. Contact Tauranga City Council's HSNO Officers for more information about your responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO).

5.1 Storing Common Types of Hazardous Waste

Automotive workshops generate hazardous wastes that are likely to have special storage requirements. You should:

Store waste oils and hydraulic fluid in secure containers in bunded areas. An alternative is to store them in an underground tank, providing it is properly maintained and inspected for leaks and corrosion on a regular basis (refer Underground Storage Tanks on page 6). Store used solvent and coolant in sealed drums, until collected, reused or recycled. The drums should be stored in a bunded, covered area. Under no circumstances should evaporation be used to dispose of spent solvents. Store batteries inside your building and on a pallet or spill tray. A licensed contractor (a contractor licensed to carry hazardous wastes) must collect batteries for recycling. Ensure sludge from interceptors is collected and disposed of by a licensed contractor.

5.2 Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous wastes cannot go to landfill, be discharged to the sewer or go in the stormwater system. If you are a generator of hazardous waste you are responsible for ensuring that it is transported to a facility that is licensed to receive and/or treat that type of waste. Your waste contractor should be able to provide advice on these issues.

When sending liquid waste for treatment or disposal, make sure that: The transporter is appropriately licensed. The waste is being sent to a facility that can lawfully take it. You keep all collection and disposal receipts.

Generally, the movement of hazardous and liquid waste must be tracked during its transport to a facility for treatment, recycling or disposal.

BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

6.0
SPILL MANAGEMENT
All spills, no matter how small, should be cleaned up immediately. They should never be hosed down drains, driveways or street gutters. Consider the spill risk of all activities at your site, including servicing, delivery of liquids, pick up of waste liquids and the use of hoses or pipes.

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Discuss spill prevention with your staff, for example: Minimising movement of chemical containers Using funnels for handpouring Fitting taps to containers to avoid pouring.

6.1 Material Safety Data Sheets

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is an information sheet which covers the safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of a material.

The information on the MSDS can save lives in an emergency and you should: Make sure you receive an up to date MSDS for every hazardous substance you buy or use. If you dont have one for a material, ask your supplier. Make sure all relevant MSDS are readily accessible and check they are up-to-date. Make sure all staff have read the labels on all the chemical products they use. Labels on chemical products help to identify the product, its ingredients, and the hazards or dangers of the product. Labels also contain important health and safety information.

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6.2 Emergency Spill Procedure

Prepare and implement a Spill Response Plan which details procedures to be followed in the event of a solid or liquid spillage. All spills must be attended to immediately to prevent tracking and the discharge of material to ground and/or stormwater. The plan must include the location of spill kits on site, MSDSs for key substances, clean-up and disposal of waste procedures. Include details of induction and refresher training. A generic spill response poster prepared by Tauranga City Council is available to be displayed on site or can be used as a basis for preparing a site specific poster.

Spill kit, spill response procedure and spill adsorbent material correctly displayed and used

Spill Procedure: 1. Eliminate the source of the spill immediately if it is safe to do so. 2. Contain the spill. Use the materials in the spill kit to contain the spill and control its flow. If necessary, stop the spill from entering stormwater drains by blocking the drain inlets or by using a boom to contain the spill. 3. After referring to the relevant MSDS, clean up the spill promptly. It is important to clean up all spills quickly, even small ones, as they can easily flow into stormwater drains or be washed there by rain. 4. Store all waste generated from the spill clean up in a bunded and covered area in sealed vessels (limiting emission of odorous or volatile compounds). 5. Contact a waste contractor who is licensed to dispose of the absorbents used in the spill clean-up.

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

7.0
SOLID WASTE AND RESOURCE RECOVERY
Waste disposal can be expensive. Businesses able to reduce the volume of solid waste that is sent to landfill can gain considerable cost benefits.
For information about managing hazardous and liquid wastes see page 8. For waste storage see page 13.

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7.1 Avoiding Waste

Waste is best avoided in the first place. To manage and minimise your waste: Investigate how you can reduce the amount of raw materials you use. Streamlining your work routines and rethinking the number of suppliers you use will help achieve this. Avoid spoilage of raw materials. For example, consider whether savings from buying in bulk outweigh the costs of spoilage. Would just-in-time purchasing yield similar savings? Could storage of raw materials be improved? Reduce waste disposal costs by purchasing products with less packaging. Service equipment regularly to reduce equipment malfunction.

7.2 Reusing Parts

Provide your customers with the option of using reconditioned parts. Many components can be reconditioned for reuse e.g. engine, power steering, drive line components, etc. Some workshops have equipped themselves to recondition parts on site while others use the services of specialised reconditioners.

7.3 Recycling Waste

Contact Council about local recycling services or talk to your waste contractor about your waste. They may have a cheaper rate that applies to some of your wastes. Once you have established which waste can be recycled, decide with your staff how you could best organise your recycling system and label your recycling bins to avoid contamination. Ensure that bins are emptied regularly.

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Many wastes generated by repair workshops can be recycled, including: Metals such as lead, copper and steel, which should be stored in a secure container for collection by a metal recycler. It is possible to receive payment for sorted metals but large volumes are usually required for this service. Ensure that coolant is drained from radiators. Oil filters, which should be drained (preferably while still warm) and then crushed. This is usually done by a specialist contractor, and enables a much greater number to be stored before arranging for their collection by a metal recycler. Catalytic converters, which should be stored as a separate item as they contain precious metals that can be reclaimed. Specialist merchants will pay for reasonable quantities. Car batteries, which are classified as a hazardous waste should be collected by a licensed contractor. While awaiting collection, batteries must be placed in a spill tray or on a pallet under cover or inside to avoid lead acid being washed into the soil or stormwater drains. Ask your waste contractor about recycling batteries. Tyres should be stored away from buildings or structures and ignition sources to reduce the risk of fire. Pallets and used containers, which may be collected and reused by suppliers.

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

7.4 Disposing and Storing of Waste

Place only dry solid wastes in your industrial waste bin. Do not put liquid or hazardous waste in your general waste bin. Workshop sweepings, spill products, oil filters, spent abrasive material, containers and rags contaminated with chemicals such as oil and paint, are generally classified as hazardous waste. They must be transported by a licensed waste contractor to a facility that is licensed to receive and/or treat that type of waste.

If your waste is being stored for reuse, recycling or disposal it is important to make sure the waste storage area does not pollute the environment, by: Storing waste undercover to prevent rain running through the waste and polluting the soil and waterways. Making sure wind cant blow unsecured waste around, causing litter or potential stormwater pollution.

(Above) Skip bins: correctly covered and located. (Right) Uncovered, incorrectly located draining to stormwater sump, containing oily scrap and oily discharges from bin.

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SEC

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WASHING AND CLEANING ACTIVITIES

Washing vehicles, degreasing motors, parts cleaning and other activities generate wastewater. Wastewater must not be allowed to drain to stormwater drains, street gutters or any waterway (even when washing with water only). All washing and cleaning should be carried out within a wash bay that is either connected to the sewer under a trade waste agreement or fitted with a water treatment and recycling system. You should contact Tauranga City Councils Trade Waste Officer to discuss requirements for wash bay construction. Handwashing should be carried out over a sink that is connected to the sewer system, not under an outside tap where run off to the environment may occur. Under no circumstances should outdoor areas that drain to the stormwater system be hosed down as a means of cleaning. These surfaces should either be swept or any washwater must be collected for disposal by an authorised contractor. Any cleaning of parts using solvents (such as kerosene) should be carried out with a dedicated parts cleaner in a bunded area. Think about minimising solvent use by using water based washing or investigate the suitability of an ultrasonic cleaner.

(Above) All vehicle and equipment washing should be carried out in an approved designated wash area which discharges to trade waste (with approval from Councils Trade Waste Officer). Alternatively, all washwater must be collected for appropriate disposal. Wash water is likely to contain detergents, degreasers, hydrocarbons and metals which must not be discharged to the stormwater system.

(Left) Consider use of an ultrasonic cleaner, which will reduce or even eliminate the use of costly solvents.

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

9.0
THE STORMWATER SYSTEM
9.1 Stormwater Catchpits and Pipes
Set-up (or retrofit) your stormwater drainage system to ensure that you have no: Cross-connections or high flow vents/bypasses between stormwater and wastewater No blockages that may cause backflows or integrity issues. Locate high risk working/processing areas and waste storage areas away from stormwater catchpits. Clearly identify stormwater catchpits e.g. drains to sea' stencils or metal dolphins (contact Council for these). Identify the last point of entry to the stormwater system prior to leaving your site. Install a shut-off valve at this location to intercept any spills. Implement regular procedures for inspection and maintenance/cleaning of all components of the stormwater drainage system e.g. cleaning of cesspits, treatment devices, shut-off valves. Create an up-to-date accurate Site Drainage Plan, Site Layout Plan and Spill Response Plan. (Contact Tauranga City Council Pollution Prevention Officers for assistance if required.)

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Site Drainage Plan - Example

Fuel Tank Bund Shut-off Valve Chemical Store SW Outfall Wastewater Drainage

Vehicle Wash

Warehouse Oil Interceptor Car Park SW Outfall

To Treatment Plant

Stream

Administration Block

Surface Water Drainage

Spill Kits

Process Area

Spill Containment Point

Schematic of site drainage plan showing stormwater and wastewater systems and other site or landscape features. An accurate site drainage plan should be displayed on site.

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9.2 Stormwater Treatment Devices

In addition - or as an alternative - to having contaminated stormwater collected for disposal, stormwater can be directed to an appropriate stormwater treatment device on your site. You must get approval from Tauranga City Council before installing any treatment devices, and they must be maintained regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Treatment devices should be installed with a shut off valve that can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency. These can be retrofitted. Dispose of all contaminated material appropriately. Implement source controls to reduce the level of contaminants entering stormwater to ensure treatment devices are not overloaded. Undertake monitoring of the stormwater discharged from the treatment device as required by any relevant consent condition. Implement procedures for regular inspections and maintenance of all treatment devices.

(Left)Treatment device: interceptor. (Right) Third chamber of interceptor showing accumulation of hydrocarbon prior to discharge of treated stormwater from site. The interceptor requires regular inspection and cleaning to maintain treatment efficiency.

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

10.0
THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM
10.1 Wastewater Sumps, Cesspits and Pipes

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Contain and collect all wastewater and dispose of via an authorised waste disposal contractor or discharge to an authorised trade waste system contact Council's Trade Waste Officer for further information. Manage and regularly inspect your wastewater sumps, cesspits and pipes. High pollution risks include: Cross-connections between stormwater and wastewater systems Blockages that may cause backflows or integrity issues Splash-over from wastewater gully traps to yard areas Non-compliant gully traps.

A non-compliant gully trap - the broken surround allows stormwater to enter the wastewater system. Gully trap surrounds must be raised 25mm above sealed ground and 100mm above unsealed ground.

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11.0
PROCEDURES AND TRAINING
11.1 Procedures

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Develop and implement procedures for inspections and maintenance to ensure all of the best management practices outlined in this document are being implemented and no pollution is occurring. Include: Who is to undertake the inspection or maintenance What is to be inspected and maintained and how How frequently inspection and maintenance should be carried out Feedback to ensure any follow-up action required is carried out Incident reporting procedures and forms to ensure continual improvement of site practices and management.

11.2 Training

Undertake relevant industry training. Undertake induction and refresher training for all staff and contractors for all aspects of stormwater pollution prevention management as outlined in this document. Keep a record of any training that is carried out. Include the date, what was covered, who attended and when the next training is scheduled.

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

12.0
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Health and Safety and Employment Act 1992, requires the person in charge of a workplace to have a system in place to identify hazards, and to take steps to remove or control these hazards. This information must be recorded in a Health and Safety Manual. It is recommended that you display your health and safety policy and require all staff on your site to read the manual and sign to acknowledge this. Signage restricting visitor or vehicle access to your site should also be displayed.

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Hazard signage suitably displayed

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BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

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