T I O N

L L U
PO ENTION
PREV

Best Practice Guidelines for Stormwater Pollution Prevention

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS I
Information in this book is correct at the time of publication.

September 2010
Contents

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

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 1
 TION
SEC

1.0
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.

2 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

 SECT
ION
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.

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.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 3
 SECTION

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)  Fuels

 Brake fluid and other hydraulic fluids  Chemicals solvents and other cleaning 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.

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 (Top and middle) Heavy hydrocarbon
health and safety requirements. staining on workshop floor. Use drip
trays to capture all fluids and prevent
spills and subsequent tracking
 Store liquids according to the manufacturer’s requirements – for example, solvents
across site. Spills should be cleaned
should be stored away from heat, naked flames, direct sunlight, oil or other immediately and contaminated spill
flammable liquids. Do not store incompatible chemicals together. product disposed of correctly.

4 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

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 5
 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.

6 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION

 SECTION

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.

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.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 7
 SECTION

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.

8 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

 SECTION

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.

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 don’t 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.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 9
 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, MSDS’s 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.

10 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

 SECTIO
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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.

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.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 11
 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.

12 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 can’t 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.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 13
 N
TIO
SEC

8.0
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 Council’s 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 Council’s
Trade Waste Officer). Alternatively, all
washwater must be collected for appropriate
disposal. Wash water is likely to contain
detergents, degreasers, hydrocarbons and
(Left) Consider use of an
metals which must not be discharged to the
ultrasonic cleaner, which will
stormwater system.
reduce or even eliminate the
use of costly solvents.

14 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

 SECT
ION
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.)

Site Drainage Plan - Example

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

Surface
Water
Administration Drainage
Stream

Block

Warehouse
Spill Kits

Oil
Process Interceptor SW
Area Outfall
To
Treatment Schematic of site drainage
Car Park Plant plan showing stormwater and
wastewater systems and other site
or landscape features. An accurate
Spill Containment
Point site drainage plan should be
displayed on site.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 15
 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.

16 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

 N
SECTIO

10.0
THE WASTEWATER SYSTEM
10.1 Wastewater Sumps, Cesspits and Pipes

 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.

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 17
 SECT

11.0
ION

PROCEDURES AND TRAINING

11.1 Procedures

 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.

18 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION

 SECTION

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.

Hazard signage suitably displayed

AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS 19
20 BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION
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