Oil-Water Separator

• An oil-water separator intended to collect and separate free oil from water will be
designed and installed in conformance with Sentence 3.10.3(1) in the Code.
• An oil-water separator will be equipped with a spill containment device at the point of
oil removal in conformance with:
o “Spill Containment Devices for Underground Tanks” (ORD-C58.19-1992)
OR
o ”Spill Containment Devices for Aboveground Tanks” (ORD-C142.19-1994)
• The operation, maintenance and inspection of an oil-water separator will be in
conformance with the requirements of the manufacturer's instructions or as
prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction.
• The depth of the free oil layer and separated solids accumulation in an oil-water
separator will be checked and recorded monthly.
• If a monthly inspection is not possible, an oil-water separator will be electronically
monitored.
• The depth of the free oil layer and separated solids accumulation in an oil-water
separator will be measured as close to the baffle as possible.
• An oil-water separator will have the free oil layer removed:
o continuously by an automatic skimmer OR
o at a maximum depth of 50 mm.
• After a spill or leak, the depth of the free oil layer and separated solids accumulation
in an oil-water separator will be checked and recorded.
• No person will discharge tank bottom water or gasoline, solvents, used oil, glycol,
detergents, or sludges from outside the storage tank system directly to an oil-water
separator. Detergents and cleaning solutions cause oil to emulsify in water and
prevent effective separation. Never wash trucks with such products in areas that
drain to an oil-water separator.
• The amount of solids entering an oil-water separator will be minimized.
• An oil-water separator will have the separated solids removed:
o at a maximum depth of 150 mm OR
o at the maximum depth allowed by an automatic removal device
• Free oil, separated solids, and water from an oil-water separator will be disposed of
in a manner prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction.