Author: Nick Hoendervoogt

Good Housekeeping cont…..
Parts cleaning and radiator flushing cont..
Never discharge cleaning solutions or waste water from steam cleaning or engine/parts cleaning onto the ground or into a street, gutter, or storm drain.
Car Washing
If car washing is a central activity for your business, you must use a covered wash pad that drains to the sanitary sewer.
Treat and recycle wash water. Also install an oil/grit separator if required by the sewer district.
If car washing is an occasional activity of your business, avoid washing vehicles on site. Take vehicles to a commercial car wash or provide your customers with a courtesy voucher for a properly equipped commercial car wash

Good Housekeeping cont…..

Changing Oil and Other Fluids
Change vehicle fluids indoors and only on floors constructed of non-porous materials, or only in areas where spills can be captured and disposed of properly. Avoid working over asphalt and dirt surfaces that absorb vehicle fluids
If vehicle fluids must be removed outdoors, always use a drip pan.
Transfer fluids drained from vehicles to a designated waste storage area as soon as possible.
Never pour vehicle fluids or other hazardous waste into storm drains, sewers, or into dumpsters where they could leak out. These substances should be kept in designated waste storage containers until recycled or disposed of properly

City of Lexington Stormwater Program
Illicit Discharge Hotline: (308)324-2341
Questions Email:
Nick-nhoendervoogt@cityoflex.com

Stormwater BMPs for Automotive Businesses

City of Lexington
Development Services
P. O. Box 70
Lexington, NE 68850
(308) 324-2341

What every owner or manager
should know….
Automotive related business owners should be
aware that the discharge of pollutants from their “businesses'’ activities into the storm drain system or into surrounding water bodies is prohibited by local, state and federal law. Discharges can result in severe penalties. Typical pollutants generated automotive businesses include:
Wastewater from car washing
Motor oil
Brake dust/fluid
Sanding waste
Filler residue
Paints
Thinners
Plating wastes
And other fluids

Basic Requirements
Stormwater Regulations require two basic requirements:
Only rain may go down the storm drain
Minimize the contact of rainfall and runoff pollutant sources.

Education and Training
Train all employees upon hiring on stormwater BMPs and good housekeeping and pollution prevention methods.
BMPs-Best Management Practices, Good Housekeeping

Materials Storage
Store hazardous materials and wastes under cover and with secondary containment to prevent spills or leaks from reaching the stormdrain
Keep dumpster lids closed and keep lids on waste containers.
Keep storage areas clean and dry
Conduct regular inspections to detect and correct any leaks and spills immediately
Store batteries securely to avoid breakage and spills. Store indoors in plastic trays to contain any leaks
Clean Shop Techniques
Never hose down or pressure wash work areas un- less the resulting wash water is contained, treated, and disposed of properly
Sweep or vacuum the shop floor regularly. Pick up sweepings and dispose of them in the trash. Mopping can be used as an alternative to hosing—mop water should be disposed of in the sanitary sewer
Keep parking lots clean in order to prevent mobilization of oils, residues, and debris by subsequent rain-fall

Good Housekeeping cont….
Residue from the sanding of fillers is a common auto body shop pollutant-it should be collected and disposed of in the trash
Collect all metal filings, dust, and paint chips from grinding, shaving, and sanding. Dispose of the waste in the trash
Use drip pans under leaking vehicles to capture fluids
Keep fully stocked spill kits available at all times and make sure that employees know when and how to use them
Hazardous Materials and Wastes
Hazardous materials and wastes may never be discharged to the sanitary sewer or storm drain. All hazardous materials and waste must be stored, used, and disposed of according to Federal, State and Local Laws, including but not limited to Fire Codes, and hazardous material and waste laws.
Parts Cleaning and Radiator Flushing
Use licensed services to haul and recycle or dispose of wastes.
Use self-contained sinks and tanks when working with solvents
Designate specific bays or areas for engine or radiator cleaning. Do not rinse parts outdoors