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ECAR
Fact Sheet for Arizona
Septic
Tanks and Disposal Wells
Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources
The
following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once
prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process
with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check
on the status of the review process here.
Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried
to present a summary of the essential information on this topic,
you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations,
may apply to you.
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What
You Need to Know
There
is a simple rule for determining when it is OK to put industrial
wastewater into a septic system – never. You can dispose of
"sanitary wastes" from ordinary lavatory use or hand washing
in a septic field only if the wastewater has not been contaminated
with any water from an industrial operation.
Some
yards may have shallow wells or cesspools that have been used for
disposal of industrial wastewater. It is now illegal to create
such systems, and existing systems need to be sealed or closed.
This fact sheet will help you check whether your existing wastewater
disposal practices are in compliance with current rules.
Regulations
This
fact sheet explains the regulations applicable to septic tanks or
other forms of disposal wells used at auto recycling facilities
for disposal of vehicle fluids or industrial wastewater. These methods
of disposal are referred to as "motor vehicle waste disposal
wells." They are regulated under federal and state Underground
Injection Control (UIC) regulations that protect drinking water
supplies.
Motor
vehicle waste disposal wells are floor drains or sinks in service
bays that are tied into a shallow disposal system. Most commonly,
these shallow disposal systems are septic systems or dry wells,
but any underground system that receives motor vehicle waste would
be considered a motor vehicle waste disposal well. A variety of
names are used to describe shallow disposal systems including: cesspools,
catch basins, sink holes, underground vaults, or drain tanks, to
name a few.
Automotive
recyclers must adhere to the following federal rules for motor vehicle
waste disposal wells:
- New
motor vehicle waste disposal wells are banned nationwide as of
April 5, 2000.
- Existing
motor vehicle waste disposal wells are banned in ground water
protection areas and other sensitive ground water areas. States
have until January 1, 2004, to delineate other sensitive ground
water areas, unless they apply and receive an extension of up
to one year to complete this task (by January 1, 2005). States
or EPA may waive the ban and allow owners and operators to obtain
a permit. However, their use will eventually be phased out (no
later than Jan. 1, 2008).
In
Arizona, any person who owns an existing or proposed drywell
must register the drywell with the Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality (ADEQ) and submit a registration fee of $10 per drywell.
Drywells
can only receive stormwater runoff or discharges that are
exempted by A.R.S. § 49-250(23). If other fluids have been directed
to the drywell, it is subject to the aquifer protection program
(APP) and/or closure requirements and may be considered an underground
injection well that requires both ADEQ and USEPA permitting. Spills
to the drywell may also trigger permitting, clean closure, or enforcement
actions.
If
a drywell does not drain areas where hazardous substances are used,
stored, loaded, or treated, APP program requirements typically do
not apply. However, unless specifically exempt by statute, if a
facility adds any pollutant to a drywell, it may be classified as
an injection well and be subject to permitting. Any drywell that
is used for industrial wastewater disposal, either solely or in
conjunction with stormwater discharge, is an injection well. APP
program requirements apply to operation or closure of injection
wells.
*In
short, spent parts washer cleaners, both solvents and aqueous cleaners,
and other types of industrial wastewater should never be discharged
to a septic system.
Links
to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view
the regulations and permit forms pertaining to septic tanks.
Arizona Water Quality
Requirements
AZPDES Forms
and Guidance
Federal Rules for
Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells
Self-Audit
Checklist
When
an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he
or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental
regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit"
and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties.
Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits
(see Audit Policy Page).
Use
the following list to audit your septic tank or underground well.
- Does
your facility discharge vehicle fluids or related industrial wastewater
to a septic tank or similar system? Does a permit authorize the
discharges? Check all uses of water and steam within the industrial
areas of your facility. Determine where wastewater is generated
and discharged. You must have a permit or written authorization
for all industrial wastewater discharges. Use of a septic tank
or similar system is not a viable option.
Best
Management Practices (BMPs)
Most
regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but
they don’t explain how to do it. That’s where "best management
practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that
help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs
are recommended for septic tank management.
- Check
your sinks and floor drains in the shop to make certain you know
where they discharge.
- Cap
or plug any floor drains connected to a septic tank.
- Do
not put other fluids like oil, solvents, paints or chemicals into
a floor drain. This could contaminate your property and expose
you to large fines and clean up costs.
- Think
about installing an emergency shut-off on the drain pipes to prevent
accidental spills from entering the sewer.
- Train
employees on the importance of preventing any vehicle fluids or
other industrial wastes from entering a septic tank or well.
- Post
signs at sinks connected to your septic tank system to remind
employees not to discard any wastes into the sink.
Contacts
- For
more information, contact the Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality (ADEQ) Water Quality Division at 602-771-4385.
- To
report a spill or leak, call the Arizona ADEQ Emergency Response
number at 602-771-2330 or toll free at 800-234-5677. To report
a leaking underground storage tank, call 602-771-4303.
- To
report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest
regional office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Floor Drains
- Stormwater
- Wastewater
Other
Relevant Resources
- ADEQ Drywell
Program Webpage
- What Should I Know
About Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells?
- Arizona Green Business Automotive Program
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