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Regulations BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR 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. What You Need to Know Various methods are used to clean oil and grease from auto parts before sale. This fact sheet covers the environmental issues associated with aqueous cleaning methods such as enclosed spray washers, hot dip tanks, pressure washers, and steam cleaning. Solvent Cleaning (e.g., Stoddard solution, mineral spirits) is covered under a separate fact sheet. Aqueous cleaners are one of the most popular choices for degreasing parts at automotive recyclers and are a good alternative to petroleum-based and halogenated solvents. Some of the benefits of aqueous cleaners are that:
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage solvents. Much of that information is included in this fact sheet. You can access the link to IDEM' s Compliance Manual for Auto Salvage Facilities under Other Relevant Resources. Depending upon the type and level of contamination, a facility's used solvent may be unacceptable for discharge to the local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) or may be a hazardous waste. Note that if a facility wishes to discharge its aqueous cleaning solution, the facility's drain should be connected to a POTW. For information on discharging used solvent to a POTW, see the ECAR Wastewater Fact Sheet. For information on making a hazardous waste determination and managing hazardous waste, see the ECAR Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet. Listed below are the requirements that a facility must follow when managing and disposing of aqueous-based solvents:
Management and disposal options for these two wastes are discussed below, as well as used filters. Oil, Sludge, Sediment. Oil skimmed from an aqueous cleaning solution can be managed as used oil and recycled. Most recyclers will accept skimmed oil with used motor oil as long as it is not contaminated with solvent. Contaminated oil and other solids that are removed from aqueous cleaning operations should be managed as hazardous waste unless you have performed tests that indicate they are non-hazardous. For more information, see the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet. If the wastes are non-hazardous, then you should maintain test records that support your determination. Links to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining to wastewater. Industrial NPDES Permit Application Overview Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment (IWP) Applications Indiana Hazardous Waste Regulations (Article 3) Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Requirements 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 aqueous cleaning operation.
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 aqueous cleaning.
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