ECAR Fact Sheet for Indiana
Septic Tanks and Disposal Wells

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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

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 either be closed or need to have special permits to continue their operation. 

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage used antifreeze. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to IDEM's Compliance Manual for Auto Salvage Facilities under Other Relevant Resources.

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 drywells, 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.

There are two key dates that apply to MVWD wells located in Indiana. They are as follows:

• New MVWD wells were prohibited from being constructed as of April 5, 2000.
• Existing MVWD wells must be closed or permitted by January 1, 2007.

*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.

If a facility has a MVWD well and wishes to close it, it will need to contact the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in writing 30 days prior to closing the well. A facility may need to complete a pre-closure notifi cation form or write a letter prior to closing the well. If so, this will also need to be submitted at least 30 days before closing the well. In addition, a facility will need to permanently plug or otherwise close the well in a way that protects underground sources of drinking water and is approved by EPA. Lastly, a facility will need to dispose of (or otherwise manage) any soil, gravel, sludge, liquids or other materials removed from or adjacent to the well in a manner that complies with state environmental requirements.

If a facility has a MVWD well and wishes to continue to use it, the facility must apply to EPA for a waiver in order to continue to utilize the well. This requires that a facility submit a permit application to EPA. If a waiver is granted, there are certain requirements a facility must meet in order to continue use of its well. These include:

• Ensuring that the waste fluids meet National Primary Drinking Water Standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels, also referred to as "MCLs") and other health-based standards at the point at which the waste enters the well.
• Implementing best management practices (as contained in the facility's permit) to lessen the chances that contaminants will enter the discharge.
• Conducting monitoring of the waste and/or sludge being injected to ensure that it is in compliance with the MCLs. This monitoring will need to be conducted both initially and on an on-going basis.

Note that, if a waiver is not granted, a facility will need to close the well.

Links to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining to septic tanks.

Federal Rules for Class V Wells

Federal Rules for Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells

Class V Well Pre-Closure Notification Form

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.

1. 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

1. For more information, contact the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) at 800-451-6027 or 317-232-8603.
2. Report spills and environmental emergencies immediately to IDEM by telephone at 1-888-233-7745.
3. Submit a pollution complaint online through the IDEM Pollution Complaints Clearinghouse.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Floor Drains
2. Stormwater
3. Wastewater

Other Relevant Resources

1. What Should I Know About Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells?
2. IDEM's Compliance Manual for Auto Salvage Facilities

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR