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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 There is a simple rule for determining when it is OK to put industrial wastewater into a septic system - never without a MDEQ permit. 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 either be closed or need to have special permits to continue their operation. This fact sheet will help you check whether your existing wastewater disposal practices are in compliance with current rules. 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 Underground Injection Control (UIC) and state groundwater discharge 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. Automotive recyclers must adhere to the following federal rules for motor vehicle waste disposal wells:
State regulations would also require a groundwater discharge permit if wastewater (such as mop water) is poured into a sink or toilet or otherwise enters the septic tank, or if floor drains are connected to a septic tank. Since discharges from floor drains to an on-site sewage disposal system have significant potential to contaminate the ground and groundwater with industrial pollutants, it is unlikely that a permit would be issued. Links to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining to wastewater. Federal Rules for Class V Wells Federal Rules for Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells Class V Well Pre-Closure Notification Form Michigan Groundwater Discharge Rules and Information 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.
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.
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