ECAR Fact Sheet for Missouri
Aqueous Cleaning

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

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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.

Many water-based parts washers are available. Typically these are closed units which use very hot water and detergents with rust inhibitors. They work very much like home dishwashers. The units are often designed to filter oil and impurities from the water during operation.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage solvents. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to Department's Vehicle Salvage Guidance Document under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

If you have elected to use an aqueous parts-washer system rather than a solvent-based system, you must still be concerned about hazardous waste issues. Contact the supplier to learn if the detergent is regulated as a hazardous waste. As with solvent units, the contamination from the parts you are cleaning could cause the waste to be hazardous. You may need to have the wastewater, filters or sludges tested to find out if they are hazardous. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet.

If you plan to put wastewater from your parts washer down the drain, contact your sewer system personnel to make sure it is okay with them. If your wastewater is treated by an on-site system, such as a lagoon or septic tank, you cannot put wastewater from your business operations down the drain. You will need to contain your wastewater and dispose of it at a facility able to accept it. For this reason, it may be more costly to use a water-based parts cleaning system if your business is on a septic system. See the ECAR Wastewater Fact Sheet for more information.

*Do not let untreated wastewater drain out on the ground or to any body of water.

Links to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining to aqueous cleaning.

Missouri Hazardous Waste Regulations (Division 25)

Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Requirements

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 aqueous cleaning operation.

1. Are the sludges generated by cleanout of sumps and similar devices associated with aqueous cleaning properly managed and disposed of? Perform a hazardous waste determination for these wastes. If they are found to be hazardous, you must manage them on-site according to hazardous waste rules and dispose of them at an approved facility.
2. Does your facility discharge wastewater from aqueous cleaning? Are the discharges authorized by a permit? Check all uses of water and steam. Determine where wastewater is generated and discharged. You must have a permit or written authorization for all industrial wastewater discharges. Be certain that floor drains and sinks do not discharge to the ground, a septic tank, a storm sewer or a waterway.
3. Determine whether the aqueous cleaning solution discharge will be accepted by the local sewage treatment plant. Obtain all required permits or approvals prior to discharge.
4. If discharge to a sewage plant is not allowed, arrange to recycle and reuse the solution, or properly dispose of the solution. You may need to test the solution to determine whether it is a hazardous waste.

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.

• Install cleaning equipment that efficiently uses water or is capable of recycling water.
• Install an on-site capture and reuse system for wastewater. These are commonly used by auto recycling facilities in association with pressure washers and enclosed spray washers.
• Remove caked-on grease and oil from parts with a scraper or knife before aqueous cleaning to reduce cleaning time and water usage.
• Very heavily soiled parts should be pre-cleaned by wiping with a rag.
• Conduct cleaning operations on a contained or indoor impervious surface.
• Do not dispose of used cleaning solution on the ground or into a storm drain.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Missouri Hazardous Waste Program at 573-751-3176.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the 573-634-2436.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Solvent Cleaning
2. Wastewater
3. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Pollution Prevention During Vehicle Salvage

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