ECAR Fact Sheet for Oregon
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 water-based 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.

Replacing hazardous parts wash solvent with non-hazardous substitutes is one pollution prevention alternative. There are many water-based degreasers and cleaning systems on the market today. If you are considering changing to a waterbased cleaner, you should first test the product to determine its effectiveness for your application. Using a non-hazardous degreaser is only beneficial if it does the job.

Water-based parts washing alternatives include:

• Hot Soap or Jet-Spray Washers and
• Aqueous Cleaners (Alkaline and Microbial)

Regulations

Washers. Hot soap or jet spray washers are like "dishwashers" for parts. They use non-toxic detergent and hot water to remove oil, grease, and dirt. Parts are placed inside the washer and the lid is closed during cleaning.

Sludge from oil, grease and other contaminants will accumulate in the washer. To extend the life of the detergent, this sludge should be cleaned out frequently. Prior to disposal, this sludge must be determined hazardous or non-hazardous. Hazardous sludge must be managed and disposed of as a hazardous waste. Land application of sludge is not recommended since even non-hazardous sludge may contain enough oil or heavy metals to contaminate soil or groundwater. If non-hazardous sludge is land applied, do so in accordance with applicable regulations.

Some hot soap washers evaporate water so that more has to be added. Others generate wastewater that must be disposed of. Wastewater from hot soap washers may be discharged to the city sewer, provided approval is obtained from the local wastewater treatment authority. If wastewater pH is above local discharge limits, simple neutralization may be required.

Hot soap washer wastewater should not be discharged to septic tanks. If that is not possible, the water can be collected in a holding tank and hauled to the nearest wastewater treatment plant (if the water is non-hazardous and the treatment plant will accept it.)

Prior to discharge, oil must be removed from the wastewater. You may manage the skimmed oil with your used oil.

Aqueous Cleaners. Unlike petroleum-based solvent cleaners, water-based aqueous cleaners are less toxic and not ignitable. They may be discharged to the city sewer with prior approval from the wastewater treatment plant. Disposal of spent aqueous cleaners in a septic system is not recommended. Spent aqueous cleaners may be hazardous because of corrosivity or toxicity (lead and/or benzene) content from contamination from grease and oils. If aqueous cleaners are disposed of off-site, a hazardous waste determination must be performed. Grease and oil from parts will accumulate in the parts washer. This sludge should be managed as described above for hot soap washers.

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

Industrial General Permit Application Form

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 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 503-229-5696 or 800-452-4011 (toll-free in Oregon).
2. To report a spill or leak, contact the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) at 800-452-0311.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest DEQ Regional Office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Solvent Cleaning
2. Wastewater
3. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Oregon DEQ Website Frequently Asked Wastewater Questions
2. OR Vehicle Dismantlers webpage

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