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ECAR Fact Sheet for Oregon
Septic
Tanks and Disposal Wells
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
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.
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.
Regulations
All underground injection control
(UIC) systems are required to register with DEQ. In addition to
the registration requirement, some UICs need to be permitted. A
permit is required if the UIC is not allowed outright by Oregon
Administrative Rule (OAR) 340-044. For example, storm water runoff
to UICs may be allowed without a permit if the conditions of OAR 340-044-0050
are met. However, most wastewater discharges to UICs require a Underground Injection Control (UIC) Registration/Permits.
Owners and operators of new and
existing injection systems are required to register and provide
inventory data to the State of Oregon. This will help to determine
if the injection system is Rule Authorized. Rule Authorized systems
do not require a permit.
Sites that do not qualify as Rule Authorized need to either be closed,
modified to meet rule requirements, or submit a WPCF permit application
to the appropriate regional DEQ office.
Contaminated
wastewater, which could include spent parts washer cleaners and
other types of industrial wastes, should never be discharged to
a septic system. These wastes may well be hazardous.
Links
to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining
to septic tanks.
Water Pollution
Control Facilities Permit
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.
- 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
- For more information, contact the Oregon Department
of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 503-229-5696 or 800-452-4011
(toll-free in Oregon).
- To report a spill or leak, contact the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) at 800-452-0311.
- To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact
the nearest DEQ Regional Office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Floor Drains
- Stormwater
- Wastewater
Other
Relevant Resources
- What Should I Know
About Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells?
- OR Vehicle Dismantlers webpage
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