ECAR Fact Sheet for Virginia
Solvent 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 solvent cleaning methods such
as parts washers containing mineral spirits. Aqueous
cleaning (e.g., pressure
washers, enclosed spray washers, steam cleaning) is covered under
a separate fact sheet.
Used solvents are often the largest
hazardous waste stream created by automotive recyclers. Used solvents
can be harmful to workers and the environment because they are toxic
and they emit dangerous vapors.
Regulations
If your operation still uses a parts
washing system that contains a hazardous solvent, you may be generating
listed hazardous wastes. In addition, many solvents may be hazardous
because of ignitability.
When using hazardous solvents in your
parts washing system, you are required to keep track of the amount
generated each month and dispose of them as hazardous
waste. For more information
on handling, storing and disposing hazardous wastes, see the Auto
Recycling Plain Language Guide to Solid/Hazardous Waste Management.
The following are some of the common
spent halogenated and non-halogenated solvents used in degreasing
operations that are considered hazardous:
- 1,1,1-trichloroethane
- Acetone
- Benzene
- Carbon tetrachloride
- Chlorinated fluorocarbons
- Isobutanol
- Low flash point mineral spirits
- Methanol
- Methylene chloride
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
- Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
- Ortho-dichlorobenzene
- Tetracholoroethylene
- Toluene
- Trichloroflueoromethane
- Xylene
Links to the Regulations. Use
the following links to view the regulations pertaining to aqueous
cleaning processes.
Virginia
Hazardous Waste Management Requirements
Federal
EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
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
solvent cleaning operations.
- Are spent solvents stored in
drums, tanks or other containers that are in good condition? Open
containers, and rusting or leaking containers cannot be used for
spent solvent storage.
- Are solvent storage containers
and tanks properly labeled? All used antifreeze storage containers
must be labeled "hazardous waste."
- Is the area around the solvent
storage containers free of releases? Releases must be stopped
and the released material cleaned up and managed properly.
- Is spent solvent transported
to a recovery facility by a certified transporter? Check your
records and verify that all shipments of spent solvent were removed
from your property by a state certified transporter.
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 solvent cleaning.
- Wipe off parts with a rag or wire
brush before soaking in parts washer.
- Do not clean parts unnecessarily.
- Reduce the quantity of solvent
used by implementing a two-stage cleaning system. The first stage
should clean the dirtiest parts. The second stage uses cleaner
solvent for final cleaning and rinsing. When the cleaning solution
in the second stage is no longer effective, it can then be used
to replace the solvent in the first stage. Fresh solvent is then
used to replace the second stage.
- Parts washers should have a recirculating
feature with built-in filtration to continuously remove dirt and
contaminants. This will extend the life of the solvent.
- Drip racks or trays can help increase
drainage from parts to minimize solvent loss.
- When not in use, solvent streams
should be turned off and lids on parts washers should be kept
closed to reduce evaporative solvent loss.
- Do not dispose of used solvent
on the ground or in a storm drain
- Do not combine spent solvent with
used oil.
- Contract with a solvent management
company to supply and recycle solvent.
- Keep accurate records of solvent,
wash water, sludge processing and disposal for 3 years.
Contacts
- For more information, contact
the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Division of Waste
Management at 804-698-4000.
- To report a spill or leak during
business hours, contact the nearest DEQ
Regional Office. During
nights, holidays and weekends, call the 24-hour number at 1-800-468-8892.
- To report an environmental incident
or complaint, contact the nearest DEQ
Regional Office.
Related
ECAR Fact Sheets
- Hazardous
Waste
- Aqueous
Cleaning
Other
Relevant Resources
None.
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