Automotive Maintenance and Car Care
Car
Care
Problems
Many common car maintenance routines contribute to
storm water pollution. Washing the car or pouring used motor oil
into a gutter or storm drain pollutes our streams. Water runoff from
streets, parking lots and driveways picks up oil and grease dripped
from cars, asbestos worn from brake pads, zinc from tires and
organic compounds and metals from spilled fuels. These chemicals
drain into the local rivers and streams, harming fish and aquatic
life.
Oil and grease, for example, clogs fish gills and
blocks oxygen from entering the water. If oxygen levels in the water
become too low, aquatic animals die.
Solutions
Best Management Practices such as handling, storing,
and disposing of materials properly can prevent pollutants from
entering the storm drains.
1. Cleaning Work Sites
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Don’t hose down your shop floor. It is best to dry
sweep it regularly.
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Use non-toxic cleaning products. Baking soda paste
works well on battery heads, cable clamps, and chrome; mix soda
with a mild, biodegradable dishwashing soap for wheels and tires;
for windows, mix white vinegar or lemon juice with water.
2. Spills
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Prepare and use easy to find spill containment and
cleanup kits. Include safety equipment and cleanup materials
appropriate to the type and quantity of materials that could
spill.
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For small spills, pour kitty litter, sawdust or
cornmeal on spills to bind liquids. For information on proper
disposal, contact the Kent County Resource Recovery program at
(616)336-2501 for drop off locations nears you.
3. Fluids
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Your customer’s regular car maintenance prevents
fluids from leaking onto streets and washing into storm drains. It
also is good for business.
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Change fluids carefully. Use a drip pan to avoid
spills.
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Prevent fluids leaks from stored vehicles. Drain
fluids such as unused gas, transmission and hydraulic oil, brake
and radiator fluid from vehicles or parts kept in storage.
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Implement simple work practices to reduce the
chance of spills. Use a funnel when pouring liquids (like
lubricants or motor oil) and place a tray underneath to catch
spills. Place drip pans under the spouts of liquid storage
containers. Clean up spills immediately.
4. Washing Vehicles
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Prevent oil and grease, suspended solids and
toxins from washing into storm drains.
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Designate a washing site where water drains to the
sewer system. The area must be covered, paved and well marked as a
wash area. Post signs prohibiting oil changes and washing with
solvents. Train all employees to use the designated area. Contact
the City of Grand Rapids Sewer Department at (616)456-3246 for
information and requirements for connecting to the sanitary sewer.
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Wash vehicles with biodegradable, phosphate-free
detergent. Use a bucket (not a running hose) to wash and rinse the
car and conserve water.
5. Fueling Vehicles
Gas and diesel spills are common when fueling
vehicles. To minimize pollution:
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Design fuel areas so that all spills are contained
and runoff cannot carry spills into storm drains. Slope the
containment area toward drains connected to the sewer system.
Equip the drain with a shutoff valve in the event of a large
spill.
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Cover the fueling area to keep rain from washing
away spilled materials. Extend the cover several feet beyond the
containment area.
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Keep absorbent materials on site to allow prompt
cleanup of spills.
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Post signs instructing people not to overfill gas
tanks. Overfilling causes spills and vents gas fumes to the air.
6. Recycle. . .
Recycle what you can:
Contact the Kent County Resource Recovery program at
(616)336-2501 for Recycle locations near you.
7. Employee and Customer Education
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Educate your employees. Include water quality
training in new-employee orientations and conduct annual review
sessions.
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Educate your customers. Raise both employee and
customer awareness by stenciling storm drains near the work place
with the Storm Water Program stencil--"Dump No Waste--Drains to
River."
The City
of Walker, Michigan