The only difference is whilst at home we can wash vehicles on the grass, in the workplace vehicles are only allowed to be washed in a dedicated wash bay that drains to an oil-separation system or where the run off is removed by a licensed contractor.
The run-off from washing a vehicle seems harmless enough, but it actually contains a combination of oil, degreaser, metal, detergent, grease, rubber and sediment – none of which does the environment any favours. To avoid sending these contaminants down any drains, vehicles need to be washed in a wash bay.
So what exactly is a wash bay? It is a dedicated vehicle washing area that captures all run off from a vehicle. The run off could be captured by way of a sloping floor that drains the run off or a bund around the perimeter of the wash bay area.
The run off also requires treatment before disposal. All wash bay run off must be treated by an oil water separator before being allowed into the sewer system. If an oil water separator is not installed, then all run off must be captured and removed by a licensed waste contractor.
If you know you need to install a wash bay, make sure you discuss the issue with your local council in case there are specific requirements in your area.
For more information on oil water separators, visit the Green Stamp Plus website (see “Information Guides”).
Water restrictions
Both NSW and the ACT are under strict water restrictions. To wash vehicles, an exemption permit needs to be granted by Sydney Water, Hunter Water, your local council (in NSW) or by ACTewAGL (in the ACT). Businesses that rely on water to conduct business activities (such as washing cars as a dealership) are eligible to apply.
For more information on applying for an exemption permit, visit the Green Stamp Plus website (see “Information Guides”).
Saving Water
Although washing vehicles is a legitimate and necessary business practice for many businesses, each organisation has a social responsibility to use the least amount of water possible. Not only is water a scarce commodity, but water prices are also set to rise. It is in everyone’s best interests to reduce the amount of water used.
Some ways to save water are:
» Install an automatic vehicle wash system
Automatic systems can control the amount of detergent and water used for each vehicle wash. These systems are a big investment and most suitable for businesses that complete a huge amount of vehicle washing.
» Use a bucket instead of a hose
Cleaning with a bucket limits the amount of water used and reduces the amount of run off that needs to be contained or treated.
» If using a hose, install a trigger nozzle
Trigger nozzles attach to the end of hoses and make it easy to turn the hose off, preventing hoses being left on unnecessarily.
» Install a rainwater tank
Rainwater tank can collect a substantial amount of water, reducing your reliance on dam water and thereby reducing your water bills. Rainwater can also be used for activities such as flushing toilets.
» Source a waterless car cleaner
Some companies market waterless car cleaners that allow you to “wash” cars in the yard as no run off is created.
Think about the detergent you use
Detergents should be biodegradable and phosphate-free. Biodegradable detergents degrade 80% of chemical matter naturally within 21 days. Phosphate free detergents reduce the damaging effects of phosphate in our waterways; excessive plant growth and algal bloom. By choosing detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate free, you are giving the environment the best chance of being able to safely deal with the detergent without side effects.
Of course, even if it is biodegradable and phosphate free, detergent or runoff containing detergent cannot be allowed into stormwater drains or onto soil where it can seep to the waterways.
Runoff must be pre-treated by an oil water separator before being discharged to the sewer or contained and removed by a licensed waste contractor.
|
|
The MTA is running the Green Stamp Plus program in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory as a joint initiative with the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. For more information please visit www.greenstamp.mtansw.com.au or call MTA on 02 9213 4222.
