| Wastewater (or trade waste) is classified as any wastewater that is a result of commercial or industrial activities. In workshops, wastewater is typically caused by activities such as vehicle washing, engine degreasing, parts cleaning, floor cleaning and oil spills. The wastewater from these activities cannot go onto soil or down a stormwater drain under any circumstances. To dispose of it, it needs to either be collected and removed by a licensed waste removal company or it needs to be treated through an oil water separator.
Some businesses create more wastewater than others, and this determines whether your business should be operating with an oil water separator or not. It is a common myth that it is “best practice” to have an oil water separator – this is only true if the business needs one due to the types of activities it needs to carry out (such as vehicle washing). If your business does not create a great deal of wastewater, then it is better for the environment to collect all oily water and dispose of it properly, that way no contaminated water goes into the sewer system (which needs to be treated further along the track).
When do you need an oil water separator …
New sites – If you are developing a new site, your local Council may require that an oil water separator is installed during development. This will come down to your local Council, so if you are building a new workshop or redeveloping your site, this is something you should check out.
Washing vehicles – When vehicles are washed, the runoff contains several materials that need to be kept away from waterways. Runoff contains degreasers, detergents, oil, grease, heavy metals, rubber and sediment and needs to be pre-treated with an oil water separator before it is discharged to the sewer. Wastewater from washing vehicles cannot be allowed into stormwater drains or onto soil where it can seep to the waterways. A good way of dealing with this wastewater (as usually it is in high volumes) is by processing it through an oil water separator, which is attached to the wash bay.
Creating a high volume of oily water – If your business creates a high volume of wastewater through its general activities, then installing an oil water separator may be a good idea.
When don’t you need an oil water separator …
If your business runs a “dry workshop” you may not need to use a separator. A “dry workshop” is one where little liquid is created or spilled and no vehicles are washed. However, the workshop still needs to ensure that there is no danger of contaminants leaving the workshop and entering the waterways. An example of how this can be achieved is through bunding (barriers that prevent liquid from leaving the workshop) and careful liquid storage. For more information, please see the environmental information guides; “Bunding” and “Liquid Wastes – Storage and Handling” which can be found on the MTA Green Stamp Plus website (www.greenstamp.mtansw.com.au) under “Information Guides”.
Assessing the way liquid is stored and used in your business will assist you in determining if you need an oil water separator or not. If you would like any more information, please call Sophie Luttrell at MTA NSW on 02 9213 4231.
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