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Automotive Industry & Pollution Prevention

Pollution prevention practices reduce the risk and cost of: property damage, site contamination, spill clean-ups and fines for violations; while increasing public image, process efficiency & savings.

Person repairing car engine with wrench, depicted in a stylized illustration

Spill Management

Prepare an Emergency Spill Plan: 

  • Describe spill notification procedures.
  • Indicate cleanup procedures and Safety Data Sheet.
  • Include site plan showing location of chemical storage areas, outdoor storm drains and devices available to stop spills from leaving the site.

Suggested Spill Cleanup Kit:

  1. Drums and buckets provided with screw-top lid.
  2. Disposal bags.
  3. Safety gloves, clothes, and equipment.
  4. Emergency response guidebook.
  5. Shovel and broom.
  6. Absorbent pads and oil containment booms.
  7. Materials to neutralize acids or alkaline liquids.

Report improper discharges into the storm sewer to Adams County Stormwater Hotline.

Phone: 720.523.6400
Email: swq@adamscountyco.gov

Report emergencies to 911 immediately.

  • Dumping into storm drains
  • Illegal connections into ditches or ponds
  • Pollutants leaking from dumpsters
  • Trash, leaves or yard waste along waterways
  • Sanitary overflows

Antifreeze

Antifreeze contains toxic substances such as ethylene or propylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, foam controllers, heavy metals, fuel and solvents that are picked up while
circulating through the engine & cooling system of the vehicle. Antifreeze is poisonous to humans and animals. Recycle antifreeze. Never dispose of used antifreeze down a storm drain, septic tank, sanitary sewer, dumpster or on the ground as de-icing agent. Do not mix antifreeze with used oil.

Batteries

Batteries contain lead and sulfuric acid, both are hazardous and produce chemical burns. Recycle batteries. Never put batteries in the garbage. Never drain batteries into a storm drain or onto the ground. Store batteries upright in a covered place and check for leaks and cracks. Provide secondary containment to outdoor storage areas and cover batteries to prevent acid runoff.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is not oil-based so it should never be added to used oil tanks or drums. Collect brake fluid in a separate, marked, closed container & request assistance from a hazardous waste disposal company.

Fueling Stations

Fuels contain organic compounds and metals that are harmful to aquatic life. Promote customer and employee education to avoid spills. Design the fueling area to minimize runoff, provide a roof (if possible) and spill kits. Make sure the shut-off valves on the nozzles are working properly. Clean fueling areas with dry methods.

Vehicle Washing

Vehicle washing discharges include detergents, oil, grease and dirt. Use a designated area for all vehicle or equipment washing. Ensure this area drains into a sand/ oil separator connected to the sanitary sewer, and not into the storm sewer (outdoor drains). Otherwise use a commercial carwash.

Tires & Aerosol Cans

Waste tires provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rats and pose a fire hazard. Store as few tires as possible. Cover them to prevent water entrapment. Aerosol cans are explosive if crushed or incinerated. Recycle with a hazardous waste disposal company.

The automotive industry generates waste. When waste is improperly disposed of, it may enter (via storm sewer, groundwater or bypass of sanitary treatment) into local waterways contaminating drinking water supplies.

Managers need to understand that interior drains discharge into the sanitary sewer, but outdoor drains discharge directly into the environment. Outdoor cleaning activities may become an illicit discharge. Adams County prohibits illicit discharges into the storm sewer. Implementation of good practices will help keep our stormwater clean.

Employee Training

Inform employees about: building layout, outdoor drainage pattern, potential pollution sources, location of Safety Data Sheets and clean-up kits, handling and disposal of hazardous waste, and train when new procedures or equipment is implemented.

Floor Cleaning

Wastewater from floor washing activities may contain heavy metals, oil, grease and other contaminants. Keep floors clean. Use dry cleaning methods ( sweep or vacuum). Clean up spills with absorbent material (kitty litter, vermiculate or shop towels). Do not store hazardous materials, nor perform vehicle maintenance next to floor drains. All indoor floor drains should be connected to a sand/oil interceptor. Do not power wash outdoor areas. Wastewater can not be discharged into the storm sewer (outdoor drain).

Sand/Oil Interceptor

A sand/oil interceptor is a large underground holding tank designed to separate oil & sediments from wastewater before discharging into the sanitary sewer. The interceptor allows the lighter oil-based pollutants to rise to the surface of the tank, where they can be skimmed off, and heavier particulates to accumulate at the bottom.

This device is not designed to collect spills or concentrated chemicals such as coolants, acids or caustic substances. Regular maintenance is needed to be effective.

Motor Oil & Filters

Recycle used oil, this waste is a valuable resource. Never dispose of used oil down a storm drain, septic tank, sanitary sewer, dumpster or on the ground as dust suppression. Stored oil in separate, watertight drum or tank. Label tank as USED OIL. Inspect for leaks. Provided secondary containment. Cover outdoor drums and tanks. Avoid stormwater from accumulating in containment areas. Do not mix used oil with water, gasoline, solvents, degreasers, coolants or brake fluid. Recycle used oil filters, drain them for 24 hours. Label storage container as USED OIL FILTERS.

DUMP NO WASTE!

Storm drains discharge directly into our local waterways, without treatment. 1 quart of used motor oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of fresh water!

Visit www.colorado.gov for Pollution Prevention (P2) information and grants for businesses.

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