Vehicle Washing Best Practices 

Even when not required by environmental regulations, the following best practices are recommended. In some instances, best practices presented here are actually required by regulations.

Most grounds/vehicle maintenance facilities have outdoor activities that include but are not limited to equipment/material cleaning and maintenance. These activities may result in liquids being released to pavement, which could result in non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system. The following activities may assist in minimizing non-stormwater discharges:

1. Inspect the storm drain system, including catch-basins, inlets and pipes, and discharge points (at least quarterly) for evidence of non-stormwater discharges resulting from grounds/vehicle maintenance activities.
2. Eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system such as vehicle/tools/equipment wash water, saw-cut slurry, and building washing.
3. Keep catch basin inlets free of debris.

Vehicle and equipment washing have the potential for contaminating receiving waters through the discharge of grit, oil and other contaminants. State and federal regulations have strict guidelines concerning the discharge of vehicle wash water; check the regulatory section (NPDES) of this facility area for more regulatory information.

1. Soapy or oily vehicle wash waters must either be collected for off-site disposal or discharged to the sanitary sewer, if allowed by the local sewer authority.
2. Consider using a commercial car wash if your facility is not equipped properly.

Training employees on proper procedures to reduce their impact on the environment is a best practice. More detailed training information is provided in the regulatory requirements sections of the tour. Employee training may include the following:

1. Spill response training for personnel who handle hazardous material,
2. Storm water pollution prevention education,
3. Right-to-know awareness training,
4. Hazardous materials management,
5. Emergency preparedness, and
6. Awareness-level training, for example, a general overview of the school's environmental management system.