Auto Repair

Automotive repairs and maintenance work can generate problem wastes and regulatory headaches for shop owners. Pollution Prevention (P2) is a more efficient use of materials and resources that eliminates pollution at the source, and in turn, reduces wastes and contaminants going into the environment.

P2 can benefit your business by:

    • Saving money and improving business performance
    • Reducing liability and potential for violations or penalties by achieving environmental compliance
    • Protecting the health and safety of your workers and the public
    • Improving the quality of Clermont County streams and rivers

The Clermont County Storm Water Management Department has developed a Pollution Prevention Brochure for Automotive Maintenance and Repair Shops.  Click on the link above to download a copy, or if you would like multiple copies to distribute to shop workers, email or call the Storm Water Department at 732-7880 (there is no charge for the brochures).

Listed below are some of the most important management practices that, if put in place by your auto service center, could go a long way toward improving the quality of storm water runoff.

    • Make sure that the stormwater drains on or near your premises carry clean rainwater only. No wash water, grease, oil or other pollutants from your business should be allowed to get into the stormwater drains.
    • Keep the external work areas of your business free of litter, waste materials, car parts, chemicals and other items that could pollute the ground or stormwater system.
    • Clean and maintain all work areas and equipment regularly to prevent pollution.
    • Make sure that bulk storage items such as oils, solvents and liquid wastes are stored away from stormwater drains to prevent spills and accidental leaks entering the stormwater system.
    • Liquid storage areas should be bundled, sealed and under cover.
    • Make sure that contaminated parts, such as those containing oil, brake fluid or radiator fluid, cannot leak or spill into stormwater drains.
    • Keep spill clean-up material in an accessible place, clearly labeled and ready for use.
    • Try to reduce the amount of waste for disposal by using alternative waste measures such as recycling, reuse, or returning excess packaging items to suppliers.
    • Where possible, use biodegradable soaps and cleaning products to wash parts instead of solvents.  Where solvents are used, make sure that solvent washes are contained to prevent excess evaporation. The washes should be recycled when no longer useable.