Mobile Vehicle Maintenance

Overview

Toxic chemicals and discharged wastewater from chemical additives used for cleaning often make their way into the Madison County storm drain system and do not get treated before reaching the streams and rivers. This pollutes our drinking water and contaminates local waterways, making them unsafe for people and wildlife. Following these best management practices will prevent pollution, comply with regulations, and protect public health.

For more information, please contact Stormwater Program Management at (731) 423-2041.

Best Management Practices

• Wash in designated areas: Wash in a designated area that has been bermed up to contain the wash water.
• Use common water control devices: Common water control devices are: recycling systems; pretreatment or sewer discharge systems; limited recycling systems; wash pits (portable vinyl wash pads), vacuum sludge filtering systems; wet-dry vacuums, sump pumps; drain covers; portable dams; vacu-brooms; oil-absorbent pads, booms, pillows, and tubes; plastic sheeting; filter tubs; buckets; pans; and squeegees.
• Use a facility that has the proper equipment to dispose of contaminated wastewater: When cleaning engines using chemical additives like soaps, solvents, or degreasers, the cleaning must be performed at a facility that has the equipment to properly process the contaminated wastewater runoff, or using a leak-proof ground cover device that will catch and contain all contaminated wastewater runoff for later disposal in a manner that complies with City, County, State, and federal codes.
• Dispose of wastewater properly: Wastewater from cleaning equipment must be discharged into a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer.