INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER
FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
U.S. EPA Office of Water
EPA-833-F-06-028
December 2006
What is the NPDES stormwater permitting program for industrial
activity?
Activities, such as material handling and storage, equipment maintenance and cleaning, industrial
processing or other operations that occur at industrial facilities are often exposed to stormwater. The
runoff from these areas may discharge pollutants directly into nearby waterbodies or indirectly via
storm sewer systems, thereby degrading water quality.
In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed permitting regulations under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to control stormwater discharges associated
with eleven categories of industrial activity. As a result, NPDES permitting authorities, which may be
either EPA or a state environmental agency, issue stormwater permits to control runoff from these
industrial facilities.
What types of industrial facilities are required to obtain permit
coverage?
This fact sheet specifically discusses stormwater discharges from automobile salvage yards as
defined by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and includes battery reclaimers, salvage yards, and
automobile recyclers (Primary SIC 5015). Facilities and products in this group fall under the following
categories, all of which require coverage under an industrial stormwater permit:
4 Activities related to dismantling of used motor vehicles for the purpose of selling parts
4 Wholesale or retail distribution of used motor vehicle parts
What does an industrial stormwater permit require?
Common requirements for coverage under an industrial stormwater permit include development of a
written stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), implementation of control measures, and sub-
mittal of a request for permit coverage, usually referred to as the Notice of Intent or NOI. The SWPPP
is a written assessment of potential sources of pollutants in stormwater runoff and control measures
that will be implemented at your facility to minimize the discharge of these pollutants in runoff from
the site. These control measures include site-specific best management practices (BMPs), maintenance
plans, inspections, employee training, and reporting. The procedures detailed in the SWPPP must be
implemented by the facility and updated as necessary, with a copy of the SWPPP kept on-site. The in-
dustrial stormwater permit also requires collection of visual, analytical, and/or compliance monitoring
data to determine the effectiveness of implemented BMPs. For more information on EPA's industrial
stormwater permit and links to State stormwater permits, go to www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater
and click on "Industrial Activity."
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
What pollutants are associated with my facility's activities?
Pollutants conveyed in stormwater discharges from automobile salvage yards will vary. There are a
number of factors that influence to what extent industrial activities and significant materials can
affect water quality.
4 Geographic location
4 Topography
4 Hydrogeology
4 Extent of impervious surfaces (i.e., concrete or asphalt)
4 Type of ground cover (e.g., vegetation, crushed stone, or dirt)
4 Outdoor activities (e.g., material storage, loading/unloading, vehicle maintenance)
4 Size of the operation
4 Type, duration, and intensity of precipitation events
The activities, pollutant sources, and pollutants detailed in Table 1 are commonly found at automobile
salvage yards.
Table 1. Common Activities, Pollutant Sources, and Associated Pollutants at Automobile Salvage
Yards
Activity
Vehicle Dismantling
Used Parts Storage
Outdoor Vehicle and
Equipment Storage
Vehicle and Equipment
Maintenance
Vehicle, Equipment,
and Parts Washing
Areas
Liquid Storage in
Above Ground Storage
Tanks
Illicit Connection to
Storm Sewer
Pollutant Source
Oil, anti-freeze, batteries, gasoline, diesel fuel,
hydraulic fluids, electrical switches
Batteries, chrome bumpers, wheel balance
weights, tires, rims, filters, radiators, catalytic
converters, engine blocks, hub caps, doors,
drivelines, galvanized metals, mufflers
Leaking engines, chipping/corroding bumpers,
chipping paint, galvanized metal
Parts cleaning
Waste disposal of greasy rags, oil filters, air
filters, batteries, hydraulic fluids, transmission
fluids, radiator fluids, degreasers
Spills of oil, degreasers, hydraulic fluids,
transmission fluid, and radiator fluids
Fluids replacement, including oil, hydraulic
fluids, transmission fluid, and radiator fluids
Washing and steam cleaning waters
External corrosion and structural failure
Installation problems
Spills and overfills due to operator error
Sanitary water
Floor drains
Vehicle washwaters
Radiator flushing wastewater
Leaking underground storage tanks
Pollutant
Oil and grease, ethylene glycol, heavy metals,
mercury
Sulfuric acid, galvanized metals, oil and grease,
heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, total
suspended solids (TSS)
Oil and grease, arsenic, organics, heavy metals,
total suspended solids (TSS)
Chlorinated solvents, oil and grease, heavy
metals, acid/alkaline wastes
Oil, heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, acid/
alkaline wastes oil, heavy metals, chlorinated
solvents, acid/alkaline wastes, ethylene glycol
Oil, arsenic, heavy metals, organics, chlorinated
solvents, ethylene glycol
Oil, arsenic, heavy metals, organics, chlorinated
solvents, ethylene glycol
Oil and grease, detergents, heavy metals,
chlorinated solvents, phosphorus, salts,
suspended solids
Fuel, oil and grease, heavy metals, materials
being stored
Bacteria, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD),
suspended solids
Oil and grease, heavy metals, chlorinated
solvents, fuel, ethylene glycol
Oil and grease, detergents, metals, chlorinated
solvents, phosphorus, suspended solids
Ethylene glycol
Materials stored or previously stored
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
What BMPs can be used to minimize contact between stormwater
and potential pollutants at my facility?
A variety of BMP options may be applicable to eliminate or minimize the presence of pollutants
in stormwater discharges from automobile salvage yards. You will likely need to implement a
combination or suite of BMPs to address stormwater runoff at your facility. Your first consideration
should be for pollution prevention BMPs, which are designed to prevent or minimize pollutants
from entering stormwater runoff and/or reduce the volume of stormwater requiring management.
Prevention BMPs can include regular cleanup, collection and containment of debris in storage areas,
and other housekeeping practices, spill control, and employee training. It may also be necessary to
implement treatment BMPs, which are engineered structures, intended to treat stormwater runoff
and/or mitigate the effects of increased stormwater runoff peak rate, volume, and velocity. Treatment
BMPs are generally more expensive to install and maintain and include oil-water separators, wet
ponds, and proprietary filter devices.
The management practices discussed herein are well suited mechanisms to prevent or control the
contamination of stormwater discharges associated with automobile salvage yards. In general, it is
important to develop a stormwater management policy statement, review the policy with employees,
and keep it posted. Additionally, identifying weaknesses in current facility practices will aid the
permittee in determining appropriate BMPs that will achieve a reduction in pollutant loadings.
All facilities should implement BMPs in the following areas of the site:
4 Vehicle dismantling and maintenance areas
4 Vehicle, parts, and equipment storage areas
4 Material storage areas
4 Vehicle, parts, and equipment cleaning areas
Mercury switch used in vehicle. Be aware: specific permit requirements may vary according to
permitting authority so it is important to reference the requirements applicable of the state in which
your facility is located. For instance, many states are now addressing the issue of mercury switch
removal to prevent mercury releases that occur from automobile recycling. Mercury switches have
been used until recently for hood, trunk, or door lights.
BMPs must be selected and implemented to address the following:
Good Housekeeping Practices
Good housekeeping is a practical, cost-effective way to maintain a clean and orderly facility to prevent
potential pollution sources from coming into contact with stormwater. It includes establishing proto-
cols to reduce the possibility of mishandling materials or equipment and training employees in good
housekeeping techniques. Common areas where good housekeeping practices should be followed in-
clude trash containers and adjacent areas, material storage areas, vehicle and equipment maintenance
areas, and loading docks. Good housekeeping practices must include a schedule for regular pickup and
disposal of garbage and waste materials and routine inspections of drums, tanks, and containers for
leaks and structural conditions. Practices also include containing and covering garbage, waste materi-
als, and debris. Involving employees in routine monitoring of housekeeping practices has proven to
be an effective means of ensuring the continued implementation of these measures.
Minimizing Exposure
Where feasible, minimizing exposure of potential pollutant sources to precipitation is an important
control option. Minimizing exposure prevents pollutants, including debris, from coming into contact
with precipitation and can reduce the need for BMPs to treat contaminated stormwater runoff. It can
also prevent debris from being picked up by stormwater and carried into drains and surface waters.
Examples of BMPs for exposure minimization include covering materials or activities with temporary
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
structures (e.g., tarps) when wet weather is expected or moving materials or activities to existing
or new permanent structures (e.g., buildings, silos, sheds). Even the simple practice of keeping a
dumpster lid closed can be a very effective pollution prevention measure.
Erosion and Sediment Control
BMPs must be selected and implemented to limit erosion on areas of your site that, due to
topography, activities, soils, cover, materials, or other factors are likely to experience erosion. Erosion
control BMPs such as seeding, mulching, and sodding prevent soil from becoming dislodged and
should be considered first. Sediment control BMPs such as silt fences, sediment ponds, and stabilized
entrances trap sediment after it has eroded. Sediment control BMPs should be used to back-up
erosion control BMPs.
Management of Runoff
Your SWPPP must contain a narrative evaluation of the appropriateness of stormwater management
practices that divert, infiltrate, reuse, or otherwise manage stormwater runoff so as to reduce the
discharge of pollutants. Appropriate measures are highly site-specific, but may include, among others,
vegetative swales, collection and reuse of stormwater, inlet controls, snow management, infiltration
devices, and wet retention measures.
A combination of preventive and treatment BMPs will yield the most effective stormwater
management for minimizing the offsite discharge of pollutants via stormwater runoff. Though not
specifically outlined in this fact sheet, BMPs must also address preventive maintenance records or
logbooks, regular facility inspections, spill prevention and response, and employee training.
Specific runoff management practices for automobile salvage facilities include the installation/use of:
4 Berms or drainage ditches on the property line (to prevent run-on from neighboring properties
4 Berms for uncovered outdoor storage of soiled parts, engine blocks, and above-ground liquid
storage
4 Detention ponds
4 Filtering devices and oil/water separators
All BMPs require regular maintenance to function as intended. Some management measures have
simple maintenance requirements, others are quite involved. You must regularly inspect all BMPs to
ensure they are operating properly, including during runoff events. As soon as a problem is found,
action to resolve it should be initiated immediately.
Implement BMPs, such as those listed below in Table 2 for the control of pollutants at automobile sal-
vage yards, to minimize and prevent the discharge of pollutants in stormwater. Identifying weakness-
es in current facility practices will aid the permittee in determining appropriate BMPs that will achieve
a reduction in pollutant loadings. BMPs listed in Table 2 are broadly applicable to automobile salvage
yards; however, this is not a complete list and you are recommended to consult with regulatory agen-
cies or a stormwater engineer/consultant to identify appropriate BMPs for your facility.
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Automobile Salvage Yards
Activity
BMPs
Dismantling and vehicle
Minimize exposure
Q Installation of a consolidated processing area, including a covered and bermed impermeable
concrete surface equipped with a drain, where all fluids are drained.
Fluid and Parts Removal
FJ Drain all fluids from vehicles upon arrival at the site. Segregate the fluids and properly store
or dispose of them.
FJ Drain oil filters (and all vehicle parts) before disposal or recycling.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Automobile Salvage Yards (continued)
Activity
BMPs
Dismantling and
vehicle maintenance
(continued)
Fluid and Parts Removal (continued)
FJ Inspect vehicles for leaks as soon as possible once they arrive on-site. Inspect vehicles
quarterly for signs of leakage. Check for unwanted material that could have been placed in
the vehicle.
FJ When pulling parts from vehicles in the yard, employ a catch sled or tray to recover the
majority of fluids which will be released. Place drip pans, large plastic sheets, or canvas
under vehicles or equipment during maintenance and dismantling activities. Where drip
pans are used, they should not be left unattended to prevent accidental spills.
FJ Engine oil should be drained and stored in clearly labeled tanks or containers. Tanks and
containers must be kept in good operating condition, free of any visible spills or leaks,
structural damage, or deterioration.
FJ Remove battery as soon as feasible after vehicle enters the facility.
Q Promptly transfer used fluids to the proper container.
FJ Empty and clean drip pans and containers; do not leave full drip pans or other open
containers around the shop.
FJ Remove all mercury switches as soon as possible making sure not to puncture the mercury
container during removal. Ship switches to End of Life Vehicle Solutions (ELVS).
Vehicle Processing
Q Maintain an organized inventory of materials used in the maintenance shop.
FJ Designate one person to keep track of parts in the yard. As soon as a hulk is salvaged to
its minimum extent, it should be processed for shredding to minimize the dripping of fluids
and clutter in the yard.
Material Storage
FJ Nonhazardous substances that are contaminated with a hazardous substance are
considered a hazardous substance.
Q Store cracked batteries in a nonleaking secondary container.
FJ Keep waste streams separate (e.g., waste oil and mineral spirits).
Recycling and Disposal
Q Recycle anti-freeze, gasoline, used oil, mineral spirits, windshield washer fluid, and solvents.
FJ Label and track the recycling of waste material (e.g., used oil, spent solvents, and batteries).
Q Dispose of greasy rags, oil filters, air filters, batteries, spent coolant, and degreasers
properly.
Discharges
FJ Know where your sumps and drains discharge to. Do not pour liquid waste down floor
drains, sinks, or outdoor storm drain inlets.
FJ Plug floor drains that are connected to the storm or sanitary sewer. If necessary, install a
sump that is pumped regularly.
Q Screen out sludges and solids before they reach the waste sump. Use an absorbent pad
around the perimeter of sumps to prevent unwanted hazardous materials from entering.
Q Prohibit the practice of hosing down the shop floor, using dry cleanup methods, and/or
collecting the stormwater runoff from the maintenance area and providing treatment.
FJ Treat stormwater discharges with devices such as oil-water separators.
Outdoor vehicle,
equipment, and parts
storage
Minimizing Exposure
FJ Cover all storage areas with a permanent cover (e.g., roofs) or temporary cover (e.g., canvas
tarps).
Q Store lead parts in a covered container that is capable of handling the excessive weight of
lead. If storing lead tire weights with batteries, make sure weights are not placed under
batteries or allowed to roll around as that could puncture batteries.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Automobile Salvage Yards (continued)
Activity
BMPs
Outdoor vehicle,
equipment, and parts
storage (continued)
Runoff Minimization
FJ Install curbing, berms, or dikes around storage areas.
Q Install berms or drainage ditches on the property line.
FJ Install berms for uncovered outdoor storage of oily parts, engine blocks, and above ground
liquid storage.
FJ Install filtering devices and oil/water separators.
Q Use drip pans, large sheets of plastic, or canvas under all vehicles and equipment waiting
for and during maintenance.
Q Store mercury switches in covered, leak-proof containers in a way that prevents the glass
capsule from breaking. (Manage mercury switches as hazardous waste. Containers should
be labeled with "Hazardous Waste - Spent Mercury Switches")
FJ Use secondary containment for stored liquids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze, as well as for
lead acid batteries.
Good Housekeeping
FJ Tank storage should be secured and locked.
Q Do not stockpile old tires as they are both a fire hazard and a breeding ground for
mosquitoes and rodents. Use indoor tire racks.
Q Confine storage of parts, equipment, and vehicles to designated areas.
FJ Vehicles of similar make and model should be located in a common area. Vehicles whose
parts have higher demand should be in a common area and easily accessible.
Q Repair malfunctioning equipment that is responsible for any leak or spill as soon as possible.
Q Store batteries on impervious surfaces. Store batteries inside on a pallet or outside in a leak
proof container. Curb, dike, or berm this area.
Vehicle, equipment,
and parts washing
areas
Q Designate an area for cleaning activities.
FJ Perform all parts cleaning operations indoors or cover and berm outside cleaning areas.
Q Clean parts using minimal amounts of solvents or detergents.
FJ Recycle and reuse cleaning fluids where practical.
Q Use phosphate-free biodegradable detergents.
FJ Use detergent-based or water-based cleaning systems in place of organic solvent
degreasers.
FJ Contain steam cleaning washwaters or discharge under an applicable NPDES permit.
Q Ensure that washwaters drain well.
FJ Inspect cleaning area regularly.
Q Install curbing, berms, or dikes around cleaning areas.
Q Remove or deploy airbags prior to crushing or other maintenance activities.
FJ Be certain all fluids have been drained from vehicle prior to crushing.
Q Fluid should be collected in a covered container, tested, and disposed of accordingly.
Vehicle crushing
activities
Capture crusher fluids to prevent spillage. Collect this mixture of fluids in a spill-proof
covered container and dispose of it properly. It should not be allowed to drain onto the
ground. Keep the drain within the crusher clean so that the fluids do not collect and
overflow from the crusher onto the ground.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
Table 2. BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources at Automobile Salvage Yards (continued)
Activity
BMPs
Vehicle crushing
activities (continued)
FJ Installation of an engineering fabric, such as geotextiles, followed by gravel, or a bermed
impermeable concrete surface would be ideal as a foundation under the crusher.
FJ Develop a preventative maintenance program that involves timely inspections and/or
maintenance of the crusher and facility equipment and vehicles.
Q Keep the crusher equipment clean.
Automotive wastes
Fuel - Drain fuel tanks, using air or hand pumps, into double-walled storage tanks. "Good"
fuels can be reused on-site; "bad" fuels must be disposed of.
Antifreeze - Reclaim and re-use, if possible.
Freon (CFCs) - Voluntarily recapture, in anticipation of new regulations.
Used motor oil - Drain and store in double-walled tanks. Re-use on-site or send offsite for
refining/fuel blending. Accepted practice to leave oil in the engine during storage. Oil filters
should drain for 24-hours. Empty filters return to vehicle for scrap metal reclamation.
Other fluids and oils - Drain as completely as mechanically possible. Do not burn used oil
unless approved.
Asbestos Brake Shoes and Clutches - If handled, should be wetted down to prevent
asbestos particulates from becoming airborne.
Mercury switches - Remove promptly and avoid breakage. Store as hazardous waste.
Do not use vehicle fluids, oil, or fuels for dust or weed control.
Liquid storage in above
ground containers
FJ Maintain good integrity of all storage containers.
FJ Install safeguards (such as diking, berming, or permanent secondary containment) against
accidental releases at the storage area.
FJ Valves on permanent secondary containment should be kept in the "off" position and
locked at all times, except when collected water is removed.
Q Inspect storage tanks to detect potential leaks and perform preventive maintenance.
Q Inspect piping systems (pipes, pumps, flanges, couplings, hoses, and valves) for failures or
leaks.
Illicit connection to
storm sewer
Plug all floor drains if it is unknown whether the connection is to storm sewer or sanitary
sewer systems. Alternatively, install a sump that is pumped regularly.
Perform dye testing to determine if interconnections exist between sanitary water system
and storm sewer system.
Update facility schematics to accurately reflect all plumbing connections.
Install a safeguard against vehicle washwaters and parts cleaning waters entering the storm
sewer unless permitted.
Maintain and inspect the integrity of all underground storage tanks; replace when
necessary.
What if activities and materials at my facility are not exposed to
precipitation ?
The industrial stormwater program requires permit coverage for a number of specified types of
industrial activities. However, when a facility is able to prevent the exposure of ALL relevant activities
and materials to precipitation, it may be eligible to claim no exposure and qualify for a waiver from
permit coverage.
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
If you are regulated under the industrial permitting program, you must either obtain permit coverage
or submit a no exposure certification form, if available. Check with your permitting authority for
additional information as not every permitting authority program provides no exposure exemptions.
Where do I get more information?
For additional information on the industrial stormwater program see
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp.
A list of names and telephone numbers for each EPA Region or state NPDES permitting authority can
be found at www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwatercontacts.
References
Information contained in this Fact Sheet was compiled from EPA's past and present Multi-Sector
General Permits and from the following sources:
4 Automotive Recyclers Association. 2000. "Stormwater Best Management Practices."
http://ara.timberlakepublishing.com/content.asp?pl=430&sl=468&contentid=474
4 City of Phoenix, Street Transportation Department, Storm Water Management Section. 2004.
Prevent Stormwater Contamination Best Management Practices for Section M - Automotive
Salvage Yards. SIC Code: 5015.
http://phoenix.gov/STREETS/ausalya5.pdf
4 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Air and
Waste Management: Solid and Hazardous Waste. 2000. Salvage Yard Manual.
www.dnrec.state.de.us/dnrec2000/divisions/awm/hw/hw/salvage.htm
4 Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Auto Dismantlers and Recyclers
Association. 2002. Florida Green Yards, An Environmental Compliance Workbook for
Automotive Recyclers.
www.dep.state.fl.us/central/Home/Green_Yards/Compliance_Wkb_SalvageYards.pdf
4 Environmental Compliance for Automotive Recyclers. 2005.
www.ecarcenter.org
4 Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.1999. Guide for Salvage Yard Owners.
www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ead-tas-salvyard.pdf
4 Monroe County Small Business Pollution Prevention Task Group and New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation. "Auto Recyclers Guide to a Cleaner Environment
- Best Management Practices."
4 Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association. "P2Rx Topic Hub: Mercury-Automotive
Table of Contents."
www.newmoa.org/prevention/topichub/toc.cf m?hub=104&subsec=7&nav=7
4 Sustainable Conservation. "Auto Recycling Project Overview."
www.suscon.org/autorecycling/index.asp
4 Sustainable Conservation. "Stormwater Management: A Guide for Auto Recycler Owners and
Operators."
www.suscon.org/autorecycling/pdfs/autorecycling_factsheet_english.pdf
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INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER FACT SHEET SERIES
Sector M: Automobile Salvage Yards
U.S. EPA - Region 8 Hazardous Waste Management Division, Hazardous Waste Minimization
Program. 1995. EnviroSense Fact Sheet: Pollution Prevention Opportunities for the Automotive
Recycling Industry.
http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/epa/epa-fs.html
U.S. EPA, Office of Science and Technology. 1999. Preliminary Data Summary of Urban
Stormwater Best Management Practices. EPA-821-R-99-012
www.epa.gov/OST/stormwater
U.S. EPA. The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program.
www.epa.gov/mercury/switch.htm
U.S. EPA, Office of Wastewater Management. NPDES Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit
for Industrial Activities (MSGP).
www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/msgp
VT Solid Waste Districts and Alliances, VT Department of Environmental Conservation,
Environmental Assistance Division. Best Management Practices (BMP) for Vermont's Auto
Salvage Yards.
www.anr.state.vt.us/DEC/ead/sbcap/salvage/PDF/bmpguide.pdf
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