CLOSURE GUIDELINES
FOR FACILITIES WITH MOTOR VEHICLE WASTE DISPOSAL WELLS
How do I close my motor vehicle waste disposal well if it is a Septic System with
Drainfield/Leachfield/Filtration Gallery; or Dry well?
Before beginning any closure activities, you must submit an approvable closure plan to the EPA
that conforms to the guidelines outlined below. A closure plan describes in detail each of the
steps you propose to follow:
If the EPA does not contact you about making changes to the plan within 30 days, you may close
your drainage system according to the plan. Please note that the closure guidelines below are
intended to satisfy federal requirements and that you must also ensure that the closure of any
well is in compliance with all applicable state and local regulations. Any closure plan should
include the following elements:
1.	Locate all floor drains at the facility;
2.	Submit a map showing the location of all drinking water wells within 100 feet of the
drainage system;
3.	Unless EPA approval is given to close without sampling the fluids and sludge in the drainage
system, you must sample (See "When is Sampling Required at a Motor Vehicle Waste
Disposal Well Before Closure"). Collect representative samples from both the liquid and
sludge phases of the oil/water separator (if applicable), or the septic tank or dry well using
the methods for the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) outlined in Title 40
of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) Part 261 Appendix II (See "Guidelines for
Sampling and Analyses of Motor Vehicle Waste Disposal Wells"). The sample must be
analyzed for Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Cadmium and Lead;
4.	If the liquid and sludge analyses indicate that none of the contents are hazardous, the septic
tank can continue to be used for sanitary waste such as restroom waste;
5.	If the analyses of either the liquid or sludge phases indicate that the contents are hazardous
(exceeding the regulatory levels under the Toxicity Characteristic Rule).
(a)	You must dispose of the tank contents in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR
Part 262, using a licensed hauler operating in accordance with 40 CFR Part 263 and
transporting the waste to an approved treatment, storage, or disposal facility with
authorization under 40 CFR Parts 264 and 265;
(b)	Remove solids from the oil/water separator, septic tank or dry well, you can contract for
removal of the contents through a reputable waste hauler. Clean and pressure wash all drains
in the vehicle maintenance related areas in your facility and the pipes leading to the septic
tank or dry well.
(c)	Inspect the septic tank for any cracks or leaks. If the septic tank has visible cracks or
leaks in it, the tank and any contaminated soil within the vicinity must be removed and
replaced prior to using it for domestic waste. Any contaminated soil within the vicinity the
dry wells must be removed by a reputable waste hauler and the dry wells must be closed.

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6.	Seal all associated floor drains with concrete or other permanent material unless the floor
drains are needed to comply with state or local laws; and
7.	If analyses of the liquid or sludge samples indicate the presence of contaminants which may
present a threat to human health or the environment, EPA reserves the right to require a site
assessment to determine the extent of any contamination and if remediation may be required.
8.	Following closure of your motor vehicle waste disposal well, you must notify EPA that the
system has been closed as described in the plan and include any sample analyses. Situations
may occur during system closures that were unplanned, so reasonable differences from the
plan can be allowed. If there were any changes from the approved plan, describe these
changes and why they occurred.
Please note that these are only guidelines and may not apply to all situations. Any decisions
about a particular facility will be based on the regulations.
April 15, 2005

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