Auto Repair
Issued: February, 2003
Small Business Technical Assistance Program
Contacts: Roy Krout, Julie Churchill
1-800-789-9802 (toll-free) or 207-287-8550
roy.t.krout@maine.gov
Environmental Fact Sheet
For: Automotive Repair Businesses
The following are important requirements, helpful suggestions, and information resources for best managing your business to help reduce your costs, reduce waste, keep hazardous substances out of the environment and protect your health. Although all may not be applicable to your specific business, please read through and check how your business is doing.
Activities associated with automotive repair and servicing businesses include (specific handling information sheets are available for many topics listed below):
Fluids
Oils (engine, transmission, hydraulic fluids) and used oil
Antifreeze
Fuels (gasoline) new and used
Assorted cleaners (parts washer solvents, brake cleaners, windshield wiper fluids)
Materials
Batteries
Filters (oil, gas)
Rags and Absorbents
Tires
Other
Floor drains (holding tanks)
Fueling/Fuel storage tanks- (aboveground, underground)
Waste storage areas (hazardous, solid)
Refrigerant recycling
A separate reference guide Motor Vehicle Repair Facilities: Model Facility Guide is also available by contacting Maine DEP's Small Business Assistance Program.
Hazardous Materials/Hazardous Waste: (Requires EPA generator's identification number and management/transport requirements in accordance with Maine DEP.
Potential worker health and chemical exposure issues: (see SafetyWorks! program information below.)
Knowing your business has handled oil, fuel, chemicals, and wastes properly reduces concerns for you and lets your clients know your business cares. Improper management of fluids can cause leaks and spills, which can lead to groundwater contamination and costly cleanups. Keep up a good track record!
Questions for your business may be….
- Are all your fluids, including any hazardous wastes, handled cleanly and used or disposed of properly? (Hazardous waste management requires an EPA generator's identification number and management/transport requirements in accordance with Maine DEP standards.)
- Have any spills, inside or outside, been properly cleaned up such that contamination of soils and groundwater is no longer a concern?
- Are your fluids and fuels properly stored for safety, spill prevention, and risk protection?
Pollution Prevention
Sources for pollution prevention information and environmentally preferable purchasing options specific for automotive repair/servicing, in addition to other businesses can be found at http://www.p2gems.org.
http://www.epa.gov/region09/p2/autofleet Best Environmental Practices for Auto Repair and their Pollution Prevention Tool Kit.
Small Business Technical Assistance Program (SBTAP)
SBTAP offers free on-site assistance services under our protective Small Business Compliance Incentives Policy. This policy provides protection from regulatory enforcement, along with clear time frames for correcting possible violations. On-site business visits are intended to be helpful, low stress, and designed to give clear and helpful information related directly to the individual small business at their location. A summary letter from the assistance staff following the visit/consult provides current status and recommendations for your business in an easy to understand format. The program staff is also a contact for pollution prevention and compliance information, if you prefer other than on-site assistance. Call Roy Krout or Julie Churchill toll-free at 1-800-789-9802, or visit our web site at http://www.maine.gov/dep/oia/sbta to find out more.
SafetyWorks! Program
Free assistance regarding workplace safety is available from the Maine Department of Labor's SafetyWorks! program to help with air sampling, noise monitoring, ergonomic assessment, as well as general safety and health consultation. Contact David Wacker, Director of Workplace health and Safety at 207-624-6400, or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com, for information regarding a free audit to assist your small business with worker safety compliance.
This guide sheet is provided by the Small Business Assistance Program at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for assistance with pollution prevention and regulatory compliance issues. Drafted in December, 2002.
