An Evaluation of Current Methods and Alternatives for the Disposal of Motor Vehicle Waste Funds
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Date
1993Author
Lueck, Gary L.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
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Show full item recordAbstract
Threats to groundwater from the various products and
wastes generated at auto repair facilities are a real
concern to groundwater quality. Potential contaminants
include heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
This study was conducted through two research projects
on two University of Wisconsin campuses. Objectives were to
determine the current methods of disposal, of automotive
wastes, to evaluate possible alternative products and
practices, to determine the extent of treatment currently
occurring, and to examine groundwater contamination
occurring at several sites. The study was funded by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through a grant
from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The study involved three subprojects. The first was to
survey motor vehicle repair facilities. The survey included
the following: investigation of normal operations for motor
vehicle waste disposal, an inventory of production of motor
vehicle waste fluids, and determination of the extent of
recycling and other waste minimization techniques.
Next, four sites having an on-site waste treatment
system and a connecting floor drain in a service bay area
were identified and their groundwater monitored and
analyzed.
Third, workshops were held to involve state agency and
private sector representatives in discussions to identify
and resolve some of the issues related to automotive waste
disposal. Another objective of the workshops was to assist
in the development of best management practices both for
existing systems and for future waste generators.
In addition, a UW-Madison study, working concurrently
with this project, followed the waste stream from catch
basins to septic tank to soil absorption fields and was
valuable in identifying the components of the waste stream
and degree of treatment occurring at various points. The
study also looked at the fate of components as they proceed
through these systems.
Results of the survey confirmed that for the most part,
owners/operators were interested in the project and would be
willing to implement practices to prevent possible
groundwater pollution if they were provided the necessary
assistance with cost-effective alternatives to current
practices.
In the monitoring portion, investigation of the waste
streams at automotive repair facilities showed a wide range
of toxic chemicals are commonly used, and many of these
chemicals were found in detectable amounts in the catch
basins or septic tanks of the monitored sites. Contaminants
included VOCs and metals as well as PAHs.
Groundwater testing results indicated that metal
concentrations, Pb and Cd in particular, were not found in
groundwater at the sites. According to the Madison study,
metals were in general removed in the sludge of the catch
basin and septic tank, with most remaining metals being
removed in the soil absorption field. Groundwater in the
contaminant plume remained low in metals.
VOCs were found in septic effluent, and some were found
to be impacting groundwater. This suggests that the waste
treatment systems are not effective in treating automotive
waste fluids. In general, the concentrations of VOCs and
PAHs were fairly low with fewer compounds found in
groundwater than in septic tank effluent.
The workshops identified areas of greatest concern
within the automotive repair industry. However, a
cooperative program is still needed from state agencies to
provide education on management and disposal alternatives
for motor vehicle waste fluids and to address the issues of
groundwater protection.