Module V
   
 
Lesson Ten: General BMPs for Transportation Industries
 
               

Vehicle and Equipment Fueling (Interactive)

The commonly seen contributors to stormwater contamination from fueling operations are:

  • Allowing rainfall on the fuel area or stormwater to run onto the fuel area

  • Dripping engine fluids

  • Hosing or washing down fuel areas

  • Leaking storage tanks

  • Spills and leaks during fuel or oil delivery

  • Topping off fuel tanks

To prevent the possible contamination, a vehicle fueling area should be designed and operated to minimize spilled fuel and leaked fluids coming into contact with rain water. Appropriate employee trainings in fuel spill prevention and response and good housekeeping are also needed. Here is the list of fueling operation BMPs:

  • Build a roof over the fuel areas

  • Grading, berming, or curbing the area around the fuel site to direct runon away from the fuel area and reduce exposure of the fuel area to stormwater

  • Pave the fuel areas with concrete instead of asphalt. Asphalt soaks up fuel, engine fluids, or other organic liquids. Asphalt becomes a source of stormwater pollution after it is deteriorated by these organic liquids

 
       
                 
   

Source: Image of Caltrans Storm Water Quality Handbooks

    
                 
 

  • Install oil/water separators and oil and grease trap devices to reduce the amount of oil entering storm drains. These devices should be installed and routinely inspected, cleaned, and maintained

  • Install fuel spill and overflow protection

  • Discourage topping off of fuel tanks

  • Do not allow spills to run off or evaporate, and do not flush the spill away with a hose

  • Use dry cleanup methods for the fuel area by spreading absorbent material, sweep it up with a broom, and dispose of it as a hazardous waste. Check with the local sewer authority on any treatment required before discharging mop water or wash water to the sanitary sewer

  • Instead of spraying with a hose for routine cleaning, use a damp cloth or mop for pumps and pavement to minimize water going into the sump

  • Encourage employee participation in stormwater management compliance

           
           
 
 
 

 

Copyright @ January,2005 Prepared by Transportation Environmental Resource Center (TERC)