When to reclaim?

[jgotterb]

Ok before everyone tells me to find that search button, I have been reading for an hour off of the results and still not a direct answer. So here comes my daily annoying newbie moron question. When do I have to reclaim? When do I have to worry about the epa? Obviously house washing is ok, but what about the driveway?, or dump trucks on gravel on dirt?

[dollarspa]

The short answer all the time

the long answer reclaim can mean anything including pumping it back on the property grass etc it could also mean picking up with a dust pan/ or hauling it off property or down the sanitory sewer.
you got to ask enfocemet in your area to expain what they want you to do.

[timhays]

NC and SC are enforcing runoff very seriously.

there are some videos on you tube for charlotte meck county water runoff guidelines you can research or visit your local enforcement dept in your area.

[CarolinaProWash]

Check out Power Washers Network of the Carolinas | PWNC | NC | SC | Pressure&Power Washing Companies - there are several articles as well as the recently passed Charlotte NC BMP's that concern water recovery. It's probably the safest one to follow since Charlotte is sizable and many areas in NC & SC are following suit.

[Ron Musgraves]

Call me if have a minute. 4805225227

[Jerry]

Legality isn't "the point"..
It's the enforcer, but not the point..
On the very most difficult day, in front of your most important customer
(probably a new customer,)
you have to obey ALL the laws, everywhere, no matter what, period.
The guy that cleans the front steps of city hall in NorthPole Alaska,
does it with a vacuuming surface cleaner because it's faster,
and it knocked out his competition.
Yeah, I'm a capitolist too..
Reclaim every time it is profitable,
and every time it gives you an edge against your competeition.
EVERY jobsite is about WorkSpeed. ..and I want you to make money. Eh?
Just a suggestion.

Jerry McMillen
President, ...Cleaning System Specialists, Inc.....jerry@pressurewasher.net
dba PressureWasher.net .............................call ...800-400-Clean (2532)
10821 Airport Drive El Cajon, Calif. 92020 ..........office 619-448-8111
manufacturers of… .........BullDogPro Industrial Water Blasters
Sirocco Reclaim Systems, ......and the.VacuBerm

[Shawn F.]

Old thread I know but I have a similar question and wanting to know what you found out? I am from NC and currently do mobile detailing. For vehicles I reclaim rarely and reason for this is because 95% of the time I use a No Rinse solution or a waterless wash which requires little to no water to do a vehicle. Vapor Steamers is another solution which I found works great for vehicles but what about doing residential pressure washing? I am wanting to get into pressure washing homes and decks but am curious to know about the run off? If I do not have any water running down the driveway and into the street or drain am I ok from EPA and getting fined? I do not plan to do any sidewalk or driveway power washing so am not worried about that. I want to get into residential pressure washing on the side of mobile detailing when times are slow and to bring in some extra money and detailing jobs. I have things such as a vehicle, trailer, water tank and pressure washer. I plan to buy 2 bigger pressure washer units and attachments but still have lots to learn...

[Jim Gamble]

In Brentwood California, using a Bio Degradable detergent to wash ones own car in your driveway is illegal. Been on the books for over 10 years. They are now enforcing it with a 1,000 fine.

Reason, Bio degradable detergents do not break down in water fast enough by the time they hit the bay. Also, the water table is quite high in parts of California. Seeping into the underground drinking supply is also a violation.

Always talk to the inspectors, not just one about your discharge. The reason is that you will find a difference of opinion on what is acceptable. If one tells you something, the other one may say differently on approval of your procedures. I have ran into this several times. Get names, dates and times that a inspector has advised you. Keep actuate logs. This will save you if there are any issues down the line.


www.GarageCleaning.Net
Parking Garage Cleaners

[Shawn F.]

California has pretty strict laws I understand. The good thing about these laws though are that it weeds out the competition who does not use catch mats or any run off booms, vapor steamers, etc. Now for NC though, I thought that as long as the water does not hit the drains and street then I am fine. Usually at home I use the water I catch from detailing vehicles and either put it down my drain (I am on a septic tank so no city water here) or in the woods behind the house. Those that live and work here in NC and SC, what do you do as far as cleaning decks and residential siding?
Thanks!

[MudDuck]

Shawn from what I understand it as long as it doesn't leave the property it doesn't matter. Even big stuff like shopping centers if they have their own catch pond somewhere on the property which most do. (all the drains go to it if they do) If it's just wash water getting away and going down a drain use a boom sock to stop solids and pull off the oils and you should be ok. Don't put a bunch of soap down one though that will get you noticed. LOL Garages are different due to the amount and concentration of oil / toxins. Whole different animal there.