Questions to Consider

Suggested Best Management Practices - BMPs

Do you have proper secondary containment?

Strive for this type of secondary containment condition.

Avoid this type of condition, with no secondary containment, barrels tipped over, leaking, etc.

Is your secondary containment area protected from the elements?

Strive for this type of secondary containment area protection; covered and protected from weather and wind.

Avoid this type of secondary containment area conditions; not covered or protected from weather, barrels tipped over, etc.

Do you recycle used oil filters?

Used oil filters properly drained before recycling, crushing or disposal.

Used oil filters improperly drained before recycling, crushing or disposal.

Have you considered burning your used oil for heat recovery?

Consider burning your used oil in a used oil fuel space heater.  This is also a cost savings measure that eliminates the cost of used oil removal.

Do you avoid spillage during oil changes?

Consider using a non-spill vacuum-type system for spill-proof oil changes.

Have you considered ways to avoid releases?

Implement an inspection or monitoring program of potential release sources.

Maintain a corrosion prevention program for all equipment in contact with soil.

Are you prepared to clean up drips and spills?

Cleanup all spills or leaks immediately.

Maintain release prevention supplies or materials such as absorbent pads or booms.

Use oil absorbent materials to clean up small drips and spills.

Is your used oil storage area secure?

Consider locating outdoor used oil storage tanks or containers in a fenced area, which will help prevent unauthorized access or vandalism, minimize possibility of fire or explosion and accidental release of oil to the environment.  Consider locking the fill spouts on tanks and containers when not in use.

Are you using proper storage containers for your used oil?

Never store used oil in anything other than tanks and storage containers. Tanks and containers should be properly labeled “Used Oil”, and in good condition. Storage of used oil in lagoons, pits, or surface impoundments that are not permitted under RCRA is prohibited.

Keep all containers closed when not in use.

Label transfer containers with contents and date.

Are your storage containers in good condition?

Keep containers and tanks in good condition. Don't allow tanks to rust, leak, or deteriorate. Fix structural defects immediately.

Do you monitor the condition of your used oil containers?

Consider visually inspecting used oil tanks or containers on an as needed basis for leaks or malfunctions. 

Do you store containers where any spills/leaks would cause minimal impacts?

Store containers on impermeable, bermed pads.

Do you provide training to your employees on proper used oil handling?

Consider encouraging employees to reduce/eliminate spills.

Consider training employees regarding release prevention.

Consider training employees on awareness and understanding of pollution prevention operating standards.

Review instances where pollution prevention operating standards have prevented releases.

Recommend and implement actions to reduce spills and releases.

Instruct all employees who handle used oil on the proper operation and management of the oil storage area.  Assign one person the responsibility for monitoring oil storage.

Have you considered ways to minimize your used oil?

Consider minimizing the amount of used oil you generate. Businesses can filter, separate, and recondition used oil to prolong its usable life. Extended life synthetic lubricant oils can often result in lower used oil volumes since they generally have a service life beyond conventional oils.  With the more stable synthetic oil formulations, some maintenance professionals have chosen to double the oil change mileage/service hour intervals and only change the filter every other service interval.

Have you considered using re-refined oil products?

Consider re-refined used oil products instead of virgin oil products because they contain less hazardous substances potentially harmful to the environment. Re-refined oil works just as well as virgin oil. Products that display the American Petroleum Institute (API) "starburst" meet the same high-quality specifications as virgin oil.

YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

SEE THE TOOLBOX INTRODUCTION ON WAYS TO START YOUR P2 PLAN. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTION FROM HAPPENING AT YOUR BUSINESS. IF A SPILL HAPPENS ANYWAY, YOU MUST BE IMPLEMENTING A POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DEQ’S VOLUNTARY REMEDIATION PROGRAM.