Pub. 3 Issue 1

20 www.glancda.org E very so often, a dealership has a spill of oil/ATF from their bulk storage tanks on the f loor of the shop area during after-hours or on a weekend. The leak source can be attributed to equipment failure as follows: • Metering Pump Failed: In one case the metering pump controlled by parts department to regulate the dispensing of oil failed, creating a backpressure that emptied out the entire oil tank on the shop f loor and then some to the storm sewers. • Dispenser Came Off The Hose: The new dispenser and hoses installed did not have a tight fit and on a weekend the dispenser unit came off, resulting in emptying out the oil tank even though the compressor had been shut off. Oil spill damaged the lot and entered the storm sewers resulting in extensive cleanup and regulatory activity. • Pipe Leak: The pipes carrying the oil from the oil tanks to the shop burst resulting in the oil spill on the shop f loor. Even though none was discharged to the storm sewers, there was significant product loss and cleanup activity not to mention productivity loss as the shop had to be shut down for a few days. In each of the cases, where oil had spilled to the storm sewers, extensive regulatory enforcement activity followed. Cleanup of the entire lot and service department had to be undertaken as well, along with the cleanup performed on the complete storm sewer system impacted by the oil spill. The price tag, in each of the cases was tens of thousand of dollars! SPCC Plan prepared by the dealership was also summoned by the federal-EPA and the dealership underwent rigorous questioning. The remedial measures to avoid such disasters are straightforward, easy and inexpensive to install as compared to the potential for an expensive and troublesome spill. 1. A $250 Solenoid Valve With Timer Will Shutoff Air To Dispensers During Non-Shop Hours: Place a solenoid valve with a timer in the air-line to the oil tank dispensers. With the help of a preset timer, the valve will automatically shut-off air to dispenser pump during non-shop hours thereby preventing any spills. Note, that leaks or spills in the shop area during shop hours are not an issue as they are detected immediately and addressed by the shop staff in a timely manner. Compressed air required by the detail staff or others will still be available even though air is not available to the dispenser pumps. 2. Training Employees To Shut Air To Dispensers By Hand Valve Is Not Effective: A hand-operated valve would do the same job as shutting the air with a solenoid valve as discussed above but is prone to human errors. Shop porters or other shop staff will have to be trained and routinely reminded to ensure that they are carrying on the job of shutting air during non-shop hours. A shop porter trained to shut-off valve can be on vacation, call in sick or simply be terminated resulting in the discontinuation of the air shut off procedure. An automatic valve with in-line timer as discussed above does not have the human limitation. The mechanical device though has to be tested for proper operation and serviced on a periodic basis. 3. Compressors On The Timer: Some dealerships have compressors with a timer to shut them at the end of the work shift. However, there is enough air in the air-storage tank, even after compressor has been shut off, that can empty the oil tank of hundreds of gallons when a leak occurs down stream in the hoses, dispenser or the metering pump. So this procedure is of limited use in preventing spills. To prevent corrosion to the air tank, many companies have an employee drain the air-tank on a daily basis. This procedure faces the same limitations discussed in item # 2 above.  The article was authored by Sam Celly of Celly Services, Inc. Sam has been helping automobile dealers comply with EPA & OSHA regulations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii & Idaho since 1987. Sam received his BS &MS inChemical Engineering followed by a JD fromSouthwestern University. Sam is a Certified Safety Professional & a Registered Environmental Assessor (CA). Your comments/questions are always welcome. Please send them to sam@cellyservices.com. Prevent Oil Spills by Installing A Valve/Timer Device on Your New Oil/ATF Tanks