Sodium Hypochlorite and the EPA?

814jeffw

814jeffw

Active member
Am I correct in Sodium Hypochlorite not being allowed into storm drains? We don't run into the issue much anyhow, but if it's going to enter a storm drain we try to collect runoff from roofs in bags and buckets and dump it on a hard surface somewhere and left to evaporate. We have a big roof to do with several hundreds of gallons of mix needed,...I'm gonna try and control the runoff,...but am I correct in thinking Hypochlorite isn't allowed down the drain.

I always heard,.."Only rain down the drain"??

Jeff
 
As a rule (and law) no type of waste water discharge is allowed into a storm drain that discharges to a creek, stream, or river (loosely translated).

This could be interpreted differently depending on your area as States, Counties, Cities, etc..have different rules. Check your areas BMP's for correct discharge regulations.
 
I spoke with one of the Code Officials for Augusta, GA who informed me that their main focus is making sure that when we PW that we do not not allow large bulk debris to enter into the drain ... when I asked about the chemicals and even about the oil residue that we would be cleaning out (say like for gas stations) he told me that they are not concerned with stuff like this because by the time it reaches the plant most of it would be diluted and then the water plant will do the rest ... yes, they don't want to see anyone pouring chemicals and oil into the drain but for the most part they understand that we are PW'ing so therefore we are cleaning things vs. doing the opposite. I also asked if this was the same for SC and was told "Yes" ... bag what debris is collected and throw it in the trash.

Also if you're in the GA/SC area you don't need a special permit to hand out fliers and/or door hangers but do not place them in folks' mailbox 'cause that's a Federal Violation
 
I will call someone and simply ask,..just wondered what others experienced and what guidelines are,...but without question most likely different from state to state or even county to county,..

Thanks,
Jeff
 
814jeffw said:
Am I correct in Sodium Hypochlorite not being allowed into storm drains? We don't run into the issue much anyhow, but if it's going to enter a storm drain we try to collect runoff from roofs in bags and buckets and dump it on a hard surface somewhere and left to evaporate. We have a big roof to do with several hundreds of gallons of mix needed,...I'm gonna try and control the runoff,...but am I correct in thinking Hypochlorite isn't allowed down the drain.

I always heard,.."Only rain down the drain"??

Jeff
Click to expand...

Jeff,

Any oxidizer like bleach, sodium hydroxide, sodium percarbonate, calcium hypochlorite, etc are considered marine polutants. This is because they remove oxygen from the water through the oxidizing process. Storm drains usually go directly into rivers, creeks, or other watersheds and by definition any products or mixes making it into the drain would be a violation or considered polluting. Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid bleach) is on the USDOT table as a hazardous material as well as on the hazardous substance table. This alone because it is an oxidizer and because it has a high PH. Other than those two things it is a very safe chemical and I would have no issues with a little slipping down the drain. HOWEVER.................... In order to be a good steward of the environment as well as be a good example in the community we need to be COMPLETELY ABOVE BOARD on this and keep it from hitting the drains however we can.

AC
 
Many jurisdictions (ours for example) allow dechlorinated pool water to go directly into the storm drain.

Chlorine dissipates quickly in the sun. That is why you have to keep adding it to your pool.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
 
Thanks Ac for more clarification,...I never like to call these guys because it seems it just wakens them up to what's going on with the services pressure washers and roof cleaners provide. I may just control the runoff and catch what goes into the down spouts and put it in a recovery tank or possibly just divert it to the recovery tank,..we shall see.

Jeff
 
Tony Shelton said:
Many jurisdictions (ours for example) allow dechlorinated pool water to go directly into the storm drain.

Chlorine dissipates quickly in the sun. That is why you have to keep adding it to your pool.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Thanks Tony,..so they aren't worried about the residual salt then?

Jeff
 
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