I've read a several threads that started out discussing a different topic but then touched on this. I decided to start a new one just on this topic.
After I read David's newbie guide and this topic came up along with mention of fines I made several calls to my local EPA, Dept of Ag., DNR and Dept. of Waste Disposal.
This is what I was collectively told by these agencies, so please take this with a grain of salt and you'll want to check with your local authorities.
Water quality is managed in my area by the DNR. He told me that I should not dispose of the runoff in storm sewer drains(at the street). This water leads directly to streams and the chlorine in the mixture can have a negative impact on fish. His recommendation if the runoff is 5-10 gals is to pour it down a sewage drain, ie. the kitchen sink. If it's more than that he recommended checking with my local sewage treatment plant to see there is a permit that they would need to issue me.
I'm not too pumped on bringing 5 gal. buckets in my house to pour down the drain and I'm guessing my wife won't be either so I'm going to look for an alternative method to get rid of it. A pickup at your house was mentioned in another thread, but the gentlemen from the EPA said I had to watch that, because there's regulations that govern holding waste water, permits, etc... I might check with my local sewage plant to see if I can take it to them. The DNR said that there was no problem with me putting a lid on a 5 gal bucket of runoff and transporting to my house, treatment plant, etc. although I will probably check with the DOT on that.
I also wanted to share something that both the Dept of Ag and the EPA said about how I market this service. They said that if I'm making claim that I can kill algae on a homeowner's roof that in the EPA's and Dept of Ag's mind I'm saying that I can control a pest (the algae). According to them this opens a whole different can of worms with certifications, approved pest control chemicals among other things. They said there is no problem with advertising that you can clean their roof, but once you mention killing algae that moves it into another arena. Now, how much this is enforced, who knows, but it's something to consider.
Again, this is what I found by talked with my local authorities, doesn't mean it applies to your area. I just wanted to post what I found out to help in any way I can. Any feedback that you guys have would be appreciated.
Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Master Certified Roof Cleaning Instructor--Moderator
Posts: 1110 Date: Jul 14, 2009
RE: Disposal of "bagged" runoff
Reply Quote More
Edit Post
Delete Post
Printer Friendly
Ban IP
Report Spam
There's a big difference between fresh chemical unused, and used roof chemical run-off.
Used chemical is almost completely toast. The bleach and algae go to war against each other, the proteins in the algae break the chemical down to a very weak solution.
I think David said he was going to test the strength of the used chemical run-off to see exactly how much it is weakened.
You can tell this is true by dumping a little on dirty concrete and comparing it with a fresh mix.
The fresh mix will brighten the concrete much more, the used chemical barely lightens it at all.
The Dept of Waste Management suggested that I have the runoff tested and gave me the name of a company that can do it locally. I will call the DNR back and ask him if I have it tested and the results show that the chemicals have lost it's potency if they would allow me to pour the runoff in the street sewer. I'll let you know what he says.
I also wanted to share something that both the Dept of Ag and the EPA said about how I market this service. They said that if I'm making claim that I can kill algae on a homeowner's roof that in the EPA's and Dept of Ag's mind I'm saying that I can control a pest (the algae). According to them this opens a whole different can of worms with certifications, approved pest control chemicals among other things. They said there is no problem with advertising that you can clean their roof, but once you mention killing algae that moves it into another arena. Now, how much this is enforced, who knows, but it's something to consider.
This goes back to what the "definition of IS is", my guess another revenue maker for the government.
On a side note, if they will allow you to pour 5 - 10 gallons into the "Kitchen Sink" not sure if your area is similar to where I live but we have some 4" sewer inspection caps in the yard. Would be easier to dispose of it there as opposed to the kitchen sink...it'll go to the same place.
A Sanitary sewer discharge permit is probably acheivable, as opposed to a storm drain permit is almost impossible to get. The weakend love can be disposed of in a leafy wooded area (behind many houses we do), this contains the area that it is in so it can breakdown to salt before entering runoff. Also one of your goals should be to not produce alot of runoff. It is a pretty great feeling to see you gutter bags empty after spraying a panel. Of course this is not always possible.
The waste water treatment facility should take it and a discharge permit to sanitary sewer should be attainable.
Yes Aaron,..I've never had issue with getting rid of a few gallons of leftover mix. Pretty much any flat, unvegetated area that is away from water or drains will work. It just decomposes into salt and water,..salt is very prvelant in th world,..so no big deal in my opinion.
A long time ago,..especially on bigger jobs,..I would dump er' right back into the tank and recylcle it right back onto the roof,..yea the used SH degrades as soon as it's dirty,..but, it's fine for a short period of time,..other than the smel,Ha,Ha... Man,..when it;s contaminated by the roof "dirt" it put's off a noxious odor.
Using one of the 4" cleanout pipes in my backyard for disposing of bagged SH runoff and other stuff that can't go in the storm sewer - this falls in the category of "duh, why didn't I think of that". Thanx for the tip.
__________________ Neil
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 on Tuesday 26th of April 2011 09:38:36 AM
You know, if enough fools ask enough questions about disposal of run-off, there will soon be regulations and fees for getting rid rid of the same thing that millions of housewifes send down the sewer everyday. Good god people, Its water with some used up bleach in it. Quit trying to act like its "nuclear waste". or you favorite government will try to control it like it is!!
I can't stress that enough...Quit drawing attention to yourselfs!! I'm not saying hide, but for God sakes use a little common sense. The gov is hurting for funds as it is and the easiest place for a taker to get more is from someone screaming"Tell me what to do!!!"
I can't stress that enough...Quit drawing attention to yourselfs!! I'm not saying hide, but for God sakes use a little common sense. The gov is hurting for funds as it is and the easiest place for a taker to get more is from someone screaming"Tell me what to do!!!"