Attachment 4 - Stormwater Managment Plan

AUSTRALIAN CAR WASH ASSOCIATION

STORMWATER
STATEMENT

ACWA’s Mission is to support and encourage responsible vehicle washing
which minimizes water usage and prevents pollution of our waterways.

The Australian Car Wash Association has worked with many State Water Authorities
for a number of years devising a response to drought. ACWA’s response is
acknowledged as world best practice.

Consistent with our desire to create a sustainable water future, the Association now
wishes to work to create a sustainable vehicle wash pollution policy as part to its
overall environmental responsibility.

It is ACWA’s objective to educate the community about environmentally
sustainable car wash practices through ACWA sponsored campaigns and
partnerships with environmental organizations and relevant Local, State and
Federal authorities

A key part of this education process is to recognise and understand the effects of
washing vehicles on hard surfaces where waste runoff goes to stormwater.

      It is estimated that between 6 and 11.6 Giga liters of contaminated waste
       water is being directed into our storm water systems across Australia as a
       result of uncontrolled vehicle washing on hard surfaces (passenger vehicles
       only, excluding commercial and other vehicles)
      Contaminated waste water is known to negatively impact the environment and
       water quality. Stormwater in general is recognized as the biggest threat to
       marine environments. Most water authorities and councils have the objective
       to reduce contaminated stormwater volumes in urban areas.
      To determine the pollutants in stormwater, scientific tests were conducted on
       waste water collected under stringent testing conditions at commercial car
       washes and from cars washed in the street.
      In contrast to home washing, all commercial car washes are required to direct
       their waste water to sewer, from where it is treated to protect the watershed
       from impacts of pathogens, heavy metals, detergents, oil, grease and grime
       that are in car wash waste water.
      All State & Federal Governments and opposition parties are committed to long
       term sustainable water solutions.
      Environmental authorities, Water Authorities and Local Councils alike are
       aware of the negative impact of contaminated waste water entering the storm
       water system, but do not see home car washing as a high enough priority to
       improve public awareness, enact appropriate laws or enforce existing laws.
      ACWA is dedicated to work with authorities and organizations to change laws,
       improve awareness and educate public perception.

                                         -1-