Attachment 4 - Stormwater Managment Plan

AUSTRALIAN CAR WASH ASSOCIATION
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT


BACKGROUND
The Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) is the peak national representative body for the
car wash industry with a vision for an economically and environmentally sustainable future.

This includes vehicle washing both inside and outside of the commercial car washing industry.
   Responsible vehicle washing which minimises water usage consistent with the best quality
    result and water availability; and
   Responsible vehicle washing which includes proper waste water management and prevents
    pollution of our waterways.

Vehicle washing is a voluntary but consistent activity servicing Australia’s 13 million vehicles.
It is estimated that home and street washing accounts for 127 million washes per year, which
is a significant number with consequences which need to be understood and controlled.


STORMWATER POLLUTION
The use of a trade waste system, with all waste water directed through interceptor pits and
then to sewer, is an integral part of a commercial car wash licencing process to prevent
stormwater and waterways pollution.

Waste water from washing vehicles on driveways, in the streets or on any open paved area runs
into the urban stormwater system. This polluted water flows directly into the waterways and
seriously affects the health of our rivers, creeks, lakes and coastline.

A recent national scientific research project undertaken by Ecowise Environmental (now GHD)
identified and quantified the ingredients in the waste water runoff from vehicle washing.
Critical pollutants include not only grease, oil, hydrocarbons, surfactants and suspended solids
but also heavy metals such as copper, lead and zinc with concentrations up to 30 times higher
than the ANZECC guidelines for marine water.

Uncontrolled vehicle washing creates a significant pollution loading when extrapolated over an
urban area. It is estimated that over thirteen billion litres of contaminated waste water are
being directed into stormwater systems across Australia each year as a result of this activity.


WATER EFFICIENCY
The car wash industry is a responsible user of water and
recycles water wherever possible, taking into consideration
health and safety standards for staff and customers

In response to recent drought pressures, and funded by the
Smart Water Fund in Victoria, ACWA developed a Car Wash
Water Saver Rating Scheme to measure water efficiency.
This Water Saver Rating was accredited nationally in 2008
under the auspices of the federal Smart Approved Water
Mark, with a 5 star rating for car washes using less than
100 litres per wash.
To ensure that the most environmentally responsible
business practices are supported, car owners should be
encouraged to look for a commercial car wash which displays
the 5 star Car Wash Water Saver Rating sign.