The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the environment and waterways when washing USPS vehicles outside.
The organization’s “zero discharge” policy prohibits employees and contractors from releasing oil, grease, metals, acids and other pollutants into outdoor drains and stormwater systems.
When washing vehicles outside, employees and contractors must:
• Use either dry wash or high-vapor steam techniques that do not generate wash water or a wet wash with wash water collected, contained or vacuumed into a tank or other container and transported off site for proper wastewater management.
• Use a covered area that is protected from stormwater runoff when washing vehicles in the rain.
• Not release or discharge any wash water or pollutants into stormwater systems.
The Vehicle Washing Requirements Environmental Compliance Bulletin/Standard Work Instruction has additional information.
Facilities can establish vehicle washing contracts through the Vehicles Category Management Center.
