What can and must mobile detailers do to keep waste and washwater from entering the storm drain system?
Stormwater, Clean Oceans, & Pollution Prevention
Mobile Detailing and the Water Quality Act 

This page has been prepared to inform mobile detailing businesses of the water quality guidelines that have been established regarding mobile detailing operations in Orange County in order to protect storm drains, channels, creeks, bays and ocean.

This explains the regulatory issues regarding the operations of mobile detailing services and the procedures that should be followed when conducting mobile detailing operations. When using cleaning detergents, mobile detailing owners and workers always need to be conscious of things they can do to prevent wastes and washwater from entering the storm drains. When performing mobile detailing operations you need to follow these guidelines in order to prevent waste or washwater from entering the storm drain.

Before you allow anything to go into the gutter or storm drain, stop and think. Storm drains run directly into channels and creeks, through wetlands and to the ocean. Remember the ocean begins at your front door. 

Water Quality Guidelines for Mobile Detailing Operations

Mobile Detailing Procedures 

The following procedures should be adopted by individuals performing this service: 

1. When cleaning engines and/or vehicles using chemical additives such as soaps, solvents or degreasers. 

a. Service must be performed at a facility that has the equipment to properly process the contaminated wastewater runoff, or 
b. Service must be performed using a leak-proof ground cover device that will catch and contain all contaminated wastewater runoff for later disposal in a manner that complies with all city, county, state and federal codes. 

2. When engine cleaning is not involved, the service may be performed using only deionized water, purified water, and/or tap water with no additives for wash and rinse purposes. This water may then be discharged to the storm drain systems provided there is no visible evidence of chemical contamination such as foams, odors, discoloration, etc. 

When chemical products must be used to perform this type of service, they must be used on a spot basis, and wiped off prior to rinsing. 

3. Equipment, such as ground cover devices, shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure proper and effective functioning. 

Preventing Spills and Discharges Questions & Answers

Question: Can any liquids, solids or spilled materials from the mobile detailing operations be discharged to the stormdrain?

Answer: Think...about what you are doing before you do your job. Remember: No washwater runoff or waste can be discharged to the storm drain. 

Question: Does the mobile detailer have the equipment, material and personnel to handle a spill or discharge? 

Answer: Be Prepared...for any spill or discharge. Remember: Gather the right equipment and enough material. 

Question: Is it safe for me to clean up spills and discharges? 

Answer: Know...in advance, what you are handling and what to do. Remember: Your safety is paramount. 

Question: When do I begin to clean up spills and discharges?

Answer: Act...immediately, using known and safe procedures. Remember: Protect the storm drain.

Question: Do I need to report spills or discharges? 

Answer: Communicate...the spill to your supervisor as soon as possible. Remember: Report all spills and discharges that are not contained on site to the number below or to 911 after hours. 

For More Information... Questions regarding this brochure may be directed to: The Orange County Public Facilities and Resources Department’s Stormwater Section at (714) 567-6363 or The City of Cypress at (714) 229-6752.
Created on Aug.  4, 2002 at  7:17 PM (PDT). Last updated by CityEngineer on May  4, 2010 at  9:58 AM (PDT). Owned by cmcmahon@ci.cypress.ca.us.
Catherine McMahon
Public Works Director
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