U.S. Water News Online
DOWNEY, Calif. -- During an Earth Day Ceremony held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 in San Francisco; the Western Carwash Association, a five-state trade association, based in Downey California, with close to 1,000 members was among 44 western organizations and individuals recognized for their efforts to protect and preserve the environment in 2002.
The EPA Region 9 Environmental Awards program acknowledges commitment and significant contributions to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam and tribal lands.
The winners were selected from over 200 nominees received this year from businesses, media, local, state and federal government officials, tribes, environmental organizations and citizen activists.
"This is the agency s fifth annual Environmental Awards Ceremony," said EPA Regional Administrator Wayne Nastri. "These groups and individuals have applied creativity, teamwork and leadership in addressing many of the West's most pressing and complex environmental problems. Thanks to their efforts, our air, water and land will be cleaner and safer for generations to come. The winners set an example for all of us to follow."
According to Sam Olivito, WCA executive director, WCA was among 14 Southern California agencies to be recognized for their environmental preservation efforts.
"This is the second time WCA has been recognized for it's continual environmental efforts," said Olivito. "This time, as in 2001, when we were honored with the San Francisco East Bay Municipal Utility District Pollution Prevention Award, we are being recognized for WCA s demonstration of positive pollution prevention for our charity carwash program."
In 1972, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted the Clean Water Act and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Phase II of the Storm Water Program portion of the NPDES was enacted December 8, 1999. This phase requires cities, counties and states to obtain a Storm Water Runoff Permit.
The objective of the Storm Water Runoff Permit is to eliminate contaminated waste from going untreated into the storm drains directly into our waterways. Phase II of the Storm Water Program portion of the NPDES is being implemented nationwide. While it may not be implemented in all regions yet, it is only a matter of time. The Western Carwash Association has developed an environmentally safe way for local charities to conduct their car wash fundraisers while meeting all aspects of the NPDES.
"We know carwashes are water savers, not water users," said Mike Genewick, WCA president. "The WCA Charity Carwash Program is just one of the ways of demonstrating to the public how important washing at a professional carwash is. Not only do we do a good job of preserving and conserving our water supplies with the charity carwash program, we serve our respective communities as well as raising money for local community charities.
"According to the Bush Presidential administration the environmental effects of water and water quality are the number one environmental issue of the 21st Century. In times of drought and the strict enforcement of environmental controls and laws, a number of industries are often targeted as polluters and cited as contributors of declining water resources. Since most carwash facilities reclaim their wastewater, professional carwashes also conserve water. Frequently the carwash industry is perceived as water wasters and water polluters. Being recognized with this EPA award further demonstrates to the public the professional carwash industry's commitment to the environment."
"The Western Carwash Association has helped save millions of gallons of contaminated water from flowing into storm drains every year by encouraging community groups and non-profit organizations to hold their charity carwashes at a professional carwash instead of parking lots or school driveways," said Olivito. "Most charity groups don t realize that when they hold a fund-raising carwash, they are actually harming the environment. Many, many gallons of water can be used in a 10-minute parking lot carwash. Engine and brake residue may consist of antifreeze, grease, oil, copper and asbestos. Paint and vehicle exhaust contain heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and rust. Soap contains phosphates, chlorine, and other non-biodegradable ingredients that are toxic to fish and other marine life."
One California water official estimated that the discharge from a single fund-raising carwash introduces the same amount of solids in the storm drain system as a sewage spill of more than 6,000 gallons. Professional carwashes reclaim and filter the water, enough so that 85 percent of the water used at a full-service carwash is reclaimed.
"Professional full and self service carwash operators collect the toxic substances from washing cars and dispose of the toxic substances effectively in a safe manner that protects our environment," said Genewick. Say you've got a thousand people in the neighborhood who use two tablespoons each of auto cleaner to wash their cars in the driveway. Then you've got 2,000 tablespoons going into storm drains and then the rivers, and it strips off the slime that keeps fish alive all through the rivers and to the ocean. Then the birds die, and the soap changes the plants, too. That's from one day of people washing their cars in the neighborhood."
According to the WCA there are a number of ways community charities can raise significant amounts money and host their carwashes at a professional carwash instead of the usual driveway or parking lot method.
"By establishing a community/business partnership with a professional wash establishment, charity groups accomplish two things, raising more money than they would normally raise and protecting the environment as well," said Olivito.
Professional carwashers can offer various fundraising opportunities to community charities including but not limited to:
For more information about working with a professional carwasher and hosting a charity carwash or the environmental effects of carwashing and NPDES rulings one may contact the Western Carwash Association at (562) 928-6928.
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