Avoid EPA fines

Avoid EPA Fines

EPA Compliance

Using diesel fuel on truck beds and at the lay down site is a thing of the past. Paving contractors, state, city, and council departments are now forced to look for alternative methods.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is now starting to enforce environmental laws much more aggressively.

You can avoid EPA fines by using Pavertrend™, which meets all environmental regulations as a non-hazardous waste. It contains no petroleum or other hazardous ingredients and has a high flash point.

Here’s what you should know about the Environmental Regulations:

• The use of diesel fuel for asphalt removal and as a release agent is no longer Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) compliant.
• Discharge of petroleum or fractions thereof is prohibited by the Australian Clean Waters Act 1970.
• State Departments of Transportation are forbidding contractors from using diesel fuel on State jobs.

Pavertrend™ flash point is above 125°C and therefore not considered a hazardous waste according to EPA (Environmental Protection Authority)

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act)

The act prohibits discharge of oil or related substances on the ground. It relates to the paving industry, and are the reasons why it is no longer permissible to use diesel fuel to clean equipment with or as a release agent.

Literature by the major petrochemical producers indicates that petroleum distillate fractions, even with some modification of the chemical structure, are considered as “oils”. Therefore, diesel fuel, being a fuel oil, is considered an oil by these petrochemical producers.

How Does This Affect the Paving Industry?

The most likely way a chemical used by the paving industry could be defined as a hazardous waste is if it is ignitable. For this reason, the flash point of chemicals bought for various applications such as lubrication, cleaning, etc. becomes important. It is not enough that the material be of natural origin, contain no petroleum distillates or chlorinated hydrocarbons and be biodegradable. The product must also have a flash point above 125°C, or it is considered a hazardous waste. Since the flash point of citrus oils is 119°F., diesel fuel and other petroleum solvents are hazardous wastes, and cannot be spilt on the ground.

State Department of Transportation’s (DOT) is forbidding contractors from using diesel fuel on state jobs.