Management
of Air Compressor Blowdowns
Potential Environmental Impacts:
Air compressor blowdown water commonly contains lubricating oil or other potential pollutants. These hydrocarbons can contaminate surface and groundwater when improperly managed.
Legal Requirements:
•
Compressor blowdown wastewater may not be discharged onto the ground or into surface waters without a
permit [CGS §22a-430].
•
Discharge air compressor blowdown wastewater to either the sanitary sewer or contain it in a holding tank. You may not discharge this wastewater into a septic system. Before compressor blowdown wastewater can be discharged to the sanitary sewer or hauled to a Publicly Owned Treatment Facility (POTW) the terms and conditions of the General Permit for
Miscellaneous Discharges of Sewer
Compatible (MISC) Wastewater must be met, which will require collection and treatment to meet discharge effluent limitations. See Appendix G for more information on the MISC General Permit.
•
Waste compressor oil, filters, and oil/water separator waste must be managed as used oil [40 CFR 279; RCSA §22a-449(c)-119]. See Appendix C for more information.
Best Management Practices:
·
Evaluate the need for installing a dehumidifying system in the air compressor which would reduce the moisture content of the compressed air and therefore the volume of wastewater generated. This practice may also prolong the life of the compressor by reducing loss of lubrication and rusting.
·
Visually inspect the exterior of air compressor equipment for the presence of oil leaks on a
regular basis.
·
Establish a preventative maintenance program which includes, but is not limited to, a
schedule for cleaning parts, replacing oil, and replacing filters for the air compressor equipment as recommended in the manufacturer’s specifications.
·
Remove or retain, any floating layer of oil prior to discharge.
·
Investigate purchase of oil-free air compressor that would eliminate oil from the blowdown.
Checklist for Clean Marina Certification:
No Clean Marina Certification criteria specific to compressor blowdowns.