Department of
Environmental Quality

Auto repair shops in Idaho are impacted by various environmental regulations depending on the activities conducted at the shop.

Air Quality Regulations

Auto repair shops conduct several activities that can potentially emit air pollutants into the atmosphere and therefore may be regulated by state and federal regulations. Such activities can include the use of waste oil burners, boilers, and halogenated solvents.

Auto repair shops that provide painting and coating services may be required to obtain an Air Quality General Permit to Construct for Automotive Coating Operations or an Air Quality Permit to Construct specific to the facility. The type of permit required depends on the volume of coating materials used per day. (See Related Pages at right.)

Hazardous Waste Regulations

Auto repair shops typically generate hazardous wastes through the variety of services they offer. Used paints, solvents, batteries, and antifreeze are just a few examples of wastes that need to be handled and managed properly. Management of hazardous waste is regulated by the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is administered by DEQ. The types and number of requirements that must be complied with are based on the quantity and type of waste generated. (See Related Pages at right.)

Water Quality Regulations

Auto repair shops may have an impact on Idaho's surface and ground waters and may be subject to federal water quality standards and the National Pollutant Elimination Discharge System (NPDES) program. Under this program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the discharge of pollutants into any water body of the U.S., including storm water sewer systems. Depending on the activities and services provided, an auto repair shop may need its own NPDES general permit for direct or indirect discharge. If the auto repair shop is located within a city that has an NPDES permit, the shop may be subject to the city's pretreatment and storm water requirements.