The United States Postal Service® (USPS®) has established a “Zero Discharge” policy for stormwater to reduce pollution from stormwater and snowmelt, which can cause hazardous chemicals and pollutants to enter the environment and harm rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. Under this policy, employees and suppliers must take specific actions to minimize pollution to protect water quality.
USPS employees and USPS third-party contractors must follow the “Zero Discharge” policy for stormwater:
n Do not allow vehicle or equipment wash water or pollutants (i.e., oil and grease, metals, acids/bases, and other chemicals) to enter stormwater systems, such as storm drains, outdoor drains, or other conveyances.
n Do not wash vehicles outdoors in an uncovered area when it is raining.
n Only wash official vehicles on USPS property using one of the following acceptable methods:
n Wet wash in interior bays (when washing is performed by USPS employees).
n Wet wash with water recovery in exterior lots (when washing is performed by third-party contractors).
n Dry wash or dry vapor steam cleaning in exterior lots (when washing is performed by third-party contractors; may be performed by USPS employees).
n Only use vehicle wash products that do not contain any USPS Targeted Chemicals or exhibit hazardous waste characteristics.
n Establish vehicle washing contracts through the Vehicles, Delivery, and Industrial Equipment Category Management Center using the nationally approved statement of work for vehicle washing. Monitor vehicle washing contracts and activities for compliance.
To establish a vehicle washing contract for your location, contact Carla Van Istendal by email at carla.vanistendal@usps.gov or by phone at 215-863-5397.
For more information about vehicle washing guidelines, consult your designated environmental contact at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/contact.htm or review the following resources:
n Vehicle Washing Requirements Environmental Compliance Bulletin at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-vehiclewashing.pdf.
n The Environmental Affairs website at blue.usps.gov/sustainability.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Environmental Affairs, 4-21-22
