The Postal Service™ 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 cause harm to rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. Under this policy, employees and suppliers must take specific actions to minimize pollution to protect water quality.
Postal Service employees and contractors must consider the following “Zero Discharge” policy for stormwater:
n Do NOT allow vehicle or equipment washing water or pollutants (i.e., oil and grease, metals, acids or bases, and other chemicals) to enter stormwater systems (i.e., storm drains, outdoor drains or other conveyances).
n Do NOT wash vehicles outdoors in an uncovered area when it is raining.
n Wash only official vehicles on USPS® property using one of the following acceptable methods:
n Wet Wash in Interior Bays (when washing is performed by Postal Service 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 Postal Service employees).
n Use only vehicle wash products that do NOT contain any USPS targeted chemicals or exhibit hazardous waste characteristics.
n Establish vehicle washing contracts through the Vehicles Category Management Center (CMC) using the nationally approved statement of work for vehicle washing and monitor vehicle washing contracts and activities for compliance.
To establish a vehicle washing contract for your location, contact the Vehicles CMC by email at VehicleCMC@usps.gov.
For more information about vehicle washing:
n Review the Vehicle Washing Requirements Environmental Compliance Bulletin / Standard Work Instruction at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/ecb-vehiclewashing.pdf.
n Consult your designated USPS Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 5-1-25
