New York Sea Grant's
Marina Pollution Prevention Web Site

Section 1: Mechanical Activities - Decommissioning Engines

Potential Environmental Impacts

The waste fluids generated when decommissioning engines on the upland, if not properly managed, can potentially enter the water in stormwater runoff. Contact with the fluids can harm fish and other marine and aquatic life. If certain fluids are mixed, they may become subject to hazardous waste requirements and be more expensive to dispose. Waste fluids from commissioning engines may include engine oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and antifreeze.

Best Management Practices

• Use propylene glycol antifreeze to winterize all systems except "closed," or freshwater cooling systems. Propylene glycol antifreeze is much less toxic than ethylene glycol antifreeze. Use the minimum amount of antifreeze necessary for the job.
  
  
• Where appropriate, add stabilizers to fuel to protect engines against corrosion and the formation of sludge, gum, and varnish. Stabilizers are available for gasoline and diesel fuels, and for crankcase oil. This also eliminates the problem of stale fuel disposal in the spring. Check manufacturer's warranty on engine before adding fuel stabilizers.
  
  
• Household hazardous waste programs may accept unwanted gasoline and gas/oil blends generated by individual boat owners. Encourage marina patrons to dispose of their waste gasoline through their own municipal household hazardous waste collection programs, if appropriate.
  
  

Regulatory Issues

• Waste gasoline is not considered a hazardous waste if it is recycled or burned as a fuel. Waste gasoline should be stored in properly grounded, labeled and closed containers on an impermeable surface with spill controls.
  
  
• If stale gasoline cannot be reconditioned, dispose of it as hazardous waste [40 CFR 262.11] click here. For more information on New York's Hazardous Waste Regulations and storage requirements, click here, pdf.
  
  
• If there is a stormwater discharge from your facility and you perform any outdoor vessel maintenance or repair, including commissioning or decommissioning engines, you may have to register for a General Permit for the Discharge of Storm Water Associated with Industrial Activity ("Storm Water General Permit"). For more information on storm water permitting in New York, click here.
  
  
• If doing an oil change, see "Oil Changes," click here.
  
  
• See "Antifreeze" click here, to determine how to handle, store and dispose of antifreeze used to winterize engines.
  
  
• Manage soiled rags as described in "Rags" click here.
  
  
• Store batteries as described in "Battery Replacement" click here.