docks/water run off

[Accu-Wash]

I've been asked to give an estimate on a CCA deck/dock at a local lake. It's very populated with upscale homes and cottages. The deck/dock has 2 wings extending 20ft. into the lake. Total sq.ft. around 1350. The owner isn't sure of the brand of sealer on it. It's fairly well faded and appears to be a penetrating type sealer, there's no surface film to it. I'm concerned about stripping/neutralizing and the effect it'll have on the lake. I can't see how to properly prepare the wood for sealing w/o contaminating the water. It's very clear with lots of small fish that'll probably have spawning beds around the time that I'd be cleaning it. I'm sure the wood pulp removed from cleaning will cloud the water somewhat, but I'm not sure of the effect the chems. will have on the water. I'd use plain water and apply sealer with brush/roller but I think durability would be very questionable. We've been using Ready Seal on decks with excellant results. What have others done on docks that want to be enviromentaly compliant?


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[Layman's P/W]

Bill,

I have been told that once water is sprayed from a pressure washer it is considered processed water. This would lead me to believe that even if there wasn't any chemicals involved it would still be a violation of the law not to somehow try to reclaim the water. I have thought about this often, people wash docks every day and I have not heard of any problems with EPA but you never know.
I have a friend in the P/W business that was fined four thousand dollars for degreasing a road tractor on a farm and not reclaiming the water...he said he would never wash another truck as long as he lives.

Daren

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[charlie]

I just put in a bid for some dock cleaning and treating. What i did was call the DNR and asked them on how they would want you to clean it. If chemicals are needed to clean the dock, chances are that you will have to have the dock removed and do it on shore. I repeat call the DNR, if you get caught doing anything illegal you might as well give up your business. Good Luck.

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