Most states have environmental rules, which affect the method of operations for mobile auto detailing. Some operators will not follow these guidelines or even bother to get a business license at all. This is a problematic situation for the small time operator in that it is only a matter of time before they get caught or fined for no business license or worse polluting the storm drains. There is an EPA set of rules and regulations which govern these sets of standards called the NPDES.

The NPDES-Best Management Practices have to do with the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972. In California for instance, the California Water Code and requirements handed down to cities from county agencies without mandated funds from state or federal agencies are to protect our nations water supplies. In California, a company has to meet waste water run-off requirements of the California Water Code, namely (13.260-13.267.5), which states:

"No water may be discharged into a storm drain without a permit from one of the five regional boards."

When this was first enacted a local car wash owner who was upset we were taking all his business complained to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and we had to visit with our State's Representative to get into compliance before any actual permits were available. At the time we were the only company in California that operated a mobile car wash that has attained such permission and exemption of California Water Code: (13.263.1-13.267.5).

Obviously, the city planners were a little shocked to see a letter of exemption from the regional board and rightfully so. These letters are very rarely granted because the board only meets twelve times per year. They have extremely important matters to discuss and this is usually not one of them. Mobile car washing and auto detailing was not a high priority. Today the laws and rules are much different and they are nationwide and they are enforced. Luckily the Environmental Rules for Mobile Auto Detailing are straight-forward and easy to comply with. So it behooves you to learn the rules and follow them and keep yourself out of hot water and your profits in your pocket and not pay them out to fines. Think about it.

Lance Winslow

Currently Lance is retired at age 40 and is running an Online Think Tank Forum while traveling North America. Perhaps considering something extremely challenging to do that will exercise his mind and utilize all his experiences, observations and skills. Any ideas?