Has anyone ever used any Enviro-safe chems on boat houses/docks with success? If so, what did you use?
I am looking at a job, that has a ton of cobwebs and other dirt/grime, no algae, on the inside of the boat house. The only other thing I could think of doing was using my extension pole and just brush them off before washing off.
When I was looking into jobs similar to this I found the EPA will slap your pee pee because of the clean water act. Even if you use literally just water, if it’s going into a stream, river, oceans etc it’s a big no no.
My research led me to not go anywhere near any job that was near water with potential runoff into those streams because fines are no joke.
Well that’s not the answer I was hoping for lol.
I may just have to use my brush to knock down what I can and rinse off the rest. I already explained to the homeowner that results would be limited.
It’s BS because the homeowner could use xyz chemical on it and contaminate the water, but no private individual is held accountable.
Sorry for the rant, PA DEP annoys me because they only go after businesses, not individuals that could do way more damage.
@HSS I have had the opportunity to wash a boat house and a number of piers. I began by contacting my state department of natural resources. I was able to make phone contact with someone, explained what and how I was washing and after about 10 days received an email back stating that based on the soap and my percentage of SH, was given permission to proceed. I keep a copy of that email in my work trailer should someone question me. That is where I would start. The worst they can say to you is no.
That is very helpful, thanks! I don’t see how a handful of docks at a very low percentage would “ruin” a couple hundred acre body of water. Especially when they have to treat the same body of water almost monthly from the local farm runoff causing massive algae and hydrilla blooms.
I used to work with a few environmental consultants, they always said “The best solution for pollution is dilution”. Similar concept. I’ll be sending some emails in the morning.
@HSS Like @Dallsheep inferred, the headache and potential fines could be significant. At least an email from someone in the know giving you their blessing gives you something to fall back on. I hope it works out for you. I would like to buy a cheap pontoon, throw a small pressure washer on it and go from pier to pier around some of our lakes. I would be the $99 pier cleaner. Can’t think of a better way to spend the summer.
I was picturing something similar as well! If I can start to market boat houses/docks as well as boat hull and pontoon cleaning in the fall when they pull them out of the water. I don’t think I would have much of reason to venture elsewhere, especially since it already accounts for at least 50% of my schedule.
Thanks again for your help!
