Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my Stormceptor® need to be inspected?
- Is the Minotaur program available in my area?
- What should I do in the event of an oil spill?
- What is a "Generator Number"?
- What if an oil rainbow or sheen is seen at the Stormceptor® outlet?
- Who can I contact to arrange for an inspection?
- Why is there two waste classes commonly used for disposal of sediment removed from your OGS?
- How close does a pump truck need to get?
- How do I design for truck/maintenance access?
- Why do the larger particles never make it to the Stormceptor®?
Why does my Stormceptor® need to be inspected?
The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) requires regular inspection and record keeping as part of the Certificate of Approval issued to your unit. If a Stormceptor® unit is not inspected, you won't know when it needs to be serviced. If it isn't serviced, it may eventually cease to perform the environmental function for which it was selected, and you risk a discharge and the subsequent liabilities involved. Inspections are also a cost-effective preventive measure that can reduce the risk of discharge in the case of an unreported spill, such as a diesel fuel tank leak or a case of engine oil dumped in a catch basin.
Is the Minotaur program available in my area?
Pricing and services may vary depending on your geographical location. Minotaur is dedicated to continually enhancing their services and geographical coverage, making your responsibility for maintaining your Stormceptor® units an easy one. For current pricing and services in your area, contact the Minotaur head office at 519 647 3729 or service@minotaurltd.com
What should I do in the event of an oil spill?
You must immediately arrange for cleanup by a licensed liquid-waste hauler or spill response company and notify the appropriate regulatory agencies, as required. Contact Minotaur to have your Stormceptor® inspected following cleanup. Minotaur will be happy to assist in making this process as easy as possible for you.
What is a "Generator Number"?
In Ontario, Canada, when a spill occurs, a generator number is needed to allow for the removal and proper disposal of contaminated sediment or oily water. The generator is the Stormceptor® owner. The generator must register with the Ministry of the Environment to obtain a generator number, which is required for the Stormceptor® service. Minotaur can guide you through this process.
What if an oil rainbow or sheen is seen at the Stormceptor® outlet?
With a steady influx of water containing high concentrations of oil, sheen may be noticeable at the Stormceptor® outlet. This may occur because a rainbow or sheen can be seen at very low oil concentrations (<10 ppm). A Stormceptor® will remove more than 95% of all free oil, and the appearance of sheen at the outlet with high influent oil concentrations does not mean that the unit is not working to this level of removal. In addition, if the influent oil is emulsified, the Stormceptor® will not be able to remove it. The Stormceptor® is designed for free oil removal and not emulsified or water soluble products. To reduce the risk of a discharge, schedule a Minotaur inspection. Minotaur has developed methods to reduce or eliminate this condition.
Who can I contact to arrange for an inspection?
Minotaur is the original Stormceptor® service provider. With a thorough understanding of the installation, function and maintenance needs of all Stormceptor® models, you have every reason to rely on Minotaur for dependable and proven inspections, servicing and repairs. Minotaur manages both the service packages included with Stormceptor® unit installations, as well as the long-term servicing. Call the Minotaur head office at 519-647-3729 to arrange for your inspection or email us here.
Why is there two waste classes commonly used for disposal of sediment removed from your OGS?
Clean sediment can be disposed of as "catch basin sump," which is an MOE waste class. Clean sediment is generally found in units during the short term period following construction. Clean sediment is usually composed of sand, gravel, clay and any other dirt or aggregate that is native to that particular site. Once a site becomes functional, the OGS will begin to accumulate the types of materials that contaminate the sediment. These sources are typically, but not limited to:
- Tire wear
- Brake pad wear
- Asphalt particles
- Hydrocarbons that have attached to silt particles
- Pet feces and grass clippings
The Ontario Tire Stewardship Recycling Program reports that approximately 11 million scrap tires are generated annually. Think about all that tire wear and where it goes. The pollutant-laden sediment captured by a Stormceptor® treatment device often appears "tar-like" and is toxic to the environment.
Sediments that have been contaminated by the sources listed above must be disposed of under an applicable waste class.
How close does a pump truck need to get?
Ideally you need to get within 12-18', to allow for the use of the hydraulic boom. Units can be serviced from a distance, but that requires the use of additional effort time and equipment along with the subsequent expense.
How do I design for truck/maintenance access?
Use fire truck design criteria for turning radius and access ways.
Why do the larger particles never make it to the Stormceptor®?
Larger particles will settle in upstream catch basins and behind flow control devices.
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