HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-14 Memo - Marine Engine Winterization Antifreeze HandlingMEMORANDUM
TO: File
FROM: Carl E. Lawson, Jr., Hazardous Waste Inspector
SUBJECT: Marine Winterizing Procedures
DATE: September 14, 2020
Millway Marina, 15 Enterprise Rd.
Per Ian O’Connell, Service Manager on 8-26-2020 during phone discussion. IBC tote
onsite contains nontoxic antifreeze which is used to winterize the cooling systems of
outboard engines. He stated Millway staff were under the impression that this “nontoxic
antifreeze was essentially sugar water and could literally be ingested.”
The outboard engine cooling systems are injected with this antifreeze which forces out
any water which may reside in low spots within the cooling system. This process protects
the engines from the effects of water freezing inside the cooling systems which could
cause extensive damage. The cooling systems are plugged to retain the antifreeze.
In the spring when boat engines are prepared for use the antifreeze is forced out using a
fresh water stream with the resultant water / antifreeze mix discharging to and draining
away from the paved surface in front of the Millway Marina building.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was requested by the Health Dept. and provided by Millway
Marina. I also contacted the antifreeze manufacturer and included a photo of the IBC tote
present at Millway with labeling. I was provided the same SDS from the manufacturer as
from Millway. The SDS did not support a nontoxic designation based on the following:
SECTION 4: FIRST AID MEASURES
Description of First Aid Measures
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Immediately call a POISON CENTER or
doctor/physician.
Most Important Symptoms and Effects Both Acute and Delayed
Ingestion: Ingestion is likely to be harmful or have adverse effects.
SECTION 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to sewers and public waters.
SECTION 11: TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Symptoms/Injuries After Ingestion: Ingestion is likely to be harmful or have adverse
effects.
SECTION 16: OTHER INFORMATION, INCLUDING DATE OF PREPARATION OR
LAST REVISION
Aquatic Acute 3 - Hazardous to the aquatic environment - Acute Hazard Category 3
H402 - Harmful to aquatic life
I informed Mr. O’Connell by email on Sept. 10 that “no antifreeze may be discharged to
the ground whether or not it is listed as nontoxic.”
His business will not engage in this practice again anyway until spring time engine
preparation for use.
In the meantime it will be investigated whether or not the Yarmouth – Dennis Septic
Treatment Plant can accept this antifreeze / water mixture for disposal. If allowed the
mixture can be captured by the boat wash holding tank system.
After review of the SDS the reportable release amounts of the Massachusetts Dept. of
Environmental Protection (DEP) was reviewed. No threshold was found for the listed
ingredient of propylene glycol, CAS # 57-55-6. Two other varieties of propylene glycol are
listed.