Zinc and Nickel In Industrial Stormwater - Key Zinc Sources At Industrial Facilities

Many facilities are required under their industrial stormwater permit to monitor metal concentrations. Two of the most common metals detected are zinc and nickel.
Considering zinc, work conducted by the State of Washington found the major sources of zinc were galvanized materials, particularly on roof surfaces, as well as motor oil and hydraulic fluid accumulated on parking areas, loading docks, and paved grounds. Tire dust in areas with high volumes of trucks and forklifts may also be an important source. Zinc concentrations in runoff from roofs with galvanized ductwork were about 10-fold greater than found from the roofs without galvanized materials.

Both motor oil and hydraulic fluid contain high concentrations of zinc, about 0.1% by weight. As an example, just ½ cup of motor oil spilled on a small paved parking lot could result in 250 µg/L of zinc in runoff during a small rain event.

Link to a technical analysis of stormwater benchmarks compared to historical industrial sector monitoring data

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting & Regulatory Support, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Monitoring and Stormwater Training. For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website