Detergent Manufacturing

Wastewater generated from detergent manufacturing may contain surfactants, phosphates sodium tripolyphosphate, and other chemicals, including sodium metasilicate and citric acid, that can significantly impact water quality. Improper wastewater disposal can contaminate soil, groundwater, and surface water. High concentrations of surfactants can create foam in water bodies, which can affect aquatic life and the aesthetic quality of the water. Some of the chemicals in detergents, such as surfactants and phosphates, can alter the pH of the soil, affecting plant growth and contaminating groundwater.

Stormwater run-off could contact manufacturing facilities’ chemicals, debris, fueling areas, wastes, and other outside storage. Heavy-duty trucks loading and unloading at manufacturing facilities can leak automotive fluids on the property. If stormwater is not properly controlled, contained, or pre-treated before discharge into sanitary or storm drainage systems, it can pollute soil and groundwater or discharge directly into surface waters, impacting human health and aquatic systems.

Accidental releases during the transportation of products or wastes from a manufacturing facility due to improper cargo securement, a loose valve, or vehicle upsets or overturns can result in environmental liability.

Mold could develop from moisture intrusion due to storms or flooding from leaking water pipes, sprinklers, and HVAC systems. Many manufacturing buildings are flat-roofed, where pooled water can be absorbed by the roofing material and seep into sub-roof areas. Mold can also develop within HVAC systems or from improper building ventilation or humidity management of climate-controlled areas within the building.

Cleaning storage tanks and processing equipment may generate wastewater or sludge. Wastewater treatment systems may be present at facilities, or these waste materials may be taken to a non-owned disposal facility or wastewater treatment facility. Releases of insufficiently treated wastewater or spills could occur during cleaning, transport, or transfer from waste storage areas and create environmental risks. Improper waste disposal could lead to environmental liability or legal consequences for violating regulatory requirements.

Manufacturers may generate hazardous or regulated wastes requiring special disposal procedures. Improper waste disposal could lead to environmental liability or legal consequences for violating regulatory requirements. A manufacturer can become a Potentially Responsible Party (PRP), liable for cleanup costs in the environmental cleanup of a non-owned disposal (NOD) facility where they sent wastes.

Many manufacturing facilities are located in industrial areas. Contaminants from neighboring facilities could migrate to the manufacturer’s property. If the neighboring business owner is not properly insured or goes bankrupt, the cost of cleanup could fall on the manufacturer for their property. Additionally, historic site uses could have impacted the site, and the current operator could be liable for cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Inadequate security can allow vandalism to occur at a facility. Damage to facility equipment, such as aboveground tanks or containers of chemicals, can result in environmental releases.

Illicit abandonment is the illegal dumping of pollutants on a property by a third party. If law enforcement cannot locate the originator of the waste, the property owner can be held responsible for cleanup and third-party bodily injury or property damage.