Reading the ARMA mixture is stays a ratio of 1 to 4 but I dont see it saying 12.5 or household bleach which is 3-6%. When talking with DEQ about the mixtures for roof cleaning what is the actual percentage of SH with the applesauce mix? Around 4% but then it sits on the roof, reacts with algae and slowly goes down the drain into the street.
How are you if at all approaching DEQ about this? I mean they do treat the water at the plant with the same stuff, but the tsp and borax are not used in the treatment of water. Bagging the gutters is an option if it runs into the yard, but eventually it does go into the ground. Oregon is a pretty green state and I just want to make sure I don't get into trouble.
Telling them this is the ARMA approved method and them saying it can't go down the drain doesn't make much sense. Is there a link or anyone have any ideas? Before, I gave them my formula and they approved it. My concern is that its going to smell and people will call. I need to have my plan in place.
Reading the ARMA mixture is stays a ratio of 1 to 4 but I dont see it saying 12.5 or household bleach which is 3-6%. When talking with DEQ about the mixtures for roof cleaning what is the actual percentage of SH with the applesauce mix? Around 4% but then it sits on the roof, reacts with algae and slowly goes down the drain into the street.
How are you if at all approaching DEQ about this? I mean they do treat the water at the plant with the same stuff, but the tsp and borax are not used in the treatment of water. Bagging the gutters is an option if it runs into the yard, but eventually it does go into the ground. Oregon is a pretty green state and I just want to make sure I don't get into trouble.
Telling them this is the ARMA approved method and them saying it can't go down the drain doesn't make much sense. Is there a link or anyone have any ideas? Before, I gave them my formula and they approved it. My concern is that its going to smell and people will call. I need to have my plan in place.
If I were you I would spend some time in the EPA site and your states Water Quality site and on your states DEQ requirements section and , like you said, get your ducks in a row.
Then, call in as a neophyte (new roof cleaning co.)and ask questions first to field all possible scenarios as a "new aspiring roof cleaning co." Act like you know nothing and are just trying to get correct answers and be LEGAL.
TAKE NOTES and ask every possible question without burning bridges or the cleark or specialist getting too impatient with you.
Then if you haven't decided on a game plan based on what you have learned, come back here to the board and post your summary and we will try to help.
If TSP or Borax is an issue, go with the Apple Cider mix.
I bet if you measured the actual Sodium Hypochlorite level after it has been used you will probably get a reading of less than .5%.
Dave, do you have a sodium hypochlorite measuring device or meter that we can test this?
I can tell the roof mix has very little cleaning power after it's used because when you get a little on the customers dirty driveway or sidewalk it hardly changes or cleans it much.
Fresh chemical on the other hand will clean concrete very well.
If TSP or Borax is an issue, go with the Apple Cider mix.
I bet if you measured the actual Sodium Hypochlorite level after it has been used you will probably get a reading of less than .5%.
Dave, do you have a sodium hypochlorite measuring device or meter that we can test this?
I can tell the roof mix has very little cleaning power after it's used because when you get a little on the customers dirty driveway or sidewalk it hardly changes or cleans it much.
Fresh chemical on the other hand will clean concrete very well.
-- Edited by Mike Sullivan at 13:24, 2009-02-27
Yes, Mike,
I have a picture of 2 of the test kits I use.
I have another for higher concentrations of SH but I cannot locate it, it is one of the trucks tool boxes but no sure which. I am about to post the pics I took for answering this exact question. Give me a few minutes please.
If TSP or Borax is an issue, go with the Apple Cider mix.
I bet if you measured the actual Sodium Hypochlorite level after it has been used you will probably get a reading of less than .5%.
Dave, do you have a sodium hypochlorite measuring device or meter that we can test this?
I can tell the roof mix has very little cleaning power after it's used because when you get a little on the customers dirty driveway or sidewalk it hardly changes or cleans it much.
Fresh chemical on the other hand will clean concrete very well.
-- Edited by Mike Sullivan at 13:24, 2009-02-27
Yes, Mike,
I have a picture of 2of the test kits I use.
I have another for higher concentrations of SH but I cannot locate it, it is one of the trucks tool boxes but no sure which. I am about to post the pics I took for answering this exact question. Give me a few minutes please.
Thanks, Dave
This is an example of 2 DIFFERENT test kits for checking Chlorine levels for Roof Mix. They don't go as HOT as I would like but just X by 2 or Divide for weaker mixtures based on what you added in terms of Chlorine and water (gallons of each) and then do the math to come up with your ratio, 1:1, 1:2 1:4, etc.
Cool, I'm interested to know the used roof mix's SH level.
More knowledge to tell customers what you are using and what happens to the chemical after it's used.
Mike
Have you used these kits before? If not, the strips are a little more costly but the benefit is they have all the info the liquid does but it is MUCH more convienent.