Comparison of Relocatable Commercial Vehicle Washing Systems

摘要

Many land management activities on Federal, State, and private lands involve the movement of vehicles and equipment along gravel roads and in off- road locations where plant propagules can be picked up and transported. When relocated to new areas invasive and nonnative species of plants can become established and compromise the native ecosystem service and function. Plant propagules can be transported directly on the undercarriage components of vehicles. Several contractors have developed systems for cleaning vehicles and equipment. The aim of this study was to evaluate five portable vehicle wash systems with respect to efficacy, economics, waste containment, waste disposal, and the viability of any propagules that were collected in the cleaning process. With the intent of using these data to reduce the amount of propagules that might be transported and thereby reduce the threat of infesting new areas. The use of such systems is required by Executive Order 13112, signed in February 1999.