scope:

PURPOSE AND SCOPE.

This manual provides a comprehensive reference source for planning, and designing a central vehicle wash facility (CVWF) and decentralized, net zero wash facilities. The CVWF provides a rapid, economical method for washing tracked and wheeled tactical vehicles. The design elements provide for water pollution control, solid waste disposal, and conservation of manpower and water. This manual is limited to wash facilities and wastewater treatment for cleaning vehicle exteriors only; this design information does not pertain to facilities for treating wastewater from maintenance cleaning activities.

The Original Technical Manual (TM) 5-814-9 was adopted in 1992 to provide for large operational and rapid washing of tracked and wheeled tactical vehicles. The Technical Manual was converted to the current UFC 4-214-03 in 2004 utilizing the same concepts for washing tactical vehicles. The detailed requirements for washing these type vehicles are based on large lay-down areas and large quantities of water with introduction of new water as necessary. This update incorporates Chapter 8 which introduces new Net Zero design capabilities for Installations to meet the current needs for saving water and utilizing smaller lay-down areas for washing tactical vehicles. Installations are encouraged to review this alternative method of washing tactical vehicles in combination with the modernization of the type of wheeled vehicles necessary for rapid deployments. The Net Zero Concept is especially pertinent for changing climate and for smaller installations with large Reserve Components.