LUBBOCK, TX — Lubbock Mayor David Miller said he is concerned changes in a federally mandated stormwater permit could hinder local mobile carwash businesses, according to The Avalanche-Journal.

The March 14 story said the state rejected the city's request to exempt mobile carwashes from restrictions against water runoff, though the state did make an exception for charitable carwashes. There will be no regulation for people who wash their own car in their driveway.

The decision comes as the city is renegotiating its stormwater permit with the Texas Commission on Environment Quality. The mandate is designed to clean up runoff water before it hits streams and lakes.

Miller urged the city to draft an ordinance that balances the needs of businessmen with what the state requires.

"You bet I am" concerned, the mayor old to the newspaper. The mobile carwash businesses primarily employ "college kids or young adults. They are using biodegradable material in their carwashes. I'm not sure what the impact would be."

Brian Jackson, who owns Bumper 2 Bumper Mobile Wash in Lubbock, told the newspaper he doesn't capture the water he uses. But he said he doesn't use a lot of water to clean a car, either.

"As far as environmental concerns, I only use seven to 10 gallons per car," he said. "People who wash their car in their driveway probably use three times that."

The article said the city plans to hire three additional employees in order to enforce regulations.

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