Washington is cracking down on industrial stormwater permits and independent action groups are chomping at the bit to sue violators! It is the prime time to evaluate your environmental impact and look into switching your standard hydraulic oil over to a zinc-free hydraulic oil. At Overlake Oil we believe it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to do so which is why we stock a few different brands to work within your budget.

Today, Zinc is one of the most heavily scrutinized metals in the industry. Zinc is commended for its necessity in beauty products due to its benefits of anti-aging and human immune system strengthening to combat against many human health issues like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Zinc has transformed the capability of hydraulic oils over the past couple decades, as an anti-wear and antioxidant additive that keeps pushing performance levels. Some even On the other hand, it is measured and shamed for its presence in stormwater collection due to its toxicity in aquatic life. If your facilities presence is within 30 miles of a major waterway in the Pacific Northwest, chances are your business is also being monitored for its zinc content in rainwater discharge. A single drop of hydraulic oil on an acre of impervious surface can lead to failed zinc levels in stormwater collection. Not to mention tires are full of zinc, so everytime a vehicle is on the road it is contributing to the environmental impacts.

By switching to a zinc-free hydraulic oil, companies can eliminate at least one possible contributor to their failed stormwater tests. In the past few years, zinc-free additives have come a long way, offering comparable quality. Shells Tellus S3 hydraulic oil series has outstanding zinc-free technology and impressive test results without the shocking price.

Written by: Rochelle Vanbellinghen