Operating heavy-duty hydraulic machinery near or on a body of water has always had an element of environmental risk. These environments are very sensitive, and it’s easy for damage to occur in the event of a spill or leak. Even small leaks can impact the environment by contaminating water sources, harming wildlife, and or disturbing local habitats.

One of the most infamous examples of environmental devastation that can happen in recent memory is the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010. This catastrophic event released an estimated 134 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. It was the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history that devastated the area. The environmental consequences were severe, with scientists describing the spill as an injury to the entire ecosystem. At the time of the spill, water quality plummeted, wildlife populations suffered significant losses and habitats were irreparably destroyed. Some areas are predicted to take decades to recover from the incident fully. While the Deepwater Horizon spill resulted from a drilling facility failure rather than lubricant use aboard vessels, it serves as a sobering reminder of how destructive lubricant fluids can be in marine environments.

Legislation for environmentally acceptable lubricants
Even though operating heavy-duty hydraulic machinery is risky in such sensitive areas, it’s vital for many industries. To address this risk, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Vessel General Permit (VGP) program in 2008. This legislation required that any lubricants used on ships and small boats be “eco-friendly and biodegradable in nature.” Most petroleum-based lubricants did not meet this standard, so to comply, the maritime industry began shifting toward using Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs). These specialized lubricants are designed to be biodegradable, have low toxicity, and reduce bioaccumulation, which is the harmful buildup of chemicals in organisms and ecosystems over time. We shared more about EALs and their benefits in this previous blog.

The new EPA standard: VIDA
The VGP program was recently changed, and recent legislative changes have taken environmental protection even further. The EPA has now superseded the VGP program with the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). First proposed in 2020, VIDA goes beyond the VGP requirements by including biodegradability standards for non-water-contact applications. This shift means that any lubricant used on a vessel, or near a body of water, must now meet even higher standards for environmental safety. Previously, this standard was not required. That meant that under the previous act, non-EAL lubricants could be used in some applications within a vessel or near a body of water. This shift removes that option for business owners or operators.

The updated standards require the used lubricants present less of a risk to the environment. This change means that some lubricants will no longer meet environmental regulations, and operators will have to switch to new formulations. VIDA states, “90% of a lubricant formulation should be made of substances that demonstrate removal of at least 70% of dissolved organic carbon and production of at least 60% of theoretical CO2, or consumption of at least 60% of theoretical oxygen.” What does this mean? The lubricants must be made from synthetic base oils and other biodegradable materials. These standards are more stringent than those outlined in the VGP Act and represent a significant commitment to environmental protection.

The VIDA Act applies to vessel operators, but similar legislation extends beyond the maritime industry. Equipment operating in environmentally sensitive areas near water, such as wetlands, marshes, beaches, and even construction sites, are also facing more stringent rules for lubricant biodegradable for environmental protection. This shift is affecting industries like construction, energy, and even the recreation industry. For example, ski resorts must use biodegradable lubricants in any equipment where a spill could leech into groundwater or runoff. While the maritime industry has already adapted to using these lubricants, other sectors will need to embrace EALs tool. More companies will need to start using EALs to stay compliant with updated regulations and protect the environments in which they operate.

How businesses can prepare for VIDA compliance
So, what does this legislative shift mean for business owners and equipment operators who aren’t used to EAL lubricants? It’s time to make the change. To meet VIDA standards, businesses will need to:

  • Begin using EAL-compliant hydraulic fluids.
  • Update maintenance practices to reduce the chance of spillage and meet VIDA requirements.
  • Embrace sustainable operations that protect both the environment and long-term profitability.

Of course, switching to EAL lubricants is a significant step, and it’s natural for business owners to worry that eco-friendly products may not offer the same level of performance. But Chevron is here to help. Their research into advancements in lubricant technology has addressed these concerns head-on with a superior EAL product: Chevron’s CLARITY® BIO ELITESYN™ AW 32, 46, and 68 hydraulic fluids. These premium biodegradable hydraulic fluids are designed to meet the latest environmental and performance demands.

Chevron’s solution: CLARITY® BIO ELITESYN™
Chevron’s CLARITY® BIO ELITESYN™ line is formulated from a biobased synthetic base oil that is 100% renewable. This unique feature gives the lubricant strong hydrolytic stability, making it highly resistant to water contamination. So, it’s excellent for use in marine and water-adjacent environments, where contamination easily happens. Chevron designed this product to prevent environmental damage from spills or leaks. In testing, it demonstrated biodegradation by 60% within 28 days.
However, the benefits of this product go beyond environmental protection. It’s also an exceptional hydraulic lubricant that operators can count on to offer the high lubricant performance they need. Some of it’s performance benefits include:

  • Zinc-free formulation so it can be used in axial piston pumps.
  • Excellent protection against rust and corrosion within hydraulic pumps.
  • High oxidation resistance for long oil life, even at elevated operating temperatures.
  • Good low-temperature fluidity for reliable performance in cold conditions.
  • Enhanced protection against wear within hydraulic pumps.

Switching to CLARITY® BIO ELITESYN™ is an excellent way for operators to meet the new VIDA standards for environmental protection without sacrificing equipment performance or reliability. This quality Chevron hydraulic fluid will keep your equipment in great shape and meet the latest environmental standards.

We’re here to help you make the switch to EALs
We know that keeping up with the latest environmental regulations is challenging. But we’re here to help. With the use of Chevron products, like CLARITY® BIO ELITESYN™ meeting the VIDA requirements doesn’t have to be so challenging. You wouldn’t have to worry about compliance issues or sacrifice the necessary lubricant performance. Plus, as a business owner, you’ll be able to implement sustainable business practices that protect our planet. As more people shift towards sustainable practices, environmentally conscious customers will follow and trust your business.

As a California-based fuel and lubricant retailer and a Chevron Lubricants Supplier and partner, we know that their innovative EAL lubricants are a practical and effective solution for new environmental regulations. When you switch to this product and others like it, you don’t have to worry about operating responsibly or compromising lubricant performance. So, contact your Greg’s Petroleum Representative if you’re ready to embrace EAL lubricant products, like Chevron’s CLARITY® BIO ELITESYN™ products. We’re here to help keep your equipment running at its best and help your business meet environmental regulations.