Unless they’re managed with the utmost care and planning, construction sites can pose major environmental risks. One of the most serious concerns is storm water runoff pollution, which can affect local drinking water sources. Chris Darling of A Track-Out Solution, one provider of concrete washout in Las Vegas, says that his company helps keep local storm water free of one type of construction-related contaminant. In fact, Darling says, his company offers the largest concrete washer recycling unit in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.
Concrete and the Environment
According to Darling, without proper environmental protection plans in place, construction sites can become major contributors to urban storm water contamination problems. One contaminant of particular concern is the wastewater that’s produced as a result of washing down materials used in concrete construction. This includes trucks, pumps, mixers, chutes, hand tools and wheelbarrows. Because of the nature of the chemicals involved in concrete production, concrete washout wastewater is caustic and considered corrosive, with a pH near 12 (similar to ammonia and other potent household cleaning agents). When this type of contaminant is allowed to flow into storm drains, local waterways, soil and wildlife habitats are directly affected.
Preventing Storm water Pollution
As part of the U.S. Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that construction sites operate in accordance with certain guidelines for storm water pollution prevention. This means that steps must be taken to ensure that construction run-off is free from harmful contaminants. In order to help eliminate the contamination risks posed by concrete washout wastewater, some companies utilize third-party services like A Track-Out Solution to provide a portable, watertight, haul-away bin to capture and hold concrete waste and washout runoff. These bins allow for washing down equipment efficiently without releasing the harmful wastewater into nearby soil or storm drains.
How Does It Work?
How does the concrete washout process work? According to Darling, it’s fairly simple. Once a concrete truck, for example, has finished a job and needs to be emptied, it is backed over a specially-designed washout bin. These bins, says Darling, are approximately 2 feet high and lined with a material designed to keep harmful washout water from leaching into the soil while, in the process, also capturing concrete waste. When the bin is full, Darling explains, it’s hauled away and replaced with a new bin. This eliminates pollution concerns and allows the job to flow smoothly.
Where Does the Waste Go?
Once the washout bin is removed from the job site, Darling says, the water is removed and treated to eliminate contaminants. “We make it pH negative so it’s no longer harmful to the environment,” he explains. The concrete waste itself is taken to a crusher, where it’s ground into fine pieces. Concrete waste, says Darling, can be used in road and parking lot projects.
The concrete washout process, Darling says, has gone a long way toward lessening the environmental impacts of construction sites. And recycling concrete waste is not only environmentally responsible, it’s also cost-effective for everyone involved. During a recent job at CityCenter, one of the largest green building projects in the world, he says that between the two providers of concrete washout services, over 100,000 tons of concrete were captured and recycled.
“A huge amount of concrete is used in Las Vegas construction projects,” Darling says, “and our company is responsible for recycling a large percentage of the resulting concrete washout waste.” In fact, when you hire A Track-Out Solution for concrete washout, Darling says, the company makes sure that 100% of your concrete washout waste is recycled. He explains, “We are committed to preserving the environment as well as helping you with your waste removal needs.”
