subject: Eliminate the Construction-Related Contaminants [print this page] Eliminate the Construction-Related Contaminants
According to Chris Darling of A Track-Out Solution, one provider of concrete washout in Las Vegas, construction sites can pose major environmental risks unless they're managed with the utmost care and planning.
One of the most serious concerns is storm water runoff pollution, which can affect local drinking water sources. Fortunately, our company helps keep local storm water free of one type of construction-related contaminant. In fact, our company offers the largest concrete washer recycling unit in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.
Contamination Problems
In my experience, construction sites can become major contributors to urban storm water contamination problems without proper environmental protection plans in place. 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. 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.
Concrete Washout Services
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.
The concrete washout process works 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 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, it's hauled away and replaced with a new bin. This eliminates pollution concerns and allows the job to flow smoothly.
Concrete Waste Recycling
Once the washout bin is removed from the job site, the water is removed and treated to eliminate contaminants. We make it pH negative so it's no longer harmful to the environment. The concrete waste itself is taken to a crusher, where it's ground into fine pieces. Concrete waste can be used in road and parking lot projects.
A huge amount of concrete is used in Las Vegas construction projects, and our company is responsible for recycling a large percentage of the resulting concrete washout waste. During a recent job at CityCenter, one of the largest green building projects in the world, between the two providers of concrete washout services, over 100,000 tons of concrete were captured and recycled.
The concrete washout process 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. We are committed to preserving the environment as well as helping you with your waste removal needs. In fact, when you hire A Track-Out Solution for concrete washout, we make sure that 100% of your concrete washout waste is recycled.
