Concrete Washout Locations Concrete and the Environment

One or more locations for concrete wash Concrete and cementitious (cement, grout, out areas must be designated on site. stucco, plaster, mortar) washout waste- water is corrosive and caustic. The pH of concrete can be over 12, essentially the same as Liquid Drano (R) or other househole cleaners. Mike Isensee Dakato County SWCD Do not wash out concrete trucks into storm drains, open ditches, streets, or streams.

Concrete washout materials must be contained where waste concrete can solidify in place and excess water can What about the Fish? safely evaporate. When concrete wash water is illegally What is pH? discharged into waterways, it will clog A low pH value means fi sh gills, reducing their oxygen and the substance is causing death. The high pH of concrete acidic. A high pH value washout will also increase the toxicity means the substance of other substances causing further is basic or alkaline. problems for aquatic life. The cloudiness of concrete washout water is much higher than allowed.

And the Plants? This trail of white residue is evidence The high pH concrete wash water also of concrete washout leaves a lasting effect on the soil. Future fl owing to the storm vegetation may be stunted or refuse drain and into the to grow. It can also damage existing stream. vegetation. Concrete Washout cret Con e W p Washout of concrete trucks should be as performed in designated areas only. h o p A sign should be installed adjacent to u each washout facility to inform concrete t equipment operators to utilize the proper facilities. p Temporary Wash all concrete waste into washout areas designated areas only! should have a temporary pit or bermed area large enough to contain p One of the most common illegal all liquid and discharges from construction sites is waste concrete cleanout from concrete installations. materials from This washout needs to washout. be maintained and is too p It is important to always properly handle close to the street. iowastormwater.org p Educate concrete residue. employees, subcontractors, and suppliers This publication was developed for p Concrete wash or rinse water from on the concrete waste management the members of the Iowa Storm Water ready-mix trucks, concrete mixing techniques required. Education Program. equipment, or tools may not be p Never wash out wheel barrows, tools, discharged into or be allowed to run or associated containers near the street. directly into any water body or storm drain Discharges of these materials to the inlet. storm drain are never allowed. p One or more locations for concrete p Inspect the wash out should be designated at a washout facility conctruction site. At these locations, weekly for discharges from concrete washout will be adequate holding contained. capacity.