Capturing Concrete Washout Pollutants

The water left over after washing down concrete equipment can be nearly as caustic as drain cleaner and can contain metals that are toxic to aquatic life, including chromium, copper, and zinc. On construction sites, concrete mixers, hoppers of concrete pumpers, and other concrete equipment are typically washed out into shallow pits lined with hay and plastic. The washout is allowed to settle and the solid concrete recovered after the water evaporates, but heavy rains, equipment backing into the flimsy containment area, or negligence can result in toxic water and particulates entering the watershed.

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