What is a key management practice for concrete washout areas?

What is a key management practice for concrete washout areas?

• A. Contain the waste, keep it away from drainage, and regularly remove waste.
• B. Let washout water be discharged into storm drains.
• C. Pour washout water onto soil.
• D. Use washout areas as general waste storage.

Answer: (A)

The key practice is to contain the concrete washout waste, keep it away from drainage, and remove it regularly. Concrete washout water and solids are highly alkaline and cementitious, can pollute stormwater, and can harden if left exposed. The best approach uses a dedicated, impermeable washout area or container with berms (and a cover if possible) so everything stays on-site until it’s hauled to an approved disposal facility. This prevents runoff from reaching storm drains or soil and prevents the washout area from becoming general waste storage. The other options fail because discharging washout into storm drains pollutes waterways, pouring washout onto soil allows contaminants to migrate, and using the washout area for general waste storage mixes wastes and defeats proper containment.

The key practice is to contain the concrete washout waste, keep it away from drainage, and remove it regularly. Concrete washout water and solids are highly alkaline and cementitious, can pollute stormwater, and can harden if left exposed. The best approach uses a dedicated, impermeable washout area or container with berms (and a cover if possible) so everything stays on-site until it’s hauled to an approved disposal facility. This prevents runoff from reaching storm drains or soil and prevents the washout area from becoming general waste storage. The other options fail because discharging washout into storm drains pollutes waterways, pouring washout onto soil allows contaminants to migrate, and using the washout area for general waste storage mixes wastes and defeats proper containment.