CONCRETE WASH-OUT PIT

DEFINITION & PURPOSE

Concrete wash-out pits are used to contain concrete wash-out when truck chutes, drums and/or hoses are rinsed
out after delivery to construction site. Disposal can occur when concrete wash-out becomes a solid. Concrete
wash-out water is a pollutant because of the high pH level and chemical additives in the wash-out. Concrete
wash-out management prevents the contamination of stormwater with high Ph and additives that may cause
adverse impact to water quality.
CONDITIONS FOR EFFECTIVE USE
Concrete wash-out pits must be implemented on construction projects where concrete slurries are generated.
Wash-out should be located a minimum of 50 feet from storm drains, ditches, and 100 feet from classified
streams, losing streams or sinkholes. Design concrete wash-out pits to sufficiently hold all liquid and concrete
waste. Plastic liner should be a minimum of 10 mil. polyethylene sheeting. See MDNR Guide Section 6-63 for
additional guidance.
INSTALLATION/CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES
Install concrete wash-out pits prior to concrete pouring activities. See Typical Detail.
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
Inspect every week and within 48 hours after a rain event that causes stormwater runoff to occur on-site.
Remove and dispose of solid concrete material. Wash-out facilities must be cleaned when volume reaches 75%
of capacity. Cover the concrete wash-out pit before predicted rain events to prevent overflow.
SITE CONDITIONS FOR REMOVAL
Remove concrete wash-out pit when concrete wash-out activity ceases.
ALTERNATIVES

 Return unwanted concrete back to concrete batch plant to wash-out, proprietary disposal boxes, roll-off
dumpster

Section 3: Sediment Control BMPs 1