Concrete pumping contractors have a responsibility to ensure all staff and subcontractors act in ways that do not cause environmental harm. This includes preventing spillage or leakage of concrete, ensuring concrete residue or washdown water does not contaminate drains or waterways, and cleaning all equipment—hoppers, pipelines, hoses—safely.
Wash-down water must be disposed of in a way that does not contaminate drains, waterways, or soil. Disposal to the sewer is only allowed with prior consultation with the local sewage authority. Proper management during concrete pumping helps minimise environmental impact.
Purpose
Proper management during concrete pumping minimises the risk of environmental harm.
Applications
• Concrete pumping contractors on construction sites
• Site managers overseeing concrete-pumping activities
Best Management Practices
Equipment Setup
• Set up concrete pumping equipment in areas that reduce the risk of leaks contaminating stormwater
• Erect protective screens to prevent concrete splashing into gutters or drains
• Pump concrete in areas where spillage will not affect the stormwater system
• Install bunding or portable collection units under pumps on roadways or footpaths to trap spills
Handling and Disposal
• Wash hoses, hoppers, wheelbarrows, and other equipment in the designated site wash-down area
• Collect excess concrete from hoppers and lines, either returning it with the delivery truck or placing it in site-designated recycling receptacles
• Scrape excess concrete from hoppers to reduce wash-down water
• Never wash hoppers directly into street gutters
• Wash-down water must be properly collected, treated, and disposed of according to site procedures
• Mud, soil, and stones carried off-site are pollutants; ensure tyres and undercarriages are clean before leaving the site
Inspection and Maintenance
• Inspect and maintain machinery regularly to minimise leaks and drips
• Ensure pollution controls are in place before pumping
• Contractors must inspect controls and liaise with site managers if issues arise
• Project managers must monitor work activities to ensure compliance
• Improper placement of equipment or materials may result in fines or prosecution
For a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution, contact a PumperDump field expert at 1300 366 668 or via the PumperDump App (App Store / Google Play).
Ref: Extracted from the NSW Government’s Environmental Best Management Practice Guideline for Concreting Contractors
