Wash water recycle system makes Capital a zero-discharge operator

摘要

With ever-tightening standards and regulations regarding ground water contamination, mixer truck drivers are increasingly challenged to clean their vehicles in an environmentally acceptable manner upon return to the yard. Traditionally, drivers simply hosed down their chutes, allowing dirty water to pool on the ground or filter into storm sewers. Today, however, authorities are concerned about the effect this high-pH slurry water has on fish-bearing streams and ground vegetation. Many contractors are now required to provide water-tight washout containers at their job sites. About five years ago, Don Voges, general manager of Lincoln, Neb.-based Capital Concrete, attended a National Ready Mixed Concrete Association environmental seminar dealing with ground water contamination and decided that his one-plant operation was not going to be part of the problem. He had heard about the Vancouver-based Enviroguard's chute wash system when it won the 2002 NRMCA Environmental Innovation Award and decided it sounded like the answer to his problem. Since that time. Capital's 15-truck fleet has become part of a zero-discharge facility that is able to filter and reuse its water and unused aggregate, thanks to this system.