Pit disposal

[Noob]

I know this has been talked about before but what ar you guys doing for pit clean outs? For you guys that have then pumped what does it cost you?

Is there a local or state department that I could contact to determine if the mud can be legally be used as fill dirt? Is there a way to test the mud to determine so?

 

[Keno]

This is going to be state dependent, even the department to contact will vary by state.

 

[OurTown]

I know this has been talked about before but what ar you guys doing for pit clean outs? For you guys that have then pumped what does it cost you?

Is there a local or state department that I could contact to determine if the mud can be legally be used as fill dirt? Is there a way to test the mud to determine so?

In Ohio, I talked to the state (can't remember what department) 8 years ago when we bought our wash and the guy said we do not have to test the mud for heavy metals and no restrictions on where we can dispose. We got quotes from four companies to pump and dispose and the prices were all over the place. We settled on a septic pumper company that charges us $375/pit and we have 1,200 gallon pits. The guy does a great job too with pressure washing them to remove all caked/packed solids in the bottom.

 

[Noob]

Anybody know how to go about getting the mud tested? I would prefer to clean the pits out myself but want to make sure it's legal.

 

[soapy]

Most states and the EPA go by test it once and if it test fine then as long as your scope of business does not change you will not have to test each time. California for example has tested it several times and deem pit dirt as street sweepings. As long as it is dry there is nothing bad about pit dirt. The key is to have it dry. When it is wet it falls into another category. If you have property to put it on you are OK to let it dry there then dispose of it. I have one site that has a large lot that we put our dirt on. After 22 years of putting our dirt there from 4 car washes it is getting a pretty good sized mound. I just got a bid today to haul off the dirt and return it back to level. It will cost $4600 to haul it away and have the lot returned to level. Not bad for 22 years. We have our own pump and or tractor pit scooper and dump trailer.

 

[Noob]

If you like it up and let it dry do you have to ensure the water runs back into the pits and not out on the ground?

 

[Keno]

Most states and the EPA go by test it once and if it test fine then as long as your scope of business does not change you will not have to test each time. California for example has tested it several times and deem pit dirt as street sweepings. As long as it is dry there is nothing bad about pit dirt. The key is to have it dry. When it is wet it falls into another category. If you have property to put it on you are OK to let it dry there then dispose of it. I have one site that has a large lot that we put our dirt on. After 22 years of putting our dirt there from 4 car washes it is getting a pretty good sized mound. I just got a bid today to haul off the dirt and return it back to level. It will cost $4600 to haul it away and have the lot returned to level. Not bad for 22 years. We have our own pump and or tractor pit scooper and dump trailer.

How long does the smell linger when you put fresh pit mud on your pile? I can't imagine that would be pleasant for costumers