Why do you Need a Tire Wash?
Here are some reasons for a project designer to consider:
This here is an excellent tire wash. Why? Because it is long enough for two tire rotations. In addition, quarry spalls are installed at the entrance and exit of the tire wash. To the left of the tire wash, the contractor placed quarry spalls so vehicles entering the project don’t have to drive through the tire wash.
The photo is taken right at the paved road access to this project. It makes no sense to me why this tire wash is so far back into the site. The fact that the rock exit is so poorly installed and maintained makes it completely ineffective at preventing sediment trackout. i call this a tire wash fail.
Another construction entrance fail. Vehicles drive through the Soaker tire wash, over some rock, then over dirt and sand, defeating the purpose of the tire wash. This exit from the tire wash needs to be rock or asphalt to the street. Disclaimer: I do not promote any products or suppliers.
Where’s the rock entrance? I am just glad it’s not my project. This is a small staging area for a bike path extension next to a creek. All dirty runoff ends up in the creek. There used to be a rock entrance, but with mud being tracked over it, it has disappeared. With a small staging area and rainy season work next to a creek, I would have specified that the entire staging area be covered with Asphalt Treated Base (ATB), to be removed and recycled at the end of the job. I have done this on several staging areas of up to about two acres. This can end up being much less expensive than managing tire washes and sweepers.
If I’ve said it once, I must have said it 3 or 4 times: “Keep your tires clean!”. Who wants to use a tire wash and have to get rid of a whole lot of dirty water (process water) that can’t go down the storm drain? Save yourself some hassle and money. Give your employees a raise with the money you save. Make sure your trucks are loaded when on asphalt.
Powered by WordPress