Is a sediment trap allowed to be used as a concrete washout facility?

A sediment trap is specifically designed to capture and settle sediment from stormwater runoff, reducing the amount of soil that is transported off-site during rain events. However, using a sediment trap as a concrete washout facility is not permissible since the functions of these two facilities are fundamentally different.

Concrete washout facilities are intended for the disposal of washout water, leftover concrete, and contaminants associated with concrete work. Unlike sediment traps, which are not designed to handle potentially hazardous materials like those found in concrete washout, using a sediment trap for this purpose could lead to contamination of the trap and fail to effectively manage sediment.

Furthermore, concrete washout can introduce high pH levels and other pollutants into the environment that a sediment trap would not be equipped to filter or manage. For this reason, regulations typically prohibit this practice to protect water quality and ensure that each facility serves its designated purpose effectively. This understanding aligns with best management practices aimed at preventing pollution and controlling erosion and sedimentation.