Regulations
Adams County SWPPP Checklist: Concrete Washout & Erosion Control
Adams County
Jurisdiction: Adams County (Unincorporated MS4 Area, including Brighton and Commerce
Permit / authority: Governing Permits: Adams County Stormwater Quality Permit / CDPHE General Permit
City borders) Adams County has heavily codified its erosion and sediment control standards, particularly regarding illicit discharges in its industrial and rapidly developing corridors. If you are managing concrete washout in Adams County, your site must adhere to the specific mandates listed in the county's official Erosion Control Plan General Notes.
1. The Groundwater "Buffering Capacity" Rule
The Rule: Water used to clean concrete trucks must be discharged into a predefined Concrete Washout Area (CWA), which must be clearly identified with a sign and allow liquids to evaporate or dry out. The Adams County Nuance: Adams County specifically dictates that any CWA discharges reaching the ground must flow through soil that possesses adequate buffering capacity. Washout locations cannot be placed in areas where shallow groundwater may be present (such as near natural drainages, springs, or wetlands) because the buffering capacity is deemed inadequate. If shallow groundwater is a risk, a liner underneath the CWA is strictly required.
2. The Strict 2/3 Capacity Limit
The Rule: Control measures for concrete washout waste must be implemented for all concrete truck and masonry operations. The Adams County Nuance: While some counties use a "4-inch freeboard" rule, Adams County General Notes explicitly mandate that a CWA must be cleaned out the moment waste accumulation reaches ⅔ (two-thirds) of the wet storage capacity of the structure.
3. The "No-Bury" Disposal Mandate
The Rule: Temporary BMPs/CMs must be removed after the site has reached final stabilization. The Adams County Nuance: Superintendents cannot dispose of dried washout material by grading it into the dirt. Adams County strictly mandates that concrete waste must be legally disposed of, accompanied by the explicit directive: "Do not bury on-site".
4. Vacuum Sweeping & The Flushing Ban
The Rule: Vehicle Tracking Control (VTC) must be maintained at all times, and any sediment tracking from mixer trucks must be cleaned up immediately. The Adams County Nuance: If mud or slurry is tracked onto paved roads from the washout zone, it must be swept by hand or by utilizing street sweepers specifically equipped with a vacuum system. Adams County prohibits the flushing of paved surfaces with water to clean up track-out.
