Know Your Dirt: Turning Construction Challenges Into Opportunities

Have you ever driven by a big construction site and wondered where all that dirt goes after it’s been dug up? If you look at any large development, you’ll probably see huge piles of earth sitting off to the side. That dirt might end up making money for the project, or it could turn into an extra hassle and cost.

When dirt is removed from a construction site, it can actually be pretty valuable, especially if it’s clean. Sometimes, that extra soil can be used to level out another site or fill in holes, and it can even be sold to other businesses. Taking the time to really understand what kind of dirt you have and how you can use it can save a lot of time and money during a construction project.

Before any building begins, a big part of land development is doing your due diligence. That means figuring out what kind of soils you have on site and how much of it might need to be moved elsewhere. There are online tools that can help you check for contamination and see if any cleanup has already been done before construction starts. If there is any sign of contamination, you may need to do further testing to find out what is present. Treating the soil so it can be reused or sold can be a smart move. Cleaning up the dirt is not just good for your budget; it also protects people’s health. Contaminated soil can be made safe by removing, destroying, or detoxifying whatever is harmful.

If some soil turns out to be contaminated, you want to keep that contamination from spreading. If you have to stockpile that dirt on your site, it is important to cover it with a tarp so the wind doesn’t blow it around. The dirt has to stay covered until testing shows it is no longer contaminated. Sometimes, getting rid of contamination can be a long and expensive process. If the area is very large or the contamination is severe, it may actually make more sense to haul the dirt to a special landfill that is set up to handle it.

Dirt is a key ingredient in any construction project, and understanding what’s on your site can help you avoid big problems down the road. Finding ways to reuse your clean dirt can make your project run more smoothly and even help your bottom line. So get to know your dirt.

If you have more questions about handling soil contamination, KCI is ready to help you. Contact us today to learn more.