THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGES OF A HYDRO VAC

Introduction• The construction industry in the country employs nearly

1.3 million people.

• It brings in over $66 billion dollars in revenue each year.

• The mining industry generates nearly $101 billion in revenue annually. Mining businesses invest over $18 billion in mineral exploration.

Introduction• Both of these industries rely on excavation in order lay

foundations or access mineral veins.

• Hydro-excavation uses special trucks, water and vacuums to clear large areas of land.

• A hydro vac helps the environment during excavation in a number of ways.

Lower Water Usage• The trucks that are used to perform hydro-excavation

have two main components. The first is a system to blast or distribute water in an area.

• The second is a vacuum to remove the resulting slurry.

Lower Water Usage• This excavation technique reduces the amount of water

that is used every day. The slurry that is collected from the site can be separated and reused once the solids are removed.

• This reduces the need to draw large amounts of water from a municipal supply or natural source. The lower water usage gives businesses the ability to excavate even in areas that are experiencing a drought or that have a lack of available water.

Minimal Impact On The Excavation Area• Many forms of traditional excavation use mechanical

methods that tear into an area and remove soil or other substances in large batches.

• Bulldozers and other devices are very difficult to control.

• This sometimes results in unintentional damage to the environment or the local infrastructure.

Minimal Impact On The Excavation Area• A hydro vac uses water to loosen soil and then a vacuum

to remove the material.

• The water will not cause damage to roots, pipes or utility lines in the area like the metal claw on an excavator.

• Excavating with water has the added environmental benefit of being easily controlled. Operators can excavate an area without compromising the integrity of the surrounding natural areas.

Prevent Groundwater Contamination• Some types of excavation equipment use liquids like

water or oil in order to assist mechanical components that cut through the ground.

• The liquids that are used during this type of excavation fall to the ground and are absorbed into the soil.

• Extensive excavations that last for months or years can deposit enough fluids to cause contamination of local groundwater or nearby streams and lakes.

Prevent Groundwater Contamination• A hydro vac is a much more environmentally responsible

way to excavate areas. Nearly all of the water that is deposited during the process is vacuumed back into the truck.

• The water can then be reused repeatedly or transported to a proper disposal site.

• Additionally, the water that is used is not treated with any harsh chemicals like some other excavation techniques.

Reduce Carbon Emissions• Carbon emissions from vehicles harm the atmosphere

and reduce air quality.

• The particulate matter and carbon dioxide released from standard engines cause smog and other hazardous substances to form in the air and atmosphere.

Reduce Carbon Emissions• Large construction vehicles that use mechanical devices

for excavation emit a high amount of carbon dioxide and particulate matter into the air.

• They also consume gasoline or other carbon-based fuels very quickly. Hydro vac services produce fewer emissions because of the simple mechanisms that are used.

• This helps to improve air quality over time.