Soft ground after November 2026 rains: will service truck sink?

Question

We've got six standard units and one ADA-compliant unit on our construction site for a crew of 40. The ground was firm when they were placed in October, but the heavy November rains have turned the whole area to soft mud. The service truck parks about 20 feet away on the gravel access road, but the driver has to pull hose across the mud to reach the cluster. I'm worried the vacuum truck's weight will sink into the soft ground if he tries to get closer. Has anyone dealt with this after a wet season? What do drivers do when the ground won't support the truck? Should we ask the rental company to bring mats or planks, or is there another solution?

Marcus B. · Answer

A vacuum truck will sink in soft mud, so drivers do not drive off firm surfaces. Your driver will pull hose from the gravel road. The standard practice is to carry enough hose to service units from a stable parking spot. The rental company provides the necessary hose length as part of the service; you do not need to request mats or planks. For a crew of 40, OSHA 1926.51 requires one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers, so your six standard units and one ADA-compliant unit meet the minimum. Weekly service is typical, but muddy conditions may require extra cleaning. Ensure the access road remains clear for the truck on service days.

Soft ground after November 2026 rains: will service truck sink?

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