3 Things Contractors Forget During Ramp-Up Season (That Can Cost Them Time & Money)

As spring rolls in and the ground thaws, construction crews across the country are shifting into high gear. The ramp-up season is when bids turn into boots on the ground — and timelines, budgets, and subcontractors start to move fast.

But amid the planning chaos, it’s easy to overlook a few critical things that can throw a wrench in your jobsite flow.

At Valicor, we work with construction and industrial contractors every season — helping them stay compliant, keep sites clean, and move projects forward. Here are three things contractors tend to forget during ramp-up, and how you can stay ahead of them:

1. Frac Tanks Fill Up Fast — And Overflow Is a Real Risk

Frac tanks are great for holding contaminated groundwater or stormwater during excavation, but they can become a forgotten time bomb if not managed proactively.

Why it matters:

• Overflowing tanks can lead to environmental violations or fines
• Delays in pump-out scheduling can stall your crews
• Emergency cleanups = expensive surprises

Get a wastewater removal schedule in place now. Don’t wait until the tank’s nearly full or a storm is coming. Partner with a team like Valicor that can offer predictive scheduling based on your site activity — and be on call for urgent jobs.

2. Contaminated Soil and Water Can Sneak Up on You

Every contractor has a story about that one site — the one where excavation revealed surprise hydrocarbons, oily sheen in the water, or weird sludge in the soil.

Why it matters:

• Discovery of contaminated media can trigger regulatory reporting
• You could be required to halt work until disposal is handled properly
• Not every waste hauler is equipped to deal with complex or mixed streams

The fix: Loop in an experienced environmental waste partner early. Valicor handles groundwater, sludge, soil, and more — and we know how to navigate regulatory red tape without slowing your job down.

3. Vac Truck Waste Isn’t Just Water — It’s Regulated Waste

Vacuum excavation is one of the safest, cleanest ways to dig, especially around utilities. But many forget that what you suck up — especially on industrial or urban sites — isn’t just mud.

Why it matters:

• Vac truck waste often contains contaminants, oils, or debris that can’t go to a regular landfill
• Dumping without proper profiling or manifests can lead to non-compliance
• You need a licensed processor who can classify and treat the waste correctly

The fix: Send your vac truck loads to a facility (like Valicor) that knows the difference between “mud” and “regulated waste.” We can help you with everything including profiling, treatment, and documentation, so your crews stay focused on the work — not the paperwork.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait Until You’re In a Bind

Ramp-up season is about preparation. Contractors who plan for waste streams ahead of time:

• Avoid downtime
• Reduce risk of fines or citations
• Keep projects moving on schedule

Let’s make this season smoother. Valicor is ready to support your team with vac truck disposal, frac tank service, and wastewater management — before things back up.

Need a pre-season site review or waste plan?
Contact us today and let's have a conversation about how we can help you and your projects stay on track and avoid any speed bumps you might encounter along the way this year.