How far must spoil banks be placed from an excavation?

The correct answer indicates that spoil banks should be placed at least 2 feet away from an excavation. This distance is important as it helps to prevent the potential for soil erosion, collapse, or instability of both the excavation and the spoil bank. Having spoil banks too close to the excavation could lead to several issues, such as increased weight on the excavation walls, which may compromise their integrity, or the possibility of runoff from the spoil banks carrying sediment back into the excavation site.

Establishing a 2-foot minimum distance ensures that there is enough space to maintain the stability of the excavation's edges and allows for proper management of water drainage. It is a common practice in civil engineering and environmental management to consider such distances to safeguard against hazards associated with heavy rains or other environmental factors. Therefore, maintaining this distance is a proactive measure to ensure safety and operational effectiveness at excavation sites.