Earthmoving crews excavate material from a designated area to supply fill dirt, sand, or gravel for constructing embankments, raising grades, or backfilling trenches elsewhere. The pit is typically located close to the construction zone to minimize hauling costs. Once the project is complete, these pits are often graded into ponds or retention basins.
Heard on the job
The surveyors staked out a new borrow pit on the north end of the lot so we can get enough fill for the building pad.
Insider tip
Always strip and stockpile the topsoil before digging a borrow pit so you can reclaim the area properly later.
Also heard as
- borrow area