Subject: Sediment Control - Dust Control

The easiest way to control dust is to avoid exposed soil surfaces. While this is not possible on most construction sites, the area exposed can usually be reduced by careful planning of controlled traffic patterns, control of equipment speed, and by phasing of clearing and grading operations.

Various techniques may be used to reduce potential dust generation. Some are temporary in nature while others are permanent methods for dust control.

Temporary Methods

When temporary dust control measures are used, repetitive treatment should be applied as needed to accomplish the desired level of control. Temporary methods include:

• Mulches – See Kansas Urban Conservation Technical Note KS-3, Mulching.
• Vegetative Cover – See Kansas Urban Conservation Technical Note KS-1, Temporary Seeding.
• Spray-on adhesives – Keep traffic off these areas after application. Some examples are:
  1. Anionic Asphalt Emulsion: Water dilution – 7:1, coarse spray, 1,200 gallons/acre.
  2. Latex Emulsion: Water dilution – 12.5:1, fine spray, 235 gallons/acre.
  3. Resin-In-Water Emulsion: Water dilution – 4:1, fine spray, 300 gallon/acre.
• Tillage – Roughen the surface and bring clods to the surface. This is an emergency measure that should be used before soil blowing starts. Begin tillage on windward side of site. Chisel plows with shanks spaced about 12” to 18” apart and spring-toothed harrows are examples of equipment that may produce the desired effect.
• Irrigation – This is commonly used and affords fast protection for haul roads and other heavy traffic roads. The site is sprinkled with water until the surface is moist. Repeat as needed.
• Barriers – Solid board fences, snow fences, burlap fences, crate walls, bales of hay and similar material can be used to control air currents and blowing soil. Barriers placed at right angles to prevailing wind currents at intervals of about ten times their height are effective in controlling soil blowing.
• Calcium Chloride – Apply at a rate that will keep the surface moist. This chemical may be applied by a mechanical spreader as loose, dry granules, or flakes at a rate that keeps the surface moist, but not so much as to cause water pollution or plant damage. Application rates should be strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's specified rates. Periodic re-treatment may be needed.
• Stone – Stone can be used to stabilize roads or other areas during construction using crushed stone or coarse gravel.
• Street Cleaning – Paved areas that have soil on them from construction sites should be cleaned daily, or as needed, utilizing a street sweeper or bucket-type end-loader or scraper.

Permanent Method

Permanent Vegetation – See the Kansas Urban Conservation Technical Note KS-2, Permanent Vegetation. Also, existing trees or large shrubs may afford valuable protection if left in place.

Contact

Technical assistance is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at your local United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) service center (listed in the telephone book under United States Government). More information is also available on the Kansas Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

/s/

JEFFRY L. HART
State Resource Conservationist

DIST: A, F