# Rule 403 Agricultural Handbook

Measures to Reduce Dust from Agricultural Operation s in the

South Coast Air Basin

Prepared by

South Coast Air Quality Management District

December 1998

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### TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Section I

Purpose

...... 1
Rule 403 Applicability 1

Conservation Practice Selection 2

Alternative Conservation Practices 3

Technical Justifications 3
Conservation Practice Implementation Guidance 3

Section II

Active Conservation Practices 4

Inactive Conservation Practices 5

Farm Yard Area Conservation Practices 7

Track-Out Conservation Practices 8
Unpaved Road Conservation Practices 9
Storage Pile Conservation Practices 10

Section III

Submittal Instructions for Alternative Conservation Practices 11

Section IV

Submittal Instructions for a Justification Statemen t 12

Section V
Conservation Practice Self-Monitoring Form 13

Section VI
Opting for Rule 403 general provisions 16
Failure to comply with Rule 403 17

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Boundaries of the South Coast Air Basin 1(1/17) 12/15/98 

## Section I

Purpose

To reduce the dust and corresponding PM10 emissions ( P articulate M atter less than 10 microns in diameter) generated from agricultural operations and to meet federal requirements to implement appropriate particulate matter reduction programs.



## Rule 403 Applicability

Agricultural operations that have 10 contiguous acr es or less, or are primarily used for the purpose of raising fowl or animals, or are outside the South Coast Air Basin (see Figure 1) 1 will remain exempt from Rule 403. Agricultural operatio ns in excess of 10 contiguous acres and are

conducted within the South Coast Air Basin can volu ntarily implement the conservation practices and complete the self-monitoring form no later than June 30, 1999, and maintain their exemption from all Rule 403 requirements. After Ju ly 1, 1999, producers who do not implement the conservation practices become subject to all ot her Rule 403 requirements. Failure to meet Rule 403 requirements may result in mandatory conse rvation class(es), required dust control plans, fines, or other penalties.



### FIGURE 1

1 If your agricultural operation is outside the Sout h Coast Air Basin or 10 contiguous acres or less, conservation practices are encouraged, but no actions are required.(2/17) 12/15/98 

## Section I

Conservation Practice Selection

Producers who voluntarily implement the suggested m inimum number of conservation practices listed under each category in Section II by June 30, 1999 and complete and maintain the self-monitoring form (Section V) will be exempt from the requirements of Rule 403. The list of conservation practices will be updated annually to reflect any new developments in control technology. Producers that do not elect to implement sufficient conservation practices become subject to all Rule 4 03 requirements beginning July 1,

1999.

The list of conservation practices is divided into the six categories presented below. The italicized text underneath the category description s represent the suggested minimum number of conservation practices to be implemented in order to maintain a Rule 403 exemption. Producers can also choose alternative c onservation practices or provide a technical justification if the suggested minimum nu mber of conservation practices for a category (e.g., inactive) can not be implemented on -site (see Sections III and IV)

1. Active - applicable to agricultural activities invo lved in disturbing the soil (not

applicable to orchards, vine crops, nurseries, rang e land, and irrigated pasture).

(producers must cease activities during wind condit ions greater than 25 mph and

implement at least one of the other conservation practices)

2. Inactive - applicable to agricultural sites when no soil disturbance activities are being

conducted (not applicable to orchards, vine crops, nurserie s, range land, and irrigated pasture)

(at least three of the conservation practices must be implemented within this category)

3. Farm Yard Areas - applicable to disturbed surfaces used by people or vehicles (e.g.,

equipment storage yards) on at least eight calendar days per year

(at least one of the conservation practices must be implemented within this category)

4. Track-Out - applicable to vehicles or other equipme nt carrying soil from an unpaved

surface to a paved public road

(at least one of the conservation practices must be implemented within this category)

5. Unpaved Roads - applicable to private unpaved roads used by producers

(at least one of the conservation practices must be implemented within this category)

6. Storage Piles - applicable accumulations of materia l

(at least one of the conservation practices must be implemented within this category)(3/17) 12/15/98 

## Section I

Alternative Conservation Practices

Producers can implement alternative conservation pr actices that are more suitable to their specific farming operations. Producers that elect to implement alternative conservation practices and want to qualify for the Rule 403 exem ption must provide a description of the alternative conservation practices to the AQMD. Please refer to Section III (page 11) of this Handbook for AQMD submittal instructions.



## Technical Justifications

In the event that there are special technical (e.g. , non-economic) circumstances, including safety, which prevent implementation of the suggest ed minimum number of conservation practices for each category in Section II, producer s can submit a justification statement to the AQMD. The justification statement must explain the reason(s) why the suggested minimum number of conservation practices within a c ategory can not be implemented on-site. Please refer to Section IV (page 12) of t his Handbook for AQMD submittal

instructions.



## Conservation Practice Implementation Guidance

Technical assistance with selecting, adopting, and implementing any of the conservation practices listed in Section II is available, free o f charge, from your local Resource Conservation District (RCD), Natural Resources Cons ervation Service (NRCS) office, or Cooperative Extension office. Cost-sharing incenti ves to implement practices that reduce dust may also be available from these resource agen cies. Phone numbers of RCD, NRCS, and Cooperative Extension offices within the South Coast Air Basin are listed

below.

NRCS/RCD Offices

Los Angeles, Urban Office (213) 580-8890

Riverside/Orange County (909) 684-1552 (909) 683 -7691

Redlands (909) 799-7407

San Jacinto (909) 654-7733 (909) 654-7139

Apple Valley (760) 242-2906

University of California Cooperative Extension

(909) 683-6491(4/17) 12/15/98 

## Section II

1. Active Conservation Practices

Exempted operations: orchards, vine crops, nurserie s, range land, and irrigated pasture

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment the Activity Modification
conservation practice and at least one of the other conservation practices.

Activity Modification
Cease soil preparation and/or maintenance activitie s (does not include harvesting
activities) during wind conditions in excess of 25 miles per hour (mph) unless such

activities result in a net reduction in wind driven fugitive dust (i.e., if wind driven dust is

not visible from tilled soil, but is visible from u ntilled soil within the same agricultural
parcel). A one-day exemption from this prohibition is allowed if wind conditions in
excess of 25 mph have occurred on two consecutive d ays.

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment at least one of the other four
conservation practices listed below.

1. Soil Moisture Monitoring
Ensure adequate soil moisture levels at the time of tillage or soil maintenance activities to
prevent visible dust emissions from extending more than 100 feet from any source within
the agricultural parcel.

2. Irrigation System
Irrigate or bed fields as soon as feasible after la nd leveling or releveling to prevent the
field being left in a smooth dry condition.

3. Minimum Tillage
Utilize conservation tillage practices to manage th e amount, orientation and distribution
of crop and other plant residues on the soil surfac e year-round, while growing crops in
narrow slots or tilled strips. Your local NRCS, RCD, or Cooperative Extension offi ce can provide guidance on various minimum tillage practic es.

4. Mulching
Uniformly distribute plant residues, manure, or oth er suitable materials not produced on
the site to the soil surface prior to disturbing th e soil.(5/17) 12/15/98 

## Section II

2. Inactive Conservation Practices

Exempted operations: orchards, vine crops, nurserie s, range land, and irrigated pasture

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment at least three of the following

nine conservation practices listed below.

1. Local Jurisdiction Ordinance

Compliance with a local jurisdiction's ordinance in tended to reduce windblown dust

emissions.

2. Cover Crop
Establish a cover crop that establishes a minimum o f 60 percent ground cover on fields

that will remain fallow until the next crop plantin g. Vegetative growth to be managed, if
necessary, by mowing, grazing, approved chemicals o r other means that maintain the

necessary cover. (Native or volunteer vegetation that meets the mini mum ground cover

requirements also represents an acceptable cover cr op).

3. Crop Residue Management

Maintain crop residues from previous crops that est ablishes a minimum of 60 percent
ground cover on fields that will remain fallow unti l the next crop planting. Implements
such as undercutters or sweeps that sever roots and lift weeds without burying or
destroying much of the residue are most efficient f or maintaining surface cover.

4. Surface Roughening

Conduct surface roughening by bedding, rough diskin g, or tillage that leaves the surface

covered with stable clods. Disc fallow fields in t he early spring to get the winter weeds
before they mature seed and before it dries out so clods will be produced. List or bed up
in May to get early summer weeds before they seed a nd before it is too dry to bed.

5. Minimum Tillage

Utilize conservation tillage practices to manage th e amount, orientation and distribution

of crop and other plant residues on the soil surfac e year-round, while growing crops in
narrow slots or tilled strips. Your local NRCS, RCD, or Cooperative Extension of fice can

provide guidance on various minimum tillage practic es.(6/17) 12/15/98 

## Section II

2. Inactive Conservation Practices (Concluded)

Exempted operations: orchards, vine crops, nurserie s, range land, and irrigated pasture

6. Cross Wind Stripcropping

Establish crops in strips established across the pr evailing wind erosion direction and
arranged so that strips susceptible to wind erosion are alternated with strips having a
protective cover that is resistant to wind erosion.

7. Field Windbreaks
Plant or maintain a single or multiple row of trees or shrubs adjacent to windward edge of

the field as close to perpendicular as practical wi th the direction of erosive winds. Avoid
conflicts with any above or below ground utilities. Local RCD, NRCS, or Cooperative

Extension staff can provide technical assistance on selecting proper tree species,

appropriate spacing, and maintenance requirements

.

8. Ridge Roughness

Establish ridges by normal tillage and planting equ ipment as close to perpendicular as

practical with the direction of erosive winds (not appropriate for unstable soils such as
sands or loamy sands). After establishment, ridges shall be maintained through those

periods when wind erosion is expected to occur, or until growing crops provide enough

cover to protect the soil from wind erosion.

9. Wind Barriers

Plant or maintain perennial or annual plants inters persed throughout a crop field as close
to perpendicular as practical with the direction of erosive winds. To be effective, the

selected plant(s) must create a stand at least thre e feet tall. Selection of plants for wind

barriers should favor species or varieties tolerant to herbicides used on adjacent crops.

Local RCD, NRCS, or Cooperative Extension staff can provide technical assistance on

selecting proper tree species, appropriate spacing, and maintenance requirements

.(7/17) 12/15/98 

## Section II

3. Farm Yard Area Conservation Practices

Farm yard areas refer to disturbed surfaces used by people or vehicles (e.g., equipment

storage yards) on at least eight calendar days per year.

Exempted operations: none

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment at least one of the four

conservation practices listed below.

1. Vegetation

Establish or maintain vegetation at sufficient dens ity to prevent wind driven dust.

2. Dust Suppressants

Apply water or approved dust suppressants at a suff icient quantity and frequency to

prevent wind driven dust.

3. Surface Area Modification

Apply material with low silt content (i.e., asphalt , concrete, recycled road base, or gravel
to a minimum depth of four inches) at sufficient qu antity and frequency to prevent wind

driven dust.

4. Disturbed Surface Area Reduction

Reduce farm yard area by at least 50 percent from t he original disturbed surface area. To
qualify, the original disturbed surface area must b e treated (e.g., vegetation, watering that

establishes a crust, chemical stabilization, etc.) to prevent wind driven dust.(8/17) 12/15/98 

## Section II

4. Track-Out Conservation Practices

Exempted operations: none

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment at least one of the four

conservation practices listed below.

1. Track-Out Area Improvements

Pave or apply chemical stabilization at sufficient concentration and frequency to maintain
a stabilized surface starting from the point of int ersection with the public paved surface,
and extending for a centerline distance of at least 100 feet with an acceptable width to
accommodate traffic ingress and egress from the sit e.

2. Track-Out Prevention

Check or clean the undercarriage and wheels on haul trucks before leaving field or install

a track-out control device to prevent the track-out of soil onto paved public roads.

3. End of Row Equipment Turn Around Areas

Prohibit turning tractors and implements on paved p ublic roads if soil will be dropped on
the road or clean pavement after practices have cea sed.(9/17) 12/15/98 

## Section II

5. Unpaved Roads Conservation Practices

Exempted operations: none

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment at least one of the four

conservation practices listed below.

1. Speed Control

Control speed to 15 miles per hour (mph) on unpaved roads through worker notifications,
signage, or any other necessary means.

2. Access Restriction

Restrict access to private unpaved roads currently used by the public either through
signage or physical access restrictions.

3. Unpaved Road Treatments
Treat unpaved roads with water, mulch, chemical dus t suppressants or other cover during
heavy use periods. Unpaved farm roads should be tr eated early enough so that mud will

not stick to tires and be carried onto paved public roads.

4. Surface Modification

Cover frequently traveled unpaved roads with a low silt content material (i.e., asphalt,
concrete, recycled road base, or gravel to a minimu m depth of four inches).(10/18) 12/15/98 

## Section II

6. Storage Pile Conservation Practices

Exempted operations: none

Producers that want a Rule 403 exemption must imple ment at least one of the four

conservation practices listed below.

1. Wind Sheltering

Enclose material in a three-sided barrier equal to the height of the material. Open side of

the barrier should be oriented to the leeward (down wind) side of the material.

2. Watering

Apply water at a sufficient quantity and frequency to prevent wind driven dust.

3. Chemical Stabilization

Apply an approved dust suppressants at a sufficient quantity and frequency to prevent

wind driven dust. Best for use on storage piles subject to infrequent disturbances.

4. Covering Install tarps, plastic, or other material as a temp orary cover. Coverings should be anchored to prevent wind from removing the cover.(11/17) 12/15/98 

## Section III

Submittal Instructions for Alternative Conservation Practices

Producers can voluntarily implement alternative con servation practices that are more suitable to their specific farming operations. How ever, producers that elect to implement alternative conservation practices and want to qual ify for the Rule 403 exemption must provide a description of the alternative conservati on practices to the AQMD.

Producers that want to implement alternative conser vation practices must notify the AQMD by August 1, 1999, or 30 days prior to startin g a new farming operation.

The notification must include a description of the alternative conservation practice(s) that will be implemented on-site.

After receipt of a notification, the AQMD will cons ult with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the applicable Resource Co nservation District to determine the appropriateness of the alternative conservation pra ctice(s).

The AQMD will then notify the producer in writing i f the alternative conservation practices are considered acceptable. Producers wil l be exempt from implementing conservation practices on the source category (e.g. , active, inactive, unpaved roads, etc.) in which alternative conservation practices are pro posed until the AQMD has notified said producer whether the alternative conservation practices are acceptable. If the alternative conservation practices are deemed unacc eptable, the AQMD will notify the producer of such a determination and will establish a 30-day grace period to identify acceptable alternative conservation practices. Dur ing this 30-day grace period, the AQMD will work with the producer and the appropriat e resource agency personnel to identify acceptable alternative conservation practi ces.

Notifications can be mailed or delivered to:

Rule 403 Compliance South Coast Air Quality Management District

21865 East Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182

Notifications can also be submitted electronically to:

mlaybourn@aqmd.gov(12/17) 12/15/98 

## Section IV

Submittal Instructions for Justification Statements

In the event that there are special technical (e.g. , non-economic) circumstances, including safety, which prevent implementation of the suggest ed minimum number of conservation practices within each category listed in Section II , a justification statement must be submitted in order for a producer to qualify for a Rule 403 exemption.

Producers that want to submit a justification state ment must notify the AQMD by August 1, 1999, or 30 days prior to starting a new farming operation.

The justification statement must explain the reason (s) why the suggested minimum number of conservation practices within a category can not be implemented on-site.

After receipt of a justification statement, the AQM D will consult with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the applicable R esource Conservation District to determine the appropriateness of the information su bmitted.

The AQMD will then notify the producer in writing i f the justification statement(s) are considered acceptable. Producers will be exempt fr om implementing conservation practices on the source category (e.g., active, ina ctive, unpaved roads, etc.) in which a justification statement is proposed until the AQMD has notified said producer whether the justification statement is acceptable. If the justification statement is deemed unacceptable, the AQMD will notify the producer of such a determination and will establish a 30-day grace period to identify any alt ernative conservation practices or other possible justification statements. During this 30- day grace period, the AQMD will work with the producer and the appropriate resource agen cy personnel to identify alternative conservation practices or other possible justificat ion statements.

Justification statements can be mailed or delivered to:

Rule 403 Compliance South Coast Air Quality Management District

21865 East Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182

Justification statements can also be submitted elec tronically to:

mlaybourn@aqmd.gov(13/17) 12/15/98 

## Section V

Conservation Practice Self Monitoring Form

The following form has been prepared to assist prod ucers in documenting implementation of the conservation practices. Prod ucers are required to prepare and maintain this form to qualify for a Rule 403 exempt ion.

A sample completed conservation practice self-monit oring form is also provided following the blank form.(14/17)12/15/98Farm Name:Section VProducer Signature:Conservation Practice Self Monitoring Form1Date:Active2Inactive2Farm Yard Area Track-Out Unpaved Roads StoragePiles√Activity Modification(Mandatory)(minimum of three)(minimum of one)(minimum of one)(minimum of one)(minimum of one)(minimum of one frombelow)Local JurisdictionOrdinanceVegetationTrack-Out AreaImprovementsSpeed ControlWind ShelteringSoil MoistureCover CropDust SuppressantsTrack-Out PreventionAccess RestrictionWateringIrrigation SystemCrop ResidueManagementSurface AreaModificationEnd of Row TurnAround AreasUnpaved RoadTreatmentsChemicalStabilizationMinimum TillageSurface RougheningDisturbed SurfaceArea ReductionAlternative PracticesSurface ModificationCoveringMulchingMinimum TillageAlternative PracticesJustificationAlternative PracticesAlternative PracticesAlternative PracticesCross WindStripcroppingJustificationJustificationJustificationJustificationField WindbreaksRidge RoughnessWind BarriersAlternative PracticesJustification1If you wish to choose different practices for different fields and/or farm areas, separate sheets must be filled out for each site.2The following operations are exempt from active and inactive land conservation practices: orchards, vine crops, nurseries, range land, and irrigated pasture.(15/17)12/15/98Farm Name:AAAA FarmsSection VProducer Signature:John SmithConservation Practice Self Monitoring Form1Date:6/19/99Active2Inactive2Farm Yard Area Track-Out Unpaved Roads StoragePiles√Activity Modification(Mandatory)(minimum of three)(minimum of one)(minimum of one)(minimum of one)(minimum of one)(minimum of one frombelow)√Local JurisdictionOrdinanceVegetation√Track-Out AreaImprovements√Speed ControlWind ShelteringSoil MoistureCover CropDust SuppressantsTrack-Out PreventionAccess RestrictionWatering√Irrigation System√Crop ResidueManagementSurface AreaModificationEnd of Row TurnAround AreasUnpaved RoadTreatments√ChemicalStabilizationMinimum TillageSurface Roughening√Disturbed SurfaceArea ReductionAlternative PracticesSurface ModificationCoveringMulchingMinimum TillageAlternative PracticesJustificationAlternative PracticesAlternative PracticesAlternative Practices√Cross WindStripcroppingJustificationJustificationJustificationJustificationField WindbreaksRidge RoughnessWind BarriersAlternative PracticesJustification1If you wish to choose different practices for different fields and/or farm areas, separate sheets must be filled out for each site.2The following operations are exempt from active and inactive land conservation practices: orchards, vine crops, nurseries, range land, and irrigated pasture.(16/17) 12/15/98 

## Section VI

Opting for Rule 403 General Provisions

AQMD in conjunction with local producers and staff from the NRCS, RCDs, and Cooperative Extension have developed the conservati on practices contained in this Handbook to be more appropriate for farming operati ons than the traditional dust control requirements for construction projects, landfills, and other dust sources.

Producers that do not voluntarily implement the con servation practices before July 1, 1999, or within 30 days of starting a farming opera tion at a new site would become subject to the general requirements contained in AQ MD Rule 403. The following is a general summary of the Rule 403 requirements.

• visible emissions prohibited from crossing the site property line [Section (d)(1)]

• at least one best available control measure must be implemented for each source [Section (d)(2)]

• upwind/downwind PM10 differential prohibited from e xceeding 50 μ g/m 3

[Section (d)(4)]

• all track-out must be prevented or removed within o ne hour [Section (d)(5)]

• any operation with more than 100 acres of disturbed surfaces must submit a fugitive dust control plan that specifies at least one contr ol action and one contingency control action for each source category (e.g., tilling, unp aved roads, etc.). A filing fee of $160.60 is required with all fugitive dust control plan submittals.

Producers that would like more information can obta in a copy of Rule 403 and the general Rule 403 Handbook, which details traditiona l best available control measures, by calling the AQMD at (909) 396-2000 or through the i nternet at:

www.aqmd.gov(17/17) 12/15/98 

## Section VI

Failure to Comply with Rule 403

The intent of the AQMD is to work with producers an d local resource agencies (e.g., NRCS, RCDs, Farm Bureaus, Cooperative Extension, et c.) to reduce dust and the corresponding PM10 emissions from agricultural oper ations through the voluntary implementation of good conservation practices. The se emission reductions are necessary as part of the region’s efforts to attain State and Federal air quality standards. Failure to achieve compliance with the State and Federal air q uality standards by the mandated

attainment date could result in Federal action that would significantly impact our region.

Prior to June 30, 1999, the AQMD has conducted a co mprehensive outreach program to inform local producers of the voluntary conservatio n practices and options available to maintain a Rule 403 exemption. After July 1, 1999, failure to meet Rule 403 requirements could subject the producer mandatory c onservation class(es), required dust control plans, fines, or other penalties.