Dust Control Methods

The following are suggested dust control methods that may be

used to control fugitive dust from the sources listed. 

Please note: Use of these control methods DOES NOT automatically assure compliance 

with the fugitive dust standards in Chapter 17.16 Articles II and III of the Pima County Code. 

Use of more than one method may be necessary.

Landclearing Activities

Control Method Description

Watering Application by means of trucks and/or hoses during land clearing operations.

During periods of high 

winds

1. Apply chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions, and prior to expected wind 

events.

2. Apply water as necessary, and prior to expected wind events.

3. Stop work activities temporarily.

Earthmoving Activities

Control Method Description

Watering 1. Application of water by means of trucks, hoses, and/or sprinklers at sufficient 

frequency and quantity prior to conducting, during, and after earthmoving operation.

2. Pre-application of water to the depth of the proposed cuts or equipment penetration.

Pre-grading planning 1. Grade each phase separately and time to coincide with the construction phase.

2. Grade entire project but apply chemical stabilizers or ground cover to graded areas 

where construction is scheduled to begin more than 60 days after grading is 

complete.

Chemical stabilizers 1. Most effective in areas that are not subject to daily disturbances.

2. Apply per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Wind fencing 1. Three to five foot barriers with 50% or less porosity, adjacent to roadways or urban 

areas.

2. Normally used in conjunction with watering or chemical stabilization.

3. Use trees and shrubs for long-term sites.

Operate on-road haul 

vehicles appropriately

1. Cover entire surface of hauled material once vehicle is full.

2. Mix material with water prior to loading, and/or to entire surface of material after 

loading.

3. Do not overload haul vehicle. Freeboard should not be less than 3”.

4. Remove spillage from body of truck before/after loading or unloading.

5. Empty loader slowly and keep bucket close to the truck while dumping.

6. Apply water as necessary during loading operation.

Operate off-road haul 

vehicles appropriately

1. Mix material with water prior to loading, and/or to entire surface of material after 

loading.

2. Empty loader slowly and keep bucket close to the truck while dumping.

3. Apply water as necessary during loading operation.

Alternative haul 

vehicles

Use bottom-dumping haul vehicles.

During periods of high 

winds

1. Apply chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions, and prior to expected wind 

events.

2. Apply water as necessary, and prior to expected wind events.

3. Stop work activities temporarily.

Storage Piles

Control Method Description

Watering 1. Application methods include spray bars, hoses, and water trucks.

2. Frequency of application will vary with site-specific conditions.

Wind sheltering Install three-sided barriers, with no more than 50% porosity, equal to material height.

Chemical stabilizers Best for use on storage piles subject to infrequent disturbances.

Altering loading and 

unloading procedures

1. Confine loading and unloading procedures to the downwind side of storage piles.

2. May need to be used in conjunction with wind sheltering.

Coverings 1. Tarps, plastic, or other material can be used as a temporary covering.

2. When used, coverings must be anchored to prevent wind from removing them.

During periods of high 

winds

1. Apply chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions, and prior to expected wind 

events.

2. Apply water as necessary, and prior to expected wind events.

3. Install temporary covers.
Disturbed Surface Areas or Inactive Construction Sites

Control Method Description

Chemical stabilization 1. Most effective when used on areas where active operations have ceased.

2. Apply per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Watering Apply at sufficient frequency and quantity to develop a surface crust.

Wind fencing 1. Three to five foot barriers with 50% or less porosity located adjacent to roadways or 

urban areas.

2. Normally used in conjunction with watering or chemical stabilization.

Vegetation Establish as quickly as possible when active operations have ceased.

Prevent Access 1. Install fencing around the perimeter of property.

2. Install “No Trespassing” signs.

Site access 

improvements

Stay on established routes.

During periods of high 

winds

1. Apply chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions, and prior to expected wind 

events.

2. Apply water as necessary, and prior to expected wind events.

Unpaved Roads and Shoulders

Control Method Description

Paving or chip sealing Requires routine street sweeping if subject to material accumulation.

Chemical stabilization 1. Not recommended for high volume or heavy equipment traffic use.

2. Apply per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Watering 1. Need sufficient quantities to keep the surface moist.

2. Required application frequency will vary according to soil type, weather conditions, 

and amount of vehicle traffic.

Reduce speed May need to be used with watering or chemical stabilization.

Eliminate Unnecessary 

travel

Restrict access or redirect traffic to reduce vehicle trips.

Gravel/Recycled 

Asphalt

Maintained to a size and depth effective in controlling dust.

Location Locate haul roads as far from existing housing as possible.

Site access 

improvements

Stay on established routes.

During periods of high 

winds

1. Apply chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions, and prior to expected wind 

events.

2. Apply water as necessary, and prior to expected wind events.

3. Stop work and vehicle activity temporarily.

Paved Road Track-Out

Control Method Description

Wheel washers 1. Should be placed where vehicles exit unpaved areas onto paved areas.

2. May be adjusted to spray entire vehicle including bulk-stored material in haul 

vehicles.

Sweep/Clean roadways Either sweeping or water flushing may be used.

Cover haul vehicles Entire surface should be covered with water or tarps once vehicle is fully loaded.

Site access 

improvements

1. Install a gravel pad or grizzly at the access point to your site.

2. Designate a single site entrance and exit.

3. Stay on established routes.

During periods of high 

winds

1. Cover all haul vehicles.

2. Clean streets with water flushing.

Thank You for Keeping Our Air Healthy to Breathe!

Questions? Call or Click:

Pima County Department of Environmental Quality

33 N Stone Ave, #700 • Tucson, AZ 85701 • Phone: 520.243.7400 • Fax: 520.838.7432

www.deq.pima.gov/air/pcneap/Dust.htm • www.deq.pima.gov • www.AirInfoNow.org

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