The following are suggested dust control methods that may be used to control fugitive dust from the active operations listed. 

Please Note: The use of these control methods does not automatically assure compliance with the Albuquerque/Bernalillo Air Quality 

Control Regulation 20.11.20 - Fugitive Dust Control. Use of more than one method may be necessary.

Land Clearing Activities 

Control Methods Description 

A. Watering 1. Application by means of trucks and/or hoses during land clearing operations. 

B. During periods of high winds 1. Apply non-toxic chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions, and prior to expected high 

wind events. 

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

3. Stop work activities temporarily. 

 

Earthmoving Activities 

Control Methods Description 

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

quantity prior to, during, and after earthmoving operation. 

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

B. Pre-grading planning 1. For projects to be phased: time the grading to coincide with the construction phase. 

2. Grade entire project but apply non-toxic chemical stabilizers or ground cover to inactive 

disturbed surface areas where construction is scheduled to begin more than 60 days after 

earthmoving activity is complete. 

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

2. Apply per manufacturer’s recommendations. 

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

2. Normally used in conjunction with watering or non-toxic chemical stabilizers. 

3. Use trees and shrubs for long-term stabilization of site. 

E. Operate on-road haul vehicles 

appropriately 

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

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

3. Remove spillage from body of truck after loading and unloading of truck. 

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

5. Apply water as necessary during loading operation. 

F. Operate off-road haul vehicles 

appropriately 

1. Mix material with water prior to loading and/or wet 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 operations. 

G. Alternative haul vehicles 1. Use bottom-dumping haul vehicles. 

H. During periods of high winds 1. Apply chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions prior to expected high wind events.

2. Apply water as necessary prior to expected high wind events. 

3. Stop work activities temporarily. 

Storage Piles 

Control Methods Description 

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

2. Frequency of application will vary with site-specific conditions and soil/gravel type. 

B Wind sheltering 1. Install three-sided barriers with no more than 50% porosity equal to material height. 

C. Chemical stabilizers 1. Best for use on storage piles subject to infrequent disturbances 

D. 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. 

E. 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. 

F. During periods of high winds 1. Apply non-toxic chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions prior to expected high wind 

events. 

2. Apply water as necessary prior to expected high wind events. 

3. Install temporary covers. 

Version 12/05 1

City of Albuquerque 

Environmental Health Department 

 Air Quality Division 

11850 Sunset Gardens S.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87121 

Phone: (505) 768-1972 Fax: (505) 768-1977 

Fugitive Dust Control Methods
Version 12/05 2

Fugitive Dust Control Methods

Disturbed Surface Areas or Inactive Constructions Sites 

Control Methods Description 

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

2. Apply per manufacturer’s recommendations. 

B Watering 1. Apply at sufficient frequency and quantity to develop a surface crust. 

C. Wind fencing 1. Three to five foot high with 50% or less porosity located adjacent to roadways or urban areas. 

2. Normally used in conjunction with watering or non-toxic chemical stabilizers. 

D. Vegetation 1. Establish as quickly as possible when active operations have ceased. 

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

2. Install “No Trespassing” signs. 

F. Site Access Improvements 1. Stay on established routes. 

G. During periods of high winds 1. Apply non-toxic chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions prior to expected high wind 

events. 

2. Apply water as necessary prior to expected high wind events. 

Unpaved Roads and Shoulders 

Control Methods Description 

A. Paving or chip sealing 1. Requires routine maintenance by watering or dry/wet sweeping to control fugitive dust. 

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

2. Apply per manufacturer’s recommendations. 

C. 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. 

D. Reduced speed 1. May need to be used with watering or non-toxic chemical stabilizers. 

E. Gravel/Recycled Asphalt 1. Restrict access or redirect traffic to reduce vehicle trips. 

F. Location 1. Locate haul roads as far from existing housing as possible. 

G. Site access \improvements 1. Stay on established routes. 

H. During Periods of high winds 1. Apply non-toxic chemical stabilizers per manufacturer’s directions prior to expected high wind 

events. 

2. Apply water as necessary prior to expected high wind events. 

3. Stop work and vehicle activity temporarily. 

Paved Road Track-Out 

Control Methods Description 

A. 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 

B Sweep/Clean roadways 1. Either dry or wet sweeping may be used – dependent on soil type and moisture content. 

C. Cover haul vehicles 1. All vehicles shall be covered when moving. 

D. 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. 

E. During periods of high winds 1. Clean streets with water flushing. 

Thank You for Using Dust Control Methods to keep Air Quality Healthy!