The most typical air quality problems and complaints are associated with open burning and fugitive dust. Open burning is an accepted practice in South Dakota for several purposes. South Dakota is located in the high plains that is subject to periods of droughts and high winds. These are the main ingredients for fugitive dust problems. Fugitive dust are identified as dust from mining activity, gravel roads, construction activity, street sanding operations, and wind erosion from agricultural fields.
Fugitive dust is the main problem in Rapid City.
The program answers questions concerning Radon and has a Small Business Assistance program to help new business comply with air quality regulations. Asbestos certifications and notifications are addressed in the Waste Management Program . Every other year, a class is held with the course. We are currently in the process of developing a State Implementation Plan for the recently passed Regional Haze Rules . A Smoke Management Program will also be developed in coordination with the Regional Haze rules to address prescribed burning in the Black Hills that impacts visibility in the Class I areas.