Dust Control Maricopa County

Welcome to Dust Control Maricopa County home Page!
As we strive to continually improve our web site, you will notice some major changes on our updated site.  We will continue to bring you current information on dust control issues affecting Maricopa County air quality.  If we all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and use care when operating construction equipment, farm equipment and strive to maintain proper dust prevention methods on our vacant properties, we will all benefit.
If you are interested in learning more about proper dust control and current certification requirements in Maricopa County keep tuned to our website.  AVOID FINES and follow Rule 310 dust control measures.  If you need help in setting up a proper dust control plan and managing your construction site Give David Cohen a call at 480 620-1543.

David Cohen holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara.
His past experience includes working for the California Coastal commission, County of Riverside Planning department and Maricopa County Air Quality Department.
David has certified many Land Developers, Builders and construction professionals across the valley for proper dust control techniques.
Currently David is available for individual consulting on your current or upcoming construction projects.  He can direct the application process for dust control permits, job site dust control methods such as effective track out control devices, proper soil crusting techniques, monitoring proper water application techniques and many other practical services, all geared to save you thousands in dust violation fines, and keep our environment healthy for all to enjoy.

Dust Control Consultant – David Cohen 480 620-1543

E-Mail   djcabypt@hotmail.com

Vacant lots and Dust Control

There are approximately 270,000 vacant (unimproved) lots in Maricopa County owned by Private and Public owners and all are subject to regulation under Rule 310.01 (Non-traditional sources of Dust (PM-10). In addition, any dust-generating activity over 0.10 acres (4,356 square feet) is required to obtain a Dust Permit and is subject to Rule 310. This includes weed abatement if it breaks the soils surface. Each owner is responsible for preventing Dust Emissions over the limits established in this Rule and can be fined up to $10,000 per day per violation. So, it is in the best interests of all lot owners to understand their responsibilities under these Rules. Dust can be generated on unstable soils by wind action alone. Lots are unstable when the soil type is finely grained and has insufficient rock or vegetation to attenuate wind action.

Off-road vehicle use or unpaved roads or unpaved parking lots can also generate sufficient dust emissions to result in a Notice Of Violation (NOV) being issued by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department. Some cities also have their own Dust regulations which, under Federal law, can be more stringent than those of the County. Property owners are held accountable and liable for dust generated on their property unless they take sufficient action to either stabilize the soil or prevent vehicle access to their property. Even if the instability is caused by the action of other people, the property owner is still responsible for any Violation. Another potential source for dust violations is erosion during rains. If soil runs off onto a road or any other publically accessible paved area, the runoff can become dry and create dust emissions.

Maricopa County is required by the Environmental Protection Agency to inspect every vacant lot within the County for stability, so even if your lot doesn’t generate citizen complaints for dust, it is likely to be inspected at some time. In addition, just because your lot has been inspected and found to be stable, it can still become unstable and subject to an NOV in the future.  The best way to be sure your property is to have a Dust Consultant inspect your property and suggest measures to prevent future violations.

Landscaping and Dust Control

One thing I noticed during my time as a Dust Inspector was the non-compliance with Air Quality regulations found in Landscape Companies. Unlike Construction Contractors, there is little awareness of the regulations among companies that do landscape maintenance and new landscape installation. Often, Landscape activities often require a Dust Permit. Any Dust Generating activity in Maricopa County that disturbs equal or greater than 0.10 acres (4,356 square feet) is required to obtain a Dust Permit prior to commencing activity. This includes weed abatement activities required by City or County Government if the method used is by discing and blading or any other method that disturbs the soil surface, or deposits loose soil, earth, dirt on unpaved or paved areas. This can be avoided by mowing the vegetation to the height required under local weed control regulations. Establishing initial landscapes using mechanized equipment requires a Dust Permit, if the area of soil disturbance equals or exceeds 0.1 acres. If the activity is less than 0.1 acres, the contractor and/or property owner is still required to follow the dust control measures and keep the dust control records required under Rule 310.

Rule 310 Dust Violations that tend to happen to Landscapers include;

1.    Failure to obtain a Dust Permit before disturbing 0.1 acre or more of the earth’s surface. 2. Failure to apply water before discing and blading. 3. Failing to apply water during discing and blading. 4. Failure to stabilize after discing and blading. 5. Failure to install and use a Trackout Control Device when disturbing more than 2 acres or hauling more than 100 cubic yards per day on or off site. A Trackout Control Device is also required anytime material is hauled off-site 6. Failure to clean up trackout. 7. Failure to prevent Dust Emissions above 20% Opacity.

Air Quality violations can be very expensive, up to $10,000 per day per violation. The best way for Landscape contractors to ensure they are in compliance with the Air Quality Rules is to hire a Dust Consultant to monitor their operations and teach owners and employees Dust Control Measures and strategies to avoid violations and fines.