Dust Control – Soil Stabilization – Erosion Control

The fugitive dust that is around us is not on the run from the law, but in some cases should be. It is true that this type of dust has been around since the dawn of time caused by wind sweeping across the barren landscape.

This type of dust is scientifically described as particular matter. This is airborne debris that can adversely affect the health of people and the environment. The most common particulate matter is smaller than 10 micron in diameter and is called PM10. The second most common is PM2.5. This is debris that is smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter.

As man has evolved, so has his impact on the surrounding environment. The process of the fine particles that are being introduced into the atmosphere is becoming more numerous as time goes on. This was first noticed in the days of the wagon trains when it was beneficial to be up front due to the dust cloud that was created.

The EPA started keeping records on the fugitive dust problem across American in 1985. One of the worst years was in 1988 when a wide spread drought hit the nation. That year alone, it was reported that over 55 million tonnes of dust was in the air from multiple sources. In non-drought years, the EPA reports that only 25 million tonnes of dust is suspended in the air from these multiple sources, but this is every year. These sources include 17% from the wind and other natural sources, vehicles traveling over roads of which 40% are from the unpaved and 8% from paved roads, construction dust is 13% of this source, along with 19% coming from agricultural sources along with wildfires, and then there is 3% from miscellaneous sources.

The concentration of the dust problem is dependent on the surface area and the weather conditions of the region. Idaho is a great example. This state has a dry season and rainy season. For most of the summer, the temperature is hot and no significant rainfall occurs. This causes the soil to dry out. When this occurs, soil stabilization from moisture is not present and the winds take the top soil off the land and make it airborne.

Many states are instituting many regulations for fugitive dust control. These measures include the use of water and other chemicals to help control the dust problem. Dust suppressants and the paving of more roads have also helped to decrease the amount of particles that are becoming airborne.

Different strategies in controlling the dust problems are dependent on the region and the makeup of the land. Farmland has to have a different solution than unpaved roads have. There is not, at the present time or in the future, a cure-all for every situation when it comes to fugitive dust. To help you in determining specifically what is best for your situation, there is a valuable resource with information on this environmental topic at Soil Control International and their informative blog site.