Agricultural areas can be sources of dust, especially during high wind events. There are various measures that can be taken by both farmers and nearby residents to lessen the extent of these events and the associated health effects.

In the Field: modify farming practices to minimize dust

• Don’t plow if the soil is dry and there are high winds.
• Whenever you plow, be sure to plant shortly after.
• Do not disk when average wind speeds exceed 15 mph.
• Do not till on fallow and bare ground when average wind speeds exceed 25 mph.
• Cover piles of fertilizer, compost, or soil.
• Minimize soil-disturbing field operations such as plowing, mowing, and tilling.
• Modify the timing and type of operations based on soil and weather conditions.
• Use surface coverings like wood chips, mulch, or plastic sheeting to help stabilize soil.
• Use cover crops like grasses and legumes to help reduce wind erosion.
• Use physical barriers such as fences, straw bales, and large trees to minimize the flow of dust.
• Pay attention to the dust you are causing: use water or dust suppressants when substantial dust is blowing offsite.

On Dirt Roads: limit dust generation

• Decrease speed and number of trips when driving on dirt roads.
• Drive slower than 15 mph on dirt roads within ¼ mile of public highways, schools, or residences.
• Plant vegetation near an unpaved road to serve as a dust barrier.
• Apply gravel or dust suppressant to dirt roads whenever necessary.

The District recommends the following measures during construction or demolition activities:

• Use water trucks or sprinkler systems to keep areas of vehicle movement damp to prevent dust from leaving the site.
• Minimize amount of disturbed area and reduce on-site vehicle speeds to 15 miles per hour or less.
• For fill material, cover, keep moist, or treat soil stock piled for more than two days, and tarp trucks transporting fill material to and from the site.
• Install gravel pads at access points to prevent tracking of mud onto public roads.
• After clearing, grading, earth moving or excavation is completed, treat the disturbed area by watering, re-vegetating, or by spreading soil binders until the area is paved or otherwise developed.
• Designate a person or persons to monitor the dust control program and to order increased watering, as necessary