Dust Compliance |
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The
Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s Dust Compliance
Division is responsible for protecting the public from airborne
particulate matter [PM-10 and PM-2.5].
The Dust Compliance
Division is divided into five areas |
Dust Sources
Fugitive
dust from unstable or disturbed dirt surfaces (such as construction
areas, vacant lots, dirt roads and dirt tracked out onto
paved surfaces) are the largest man-made contributors to
the County’s non-attainment of the PM10 standard.
The Air Quality Department issues Dust Control Permits to
citizens who plan to conduct activities that will disturb
a surface area equal to or greater than 0.1 acre or the
demolition of buildings. These permits require the permittee
to plan their dust control measures to prevent the creation
of fugitive dust (see Dust
Control for details). All sites with disturbed
surface areas, regardless of size, must maintain compliance
with Rule 310.
Fireplaces
The Division also manages the Residential Woodburning Rule
and Ordinance, which is designed to restrict fireplace use
on high pollution days (see Fireplaces for details).
Burning Activities
Open Burn Permits are issued to citizens who wish to conduct
allowable burning activities. With few exceptions, open
burning is not allowed without an approved permit (see
Burning Activities for details).
Vacant Lots and Unpaved Areas
The Air Quality Dust Control Program also investigates dust
complaints concerning vacant lots, open areas, unpaved parking
lots, and commercial livestock areas. Owners are required
to use dust control measures on their properties, such as
stabilization media (gravel or vegetation) or preventing
trespassers on the property (see Vacant
Lots for details).
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Nature Rules - Curb Your Dust. Motor vehicle use on unpaved surfaces is limited in Maricopa County.
Before driving, riding, or parking on any land, check with the appropriate agency about the rules and requirements.
You may be subject to fines and penalties if you violate the rules and requirements.
The Maricopa County OHV Map
shows you land and property owners within the county. For more information on where to ride, please refer to these
other helpful resources:
Arizona State Parks OHV / Nature Rules - Curb Your Dust. http://www.azstateparks.gov
 <
Maricopa County Parks Department: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks
Riding is prohibited on High Pollution Advisory (HPA) days in most of Maricopa County. Sign up for HPA alerts and information at:
www.CleanAirMakeMore.com
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Agricultural Dust:
Maricopa County Air Quality does not address dust complaints
resulting from agricultural sources. However, The Arizona
Department of Agriculture offers a compliance assistance
program for commercial farmers to ensure compliance with
laws and rules that address air quality standards within
the Maricopa County PM10 non-attainment area.
Here is a
link to their website for more information:
Here
is the link to the new ADEQ online complaint form for filing
agricultural dust complaints:
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