Springtime in Florida is when the winds are high and rainfall continues to be low, leading to a common and pervasive issue on active construction sites – dust. This issue can be controlled with vigilance, dedication, and persistence. Construction sites should protect site workers by using wet method controls to apply water at the point where dust is being made. Water can be applied to the point over entire construction sites to control dust from dirt caused by construction activities.
In accordance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), all construction sites that disturb 1 acre of land or more must have coverage under the Florida Construction Generic Permit (CGP). One of the most important requirements of the Florida CGP is the implementation and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce stormwater run-off and pollution. Wind erosion, and ultimately dust, must be controlled on site to remain in compliance.
The best plan of action to minimize dust on site is to maintain ground cover wherever possible. With that said, this may not be feasible for every site, or every stage of a project. If large portions of soil are exposed on site, dust can be mitigated using water trucks, hay, or mulch. Another option with more longevity would be employing the use of a dust suppression liquid mixture. Many vendors in the industry now offer eco-safe, biodegradable, liquid copolymers that are capable of suppressing dust for weeks. These polymers bond soil particles together and create a flexible surface that decreases dust. This also increases moisture retention which further reduces dust.
Conditions on construction sites constantly fluctuate with the seasons. KCI’s commitment to keeping our clients compliant does not. Have a question about how to manage stormwater on your construction site? We would love to hear from you. Call KCI today, 888-346-7779.