Fugitive Dust Prevention and Control
Fugitive Dust Ordinance
On May 3, 2016 the City of Fort Collins City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 044, 2016, which amended Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins. This ordinance, more commonly known as the Fugitive Dust Ordinance, creates new requirements for all owners and operators of dust generating activities to control off-property or off-vehicle transport of fugitive dust. A Dust Prevention and Control Manual has also been adopted which outlines required Best Management Practices (BMPs) for common dust generating activities. Enforcement of the dust control ordinance will begin on November 1, 2016.
Enforcement of this ordinance began on November 1, 2016. If you are the owner or operator of a potential dust generating activity or source, it is your responsibility to ensure that dust levels are controlled to the best extent possible. Failure to comply with the Fugitive Dust Ordinance regulations could result in enforcement action, including civil penalties.
Fugitive Dust Training
Watch this short training presentation regarding the impacts of fugitive dust and how to comply with the City’s ordinance.
- What is Fugitive Dust?
Dust, also known as particulate matter, is solid particles that often consist of dirt and soil but can also contain ash, soot, chemicals, and other materials. The term ‘fugitive dust’ refers to particulate matter, natural or man-made, that has become airborne and not entrained through a controlled exhaust such as a stack, chimney or vent.
- Why is the City of Fort Collins addressing fugitive dust issues?
City residents have a high expectation for a clean environment and this includes air quality. The City has had a long-standing policy to “continually improve air quality” and residents have identified the Air Quality Program as being the single most important program for protecting their future quality of life in past surveys.
- What are the impacts of fugitive dust?
Aside from being a nuisance and aesthetically unappealing, fugitive dust also poses a safety hazard and health risk. Unsafe conditions can be created when visibility is reduced near and around worksites where fugitive dust is being generated, obstructing views for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians. The health impacts can range from acute to chronic respiratory illnesses and infections such as asthma, bronchitis, and other diseases heart-lung diseases.
- What does the new Fugitive Dust Ordinance require?
Ordinance No. 044, which amended Chapter 12 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins, was unanimously passed on May 3, 2016. This created new requirements of all owners and operators of dust generating activities to control dust from leaving property or project boundaries, as well as off of vehicles that transport materials, by conducting Best Management Practices (BMPs) as outlined in the Dust Prevention and Control Manual.
- How do I submit a concern regarding fugitive dust?