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What
is Airborne Dust?
Airborne dust is
particulate, or Particulate Matter (PM) pollution. PM is
made up of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets suspended
in the air we breathe. PM is one of the most significant
air pollutants in Pima County, and has serious impacts
on human health including:
Breathing
difficulties
Respiratory
pain
Reduced lung
function
Weakened
immune system
Increased
severity of acute bronchitis and asthma
Heart attacks
Premature
death (1-8 years)
Where
Does Particulate Matter Come From?
PM can become suspended
in the air by any type of earth moving activity. Sources
include:
Disturbed
vacant or open lands
Construction
or mining activity
Landscaping
and landscape maintenance activity
Unpaved parking
lots|
Industrial
sources
Off-road
vehicle activity
Unpaved and
paved roads
Diesel exhaust
Pima
County Attainment Status
In 1999, Pima County
violated national ambient air quality standards for airborne
dust due to natural, high wind events. Instead of being
designated as a "Non-Attainment" area, Pima County
Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ), and interested
stakeholders, were able to develop the Natural Events Action
Plan in order to control airborne dust.
If Pima County
is designated as "Non-Attainment" in the future,
we expect more stringent federal rules, more costly fines,
and may possibly lose federal monies for transportation
projects.
While PDEQ is
responsible for regulating the air quality in Pima County,
it is up to the community as a whole to keep airborne
dust levels down.
Who
is Responsible for Controlling
Particulate Matter?
Basically, everyone!
Pima County Code Title 17 lists rules and regulations for
activities likely to produce excessive amounts of airborne
dust. PDEQ has developed literature targeted to different
sources that reflect these rules, and suggests dust control
methods that may be used to control airborne dust. Click
on the links below to find out information appropriate
for you.
• Airborne
Dust and Your Health
• Contractors,
Sub-Contractors, Developers
• Landscapers
and landscape maintenance crews
• Hauling
companies
• Homeowners
• Landowners
of vacant or open land
• Off-road
vehicle recreationists
• Title
17 Regulations
For Questions Concerning Compliance
Call: (520) 243-7400
8am - 5pm Monday - Friday
For
Dust Complaints in Pima County
Ask For the Complaint Coordinator
Call: (520) 243-7400
8am - 5pm Monday - Friday
After Hours - Leave A Voice Mail Message
or use our: Online Complaint
Form
Thank
You for Your Efforts to Keep
Our Air Healthy to Breathe!
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