HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/2013 - Fugitive Dust Control Plan - Air Quality Advisory Board (2)
Environmental Services
215 North Mason
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6600
970.224.6177 Fax
fcgov.com/environmental services
TO: Ross Cunniff, Councilmember
FROM: Rich Fisher, Chair, Air Quality Advisory Board
CC: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
DATE: June 18, 2013
SUBJECT: AQAB Recommendation – Fugitive Dust Control Plan
In response to citizen complaints and observations, the Air Quality Advisory Board (AQAB) has
reviewed and discussed fugitive dust impacts associated with public and private development,
construction, and maintenance activities within the increasingly dense infill areas of the City.
The Board appreciates and is encouraged by the level of knowledge and responsiveness of City
staff to recent dust issues, but we have concluded that more needs to be done. The Board
presents herein its observations and recommendations on this subject.
1. Fugitive dust is particulate matter that has become airborne directly or indirectly from
sources other than from an exhaust stack.
2. Fugitive dust is a serious nuisance issue with potential health impacts for some
individuals.
3. Fugitive dust impacts and complaints are likely to continue, resulting from the
rebounding construction and development economy, private landowner activities, and
ongoing City projects, all within the Fort Collins infill area.
4. Disturbance activities that emit dust are clearly the responsibility of the landowner and/or
developer causing the problem, irrespective of the size of the project. We approach this
issue under the “Golden Rule,” where everyone in Fort Collins has a responsibility to
treat their neighbors as they would hope to be treated.
5. A number of effective best management practices exist that when properly applied can
prevent or minimize fugitive dust emissions. Other municipalities and county
governments in Colorado and elsewhere have incorporated these practices into
regulations and have developed procedures to ensure enforcement.
6. Under our existing city, county, and state regulations, many significant dust sources in
Fort Collins are not being effectively regulated. This can be attributed to a variety of
shortcomings, including limitations on the City’s regulatory authority, the current high
level of proof needed to enforce some provisions, and the lack of adequate enforcement
resources at the County and State levels.
7. The AQAB recommends that Council direct staff to develop a comprehensive fugitive
dust control plan including appropriate changes to City codes and ordinances. City staff
can draw on examples from other jurisdictions to help develop a comprehensive and
effective fugitive dust control approach.
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8. Three broad dust source categories need to be addressed. Each may warrant a different
and/or separate approach:
a. Permitted development projects;
b. Unpermitted sources (e.g., vacant lots, non-city utilities, open space, trespassing,
agricultural, landscaping and associated maintenance); and
c. City activities (e.g., utility crews, capital projects, city contracts)
9. The AQAB recommends that the Council include fugitive dust control in its 2013-15
Work Plan and direct staff to immediately begin working on this issue. The AQAB is
willing and able to review and provide recommendations to the approach developed by
staff.
Please contact me at 970-481-7518 or rich.fisher@comcast.net for more information.