Fugitive Dust Control Measures and
Best Practices

What is Fugitive Dust?	January 2022

The term "fugitive dust", as used in this document, refers to particulate matter that enters the atmosphere without first
passing through a stack or duct designed to direct or control its flow. Fugitive dust has been linked to various respiratory
issues including aggravated asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fugitive Dust Sources

Common sources of fugitive dust include paved and unpaved roads, agricultural fields, agricultural
tilling operations, unenclosed storage piles, quarries, and construction sites. Dust and particulate
matter from these sources become fugitive when lifted into the air by turbulent air currents such as
wind erosion, or mechanical forces such as vehicle traffic. A few examples (not a complete list) of
fugitive dust generating activities, by industrial sector, include:

Agriculture

Grain Storage and Distribution Loading and unloading grain in
maintenance, and track out

Mining

Mining and Quarries: Blasting, conveying, storage, site maintenance,
load out, track out from truck and loading traffic

Construction

Industrial/Commercial Building: Equipment and truck use, soil
disturbances, site and equipment maintenance, and track out

Roadway Building & Paving: Equipment and truck use, soil
disturbances, site equipment maintenance and track out

Manufacturing

Hot Mix Asphalt Processing and Application: Material crushing, screening operations, aggregate
storage, baghouse particulate accumulation, recycling, and track out from truck and loading traffic

Concrete batch processing and application: Material crushing, front-end hopper/bin loading,
transfer conveying, aggregate storage miles, recycling and track out from truck and loading traffic

Foundries: Storage and transfer of coke and fly ash

Food and Agricultural Processing: Storage, transfer, conveying and
track out

Crushing Operations (rock, glass, concrete, demolition material):

Loading, off-loading, crushing, conveying and storage, site maintenance,
and track out

Transportation and Utilities
Road/Bridge Maintenance and Repair: Patching, clipping, sealing, shoulder repair, sweeping,
concrete sawing, abrasive blasting surface preparation, rock salt storage and site maintenance

Rail Freight Yards: Loading and off-loading of rail cars, lot maintenance, and track out

Utilities- Truck Freight Haulers/Off-loading Yards: Storage and transfer of coal and fly ash

Fugitive dust
management is
beneficial for the
environment,
business, and
surrounding
communities!

Environment

•	Reduce air arid
water pollution

•	Minimize
impacts on
existing
ecosystems

Business

•	Comply with
environmental
regulations

•	Prevent material
loss and save
money

•	Improve
community
relationships

Communities

•	Decrease health
risk from
resulting air
pollution

•	Lessen risk of
private property
damage


-------
Best Practices-Control Measures

While the examples in this document are not exhaustive, they are intended to assist facilities to comply with
fugitive dust regulations and highlight several effective strategies that have been adopted by facilities. The
appropriateness and effectiveness of these strategies will vary for different facilities based on many factors,
including type of operation, sources of fugitive dust and local regulations. These examples are not intended to
set forth a policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue, or provide an interpretation of a statute or
regulation.

Storage Piles

•	Monitor the moisture content and size of exposed material.

•	Apply water or an approved chemical dust suppressant on a regular basis.

•	Cover and stabilize or enclose material piles if not frequently accessed.

•	Install wind breaks or barriers around the storage pile.

Material Transfer Points

•	Limit the material drop distance between the offloading point and stockpile to no more than 3
feet and restrict the flow of material using dead boxes, socks, drop down spouts/sleeves.

•	Install and maintain dust curtains around material transfer points, such as vehicle loading
stations, to reduce air movement and isolate dust forming operations.

•	Enclose conveyor belts and use belt wipers when possible.

•	Spray water or an approved dust suppressant at the conveyor feed during material transfer.

•	Clean up spillage at conveyor transfer points.

Paved Roads

•	Wash, sweep, or vacuum streets at a frequency necessary to eliminate material that is visible
within the streets surrounding the source.

•	Establish vehicle speed limits of no more than 10 mph on paved surfaces.

•	Conduct inspections using visual emissions observations, such as EPA Methods 9 or 22, at
least weekly while heavy trucks are using the roadway.

Unpaved Haul and Service Roads

•	Apply water or an approved chemical dust suppressant on a regular basis.

•	Limit vehicle speeds to 5 mph in unpaved areas.

•	Pave frequented haul roads with concrete or asphalt.

•	Conduct inspections using visual emissions observations such as EPA Method 9 or method 22
at least daily while heavy trucks are using the roadway.

Miscellaneous Source Best Practices

•	Use good housekeeping methods to reduce the build-up of dusty materials.

•	Install hoods, fans, and fabric filters where possible to enclose and vent dusty processes.

•	Cover open-bodied trucks when the truck is carrying materials that can be released into the
air.

•	Install wheel wash stations near every vehicle exit location to minimize tracked material.

•	Windbreaks, fencing and revegetation wherever practical.


-------
Best Practices-Fugitive Dust Control Plan

The following represent suggested best practices and fugitive dust control plan elements but are not to be
considered an exhaustive list of required plan elements. Local plan requirements may vary.

Plan Contents

•	Fugitive Dust Emission Sources - Identify all sources of fugitive dust and briefly describe the
measures and practices employed to control fugitive emissions at each source. Consider
parameters such as predominant wind direction, frequency of activity, process operating
parameters, control efficiency, and fugitive dust monitoring parameters (silt loading, silt
content, moisture content and other relevant physical factors).

•	Operation and Maintenance Procedures - Include operation and maintenance procedures to
verify the working condition of any control measures. Specify the frequency of such procedures
and keep records of any maintenance conducted.

•	Facility Layout - Provide a drawing showing the location of each potential source of fugitive
dust at the facility. Include site boundaries, linear dimensions, and site entrance/exit
locations.

•	Training - Provide training for personnel responsible for implementing the fugitive dust control
plan, specifying the training contents in the plan.

•	Reporting - Deviations from the plan and/or corrective actions required to address fugitive
dust emissions should be reported to the appropriate air permitting authority, where
appropriate.

•	Recordkeeping - Identify the name and title of the person responsible for implementation of
the plan. Keep records of all monitoring, inspections, maintenance and completed work
practices (including the name of the person conducting the activity), weather conditions, time
of observation, area or operation observed, and corrective actions taken.

Update and Review

•	Update - Update the fugitive dust control plan periodically to account for new fugitive dust
sources, process changes, or any change to the facility that would result in increased fugitive
dust emissions.

•	Review - Submit the updated fugitive dust control plan to the appropriate permitting authority
for review and approval.

Fugitive Dust Control Plans and Clean Air Act Permits

•	Enforceability - Where appropriate, the permitting authority should incorporate the fugitive
dust control plan's provisions as part of the permit. Title V permits should incorporate a fugitive
dust plan's provisions when the activities in the plan, including associated monitoring
provisions, such as fence line monitoring (i.e., EPA Method 22), are relied upon to assure
compliance with applicable requirements.

•	Permit Revisions - Review and update the permit as necessary to reflect significant changes
made to the fugitive dust control plan, such as the addition of fugitive dust sources or updated
operating and maintenance procedures.


-------
Who do I contact for more information?

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Region 5

Air & Radiation Division (AR-18J)

77 West Jackson Blvd
Chicago, Illinois 60604-3590
(312) 353-2000

R5AirPermits@epa.gov

https://www.epa.gov/caa-permitting/caa-permitting-epas-great-lakes-region

BD * i m

State/Tribal/Local Permitting Authorities

EPA has approved or delegated authority for the following Region 5 states and
other jurisdictions to issue certain CAA permits:

•	Illinois: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/Pages/defauit.aspx

•	Indiana: https://www.in.gov/idem/airaualitv/index.htm

•	Michigan: https: //www.michigan.gov/egle/

MN

•	Minnesota: https://www.pca.state.rrin.us/

•	Ohio: https://www.epa.ohio.gov/

•	Wisconsin: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/

o-.

...

DISCLAIMER: This document aims to explain the application of certain EPA regulatory provisions using
plain language. Nothing in this document revises or replaces any regulatory provisions, any other part of
the Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Register, or the Clean Air Act. Following the best practices
contained herein does not equate to or guarantee compliance with the Clean Air Act, its implementing
regulations, and associated state/local requirements. For more information, visit:
https://www.epa.aov/caa-permitting.


-------
USEPA Resources

1.	AP-42, CH 13.2 Fugitive Dust Sources

https://www.epa.gOv/sites/default/files/2020-10/documents/13.2 fugitive dust sources.pdf

2.	Fugitive Dust Background Document and Technical Information Document for Best Available Control
Measures- EPA 1992

https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPDF.cgi/2000JCJE.PDF?Dockev= 2000JCJE.PDF

3.	Fugitive Emissions and Fugitive Dust Emissions- EPA 1975

httPs://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPDF.cgi/91005WNB.PDF?Dockev=91005WNB.PDF

4.	Particulate Control for Fugitive Dust- EPA 1978

https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPDF.cgi/9101DT33.PDF?Dockev=9101DT33.PDF

5.	Analysis of the Fine Fraction of Particulate Matter in Fugitive Dust - 2006

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/202Q-10/documents/mri final fine fraction dust report.pdf

6.	Policy Guidance on the Use of the November 1, 2006 Update to AP-42 for Re-entrained Road dust for
SIP Development and Transportation Conformity -2007

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-10/documents/rell3s02 memo080207.pdf

7.	Fugitive Particulate Matter - 40 CFR Part 49, Section 126

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsvs/pkg/CFR-2014-title40-voll/pdf/CFR-2014-title40-voll-sec49-126.pdf

8.	Fugitive Dust Control Demonstration Studies - EPA 1984

httPs://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPURL.cgi?Dockev=30001EQR.TXT

9.	Investigation of Fugitive Dust: Control Strategy and Regulatory Approach - EPA 1973

https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPURL.cgi?Dockev=91005WNT.TXT

10.	.Control of Open Fugitive Dust Sources: Final Report - EPA 1988

https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPURL.cgi?Dockev=91010T54.TXT

11.	Fugitive Dust Policy Sip's and New Source Review - EPA 1977

httPs://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPURL.cgi?Dockev= 20016M6E.TXT

12.	Inspector's Guide For Fugitive Dust Emission Sources Causes And Control Techniques
Recommendations And Examples - EPA 1984

https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZvPURL.cgi?Dockev= 2000CC6T.TXT

Region 5 State Fugitive Dust Control Resources

Illinois

1.	Illinois EPA Operating Programs and Fugitive Dust Plans
https://www.iaap-aggregates.Org/uploads/l/l/0/0/110027599/eric iones.pdf

2.	35 III. Adm. Code 212 Subpart K: Fugitive Particulate Matter
https://www.ilga.gov/commission/icar/admincode/035/0350Q212sections.html

3.	APC-391 Operating Program for Fugitive Particulate Control form
http://www.epa.state.il.us/air/stateforms/391-apc.pdf

4.	Grain Handling Operations and Dust Control Information
httPs://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/EnvironmentalAssistanceProgram/Documents/grain%2
Qhandling%20operations%20dust%20control.pdf


-------
Indiana

1.

2.

Michigan

1.

2.

3.

Fugitive Dust

https://www. in.gov/idem/aircomDliance/fugitive-dust/

Title 326 Article 6 Rule 4. Fugitive Dust Emissions

https://ars. apps. lara. state, mi. us/AdminCode/DeptBureauAdminCode?Department= Environment%2C%20Gr
eat%20Lakes%20and%20Energv&Bureau=Air%200ualitv%20Division&RuleNumber=336.1372

Dust and Fallout

https://www.michigan.gOV/egle/0.9429.7-135-3310 70317-11396--.00.html
Part 3. Emission Limitations and Prohibitions- Particulate Matter

https://ars.apps. lara. state, mi. us/AdminCode/DeptBureauAdminCode?Department= Environment%2C%20Gr
eat%20Lakes%20and%20Energv&Bureau=Air%200ualitv%20Division&RuleNumber=336.1372

Managing Fugitive Dust - State of Michigan -2016

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dea/dea-ead-caap-genpub-FugDustMan 313656 7.pdf

Minnesota

Ohio

Dust: Fugitive Dust Regulations

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/dea/dea-oea-tou-FugDustRegulations-Kellv 523016 7.pdf

Dust Control Treatments for Roads and Surfaces
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/aal-15.pdf

7011.0150 Preventing Particulate Matter from Becoming Airborne
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/7011.0150/

EngineeringGuide #21: BAT Requirements for Fugitive Dust Sources

https://www.epa.ohio.gov/Portals/27/engineer/eguides/guide21.pdf?ver=7aKzG6S2ZogQlonVAipPvw%3d
%3d

EngineeringGuide #24: Application of Fugitive Dust Requirements to Affected Facilities
https://www.epa.ohio.gov/Portals/27/engineer/eguides/guide24.pdf

Rule 3745-17-08 Restriction of Emission of Fugitive Dust
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3745-17-08

4. Reasonably Available Control Measures for Fugitive Dust Sources

https://epa.ohio.gov/portals/27/engineer/racm/RACM text searchable.pdf

5. EngineeringGuide #57 - Reasonably Available Control Measures for Fugitive Dust Emissions from Roadway
Construction and Maintenance Projects

https://epa.ohio.gov/static/Portals/27/engineer/eguides/guide57.pdf

Wisconsin

1.	Air Program Fact Sheet Particulate Matter Emissions and Pollution Requirements
https://widnr. widen. net/view/pdf/eehnodvret/AM406.pdf?t.download=true

2.	NR 415.04 Fugitive Dust
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin code/nr/400/415


-------