Dust Abatement Program

The Dust Abatement Program - Non-Residential Policy covers Dust Abatement products that the County and/or industry covers at full cost of Dust Abatement application. Categories include;
- 800 meters applied entering Hamlets and urban centers (as identified in the land use bylaw).
- Adjacent to parks, halls, campgrounds, cemeteries, historical sites for the length of the site.
- Gravel roads that run parallel to paved roads where dust may impede sight lines/safety of motorists on paved roads.
- 100 meters on roads adjacent to residences, commercial and industrial buildings or sites (50 meters each way from primary driveway) on County Aggregate Haul Routes. County Aggregate Haul Routes are identified annually and approved by Council.
Stakes will be placed marking the area for Dust Abatement product application, as submitted on your application, up to one (1) week prior to work commencement using GPS systems. If you notice an error please contact Municipal Services at 403-794-2311, so that the staked area can be verified to the original application and corrected where necessary. We ask that the public also contact the department if they notice stakes have been removed or damaged so that corrective actions can take place.
Dust Abatement Program - Residential Policy
Dust Abatement Program - Non-Residential
Dust Abatement Program - Non-Residential Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the rates increase?
The rates are set as per the County of Newell Schedule of Fees Bylaw which is approved by County Council. Price increase is primarily due to product cost increase, labour cost increase, and other factors such as fuel cost.
What happens if it rains?
Rain will delay the application process; based on accumulation received and the roads drying, the application may resume. Freshly applied dust abatement product will be monitored. Rain on recent applications will delay the "set up” and the surface may become slippery, rutted and rough.
When does the Dust Abatement Program start?
The target start date is the middle of June; however, weather plays a major role in the application of dust abatement products. The County runs two (2) crews so that application can be completed in a shorter time frame.
Why does it take so long from the purchasing dust abatement to the actual application?
The County has found more success when waiting for the rain season to be done, prior to application. The County also needs grader operators to prepare the road surfaces, the soft spots to firm up, and the Administration to process the applications.
What happens if my dust abatement product becomes rough?
If the dust abatement product becomes rough, please contact the County office and staff will do their best to resolve the situation, timely.
Why is the grader operator grading my dust abatement?
If surfaces becomes rough and road hazards are present to motorists, the County will grade it. The County’s practice will be waiting for a rain event or to use a water truck to reactivate the dust abatement, then blade it smooth. This will typically put it back to the original state as to when it was first applied. Please refer to the disclosure notice on the application form or refer to our Dust Abatement Policies (links above).