The County's Dust Abatement Program assists in the control of dust including reducing road maintenance. The product that the County presently uses is calcium chloride, a product that is readily available and quite economical to use. The County will continue to use calcium while investigating and evaluating alternative products. Key items of consideration are the cost of application and longevity of applied product. The County treats approximately 180 km of road each year and the process is subject to weather.
The program is completed with County forces including two (2) graders, two (2) water trucks, and necessary equipment to pack the finished surface, including staff and one (1) contract truck and operator to spread the dust abatement product.
Applicants can apply for the program on an annually basis and are categorized under one the County’s two policies; Dust Abatement Program - Residential and Dust Abatement Program - Non-Residential.
Those qualifying under the Dust Abatement Program - Residential policy can purchase dust control from the County on a cost-shared basis. Those qualifying under the Dust Abatement Program – Non-Residential policy, can purchase dust control from the County at full cost to the applicant and is not cost shared with the County.
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).