Fugitive Dust in Alaska
Fugitive dust is small airborne particles called particulate matter. These smaller airborne particles have the potential to adversely affect human health and the environment. EPA defines fugitive dust as "particulate matter that is generated or emitted from open air operations (emissions that do not pass through a stack or a vent)". The most common forms of particulate matter (PM) are known as PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less) and PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less).
Fugitive dust originates from a wide variety of sources including unpaved roads; mining and the transportation of mined materials; abrasive blasting; construction activities; material handling, or storage of bulk materials (sand/dirt/gravel/abrasive blasting aggregates).
ADEC is assessing its air quality regulations in 18 AAC 50 to ensure that current regulations are adequate to protect human health and that fugitive dust does not cause unhealthy air. ADEC is conducting workshops to solicit public input on fugitive dust control.
Fugitive dust workshops were conducted in Seward, Fairbanks, and Palmer in March and April 2011. The links below contain the handouts and the presentation given at these workshops.
Additional Information
- ADEC Fugitive Dust Power Point Presentation (PDF) (updated version posted 04/01/11)
- Western Regional Air Partnership Fugitive Dust Handbook
- EPA's AP‐42 for Fugitive Dust Sources
- EPA Region 10
- Frequently Asked Question Sheets (PDF)
Contacts for Fugitive Dust Complaint
- Southeast & South-Central ‐ Jason Olds or phone: 907-465-5303
- Interior ‐ Moses Coss or phone: 907-451-2163
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