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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 27, 1999
99-153
Contact: Larry Altose, public information officer, (425) 649-7192
Donna Smith, air quality specialist, (509) 454-7660
YAKIMA – Drier-than-normal weather since last fall is making dust at construction sites an increasing problem throughout much of Eastern Washington this summer. The Department of Ecology (Ecology), local clean-air agencies, the Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGCW) and the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) urge all builders to take advantage of programs to help them prevent off-site air pollution and nuisance problems.
Two factors account for this year’s problems, according to Donna Smith, air quality specialist with Ecology’s Yakima office. First, while the Cascades had very high snowfall last winter, there’s been below-normal precipitation east of the mountains since last fall. Second, more construction projects are under way than in recent years.
"The rise in construction is a good economic sign for the region, but builders have the added responsibility of being good neighbors and controlling dust emissions at their sites" said Smith, "That’s especially true this year, with the soil so dry and loose."
Breathing small particle matter such as dust can cause lung damage and aggravate existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. Children, pregnant women, people with respiratory diseases, and people engaged in strenuous activity outdoors are especially susceptible to the effects of dusty air. Excessive dust also can interfere with the use and enjoyment of property, outdoors and inside.
"Clean air is important to our communities and contractors want to be good corporate citizens," said Leanne Liddicoat, AGCW Central Washington District Manager. "At the construction industry’s request, the current regulations also create a level playing field, so that contractors understand their responsibilities and include the cost for job-site dust control in their bids. Those who choose not to comply are penalized so that they do not have an unfair competitive advantage. Once the regulations are understood, most contractors see the value in proactive dust-control measures."
"Regardless of the previous rainfall conditions, if construction sites are properly managed then the dust can be controlled at any job," said Duane LaPierre, BIAW president and chairman of the Benton Clean Air Authority board of directors.
Ecology, local clean-air agencies and the AGC have an array of dust-control assistance for builders, including the AGC’s "Guide to Handling Fugitive Dust From Construction Projects," individualized technical assistance, site visits and more.
Some dust-control measures include:
"Most contractors do control their dust," Smith said. "Everyone wins with good dust prevention. Clean construction sites mean fewer complaints from citizens, less need for enforcement action and, most importantly, cleaner air for everybody."
Violations of the state’s air-quality laws may result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation. So far this year, sites in Benton, Chelan and Douglas counties have been penalized for failing to control construction dust.
For more information on dust control or to report dust problems from construction sites contact Department of Ecology:
Local clean-air agencies:
Dust-control information for builders and developers also is available from Associated General Contractors of Washington:
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
