Dust Compliance

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s Dust Compliance Division is responsible for protecting the public from airborne particulate matter [PM-10 and PM-2.5].

The Dust Compliance Division is divided into five areas

Dust Sources

Fugitive dust from unstable or disturbed dirt surfaces (such as construction areas, vacant lots, dirt roads and dirt tracked out onto paved surfaces) are the largest man-made contributors to the County’s non-attainment of the PM10 standard. The Air Quality Department issues Dust Control Permits to citizens who plan to conduct activities that will disturb a surface area equal to or greater than 0.1 acre or the demolition of buildings. These permits require the permittee to plan their dust control measures to prevent the creation of fugitive dust (see Dust Control for details). All sites with disturbed surface areas, regardless of size, must maintain compliance with Rule 310.

Fireplaces

The Division also manages the Residential Woodburning Rule and Ordinance, which is designed to restrict fireplace use on high pollution days (see Fireplaces for details).

Burning Activities

Open Burn Permits are issued to citizens who wish to conduct allowable burning activities. With few exceptions, open burning is not allowed without an approved permit (see Burning Activities for details).

Vacant Lots and Unpaved Areas

The Air Quality Dust Control Program also investigates dust complaints concerning vacant lots, open areas, unpaved parking lots, and commercial livestock areas. Owners are required to use dust control measures on their properties, such as stabilization media (gravel or vegetation) or preventing trespassers on the property (see Vacant Lots for details).

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Nature Rules - Curb Your Dust. Motor vehicle use on unpaved surfaces is limited in Maricopa County. Before driving, riding, or parking on any land, check with the appropriate agency about the rules and requirements. You may be subject to fines and penalties if you violate the rules and requirements. The Maricopa County OHV Map shows you land and property owners within the county. For more information on where to ride, please refer to these other helpful resources:

Arizona State Parks OHV / Nature Rules - Curb Your Dust. http://www.azstateparks.gov

Maricopa County Parks Department: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks

Riding is prohibited on High Pollution Advisory (HPA) days in most of Maricopa County. Sign up for HPA alerts and information at: www.CleanAirMakeMore.com