As we welcome cooler temperatures, we look ahead to a common fall practice: winter rye grass overseeding and scalping. The process can be a dusty endeavor. As a result, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department responds to numerous questions and concerns from landscapers, golf course managers and residents collectively doing their best to reduce the dust while working to maintain their grassy landscape.
A Dust Control Permit is not required to perform standard overseeding/scalping projects however the dust emissions generated from these projects are still regulated under Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 310.
The department’s Rule 310 states dust emissions cannot go beyond what inspectors refer to as, “20% opacity” and visible emissions cannot travel beyond the property line. In addition, while conducting any dust generating projects, the property owner and/or operator needs to keep record of the control measures they are using to reduce the dust. Examples of dust control measures include, but are not limited to, water application, trackout control devices and street sweeping.
You may report an air quality problem or polluter by calling the department at 602-372-2703 or filling out a report online: www.maricopa.gov/aq under the Contact Us tab.
The department offers the following tips to help prevent dust hazards during the overseeding process:
• Reduce the amount of land to be overseeded
• Avoid scalping on windy days
• Don’t over dry the course prior to scalping
• Apply water to moisten the ground prior to scalping
• Use a desiccant to dry out the grass
• Reduce the depth of scalping
• Keep screens and filters in good working order
• Hand rake, when possible
• Reduce/eliminate the use of blowers
• Moisten material piles before loading into dumpsters
Maricopa County’s air quality regulations are available for review on the department’s website at the following link: http://www.maricopa.gov/aq/divisions/planning_analysis/AdoptedRules.aspx
Air Quality Department compliance supervisors are available to answer additional questions at 602-506-6734.
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About Maricopa County Air Quality Department
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is a regulatory agency whose goal is to ensure federal clean air standards are achieved and maintained for the residents and visitors of Maricopa County. The department is governed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and follows air quality standards set forth by the federal Clean Air Act.
The department offers air quality information and resources on its Clean Air Make More website. Visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com to learn more.
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