WASHINGTON COUNTY DUST CONTROL POLICY
Updated 02-24-09, Board Resolution 09-14
Common Questions About Dust Control
Current List of Approved Dust Control Providers
Dust Control Permit 
STATEMENT OF POLICY
It shall be the policy of Washington County to permit the application of dust control agents for the control of fugitive dust on county gravel roads, all pursuant to the provision of Chapter 318.8 of the Code of Iowa and Chapter 14.08 of the Washington County Code of Ordinances.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
Pre-Approval – Washington County requires that each contractor who wishes to do dust control work within the right of way in Washington County first be pre-approved by the Washington County Secondary Road Department.
Insurance – All contractors desiring to provide dust control services in Washington County shall submit a certificate of insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 aggregate with Washington County named as additional insured.
Materials – Contractors shall certify that all materials used for dust control are free and clear of toxic materials affecting the environment, the public, and livestock. A listing of ingredients shall be submitted stating the composition and percentage of each ingredient in the mixture. Certification shall state that the mixture meets or exceeds applicable DNR and EPA regulations. The following materials are approved for use as dust control:
- Lignin Sulfonate (tree sap)
- Calcium Chloride/Magnesium Chloride
- Soy Oil
- Refined Glycerine
Typical Dust Control Application – The typical dust control treatment will be a minimum of 20 feet wide. The normal annual dust control treatment schedule will be an initial treatment placed approximately during the last two weeks of May and the second treatment placed in early-August, weather permitting.
Marking Dust Control Area – Each location treated for dust control shall be marked with lime green plastic flags provided by the contractor at no cost to Washington County. The flags shall be placed on both sides of the road at each end of the dust control area and embedded in the road shoulder, at the break of the slope. The flags shall be placed at the time of permit application. Washington County will not be liable for blading through unpermitted and/or unmarked dust control areas.
Permit Applications – The Contractor shall accept the dust control permit applications and collect the permit fee from the applicants.
PERMITTING PROCESS AND PROCEDURES
Annual Permit Application – All persons desiring dust control services in Washington County shall apply for a dust control permit through a pre-approved contractor by May 1st. Permit applications received after April 30th shall be considered late applications. Dust control permit forms will be available from the pre-approved contractors. Applicants are required to provide all information requested on the permit form and return it to the contractor accompanied by the permit fee. The contractor will then forward the permit application and fee to the Washington County Secondary Roads Department for review and approval.
Permit Fee Schedule:
- Annual Permit received before May 1st $ 25.00
- Annual Permit received after April 30th (late application) $75.00
Dust Control Application – Permits received before May 1st will have dust control applied the last two weeks in May and again in early-August. This schedule is designed to allow the secondary road crews adequate time to prepare the roadbed to the proper crown and grade by blading the road, and if necessary, adding rock. Residents should be aware that the dust control area may be bladed prior to the second treatment if deemed necessary by the secondary road department.
Obligations of Applicant – No obligation to the applicant shall be made by Washington County or inferred by the contractor. It is the obligation of the applicant to keep all of the flags up marking the limits of the dust control area for the entire season. It is also the obligation of the applicant to fill any depression in their dust control area with loose gravel from the side of the road. Grader operators will be instructed to avoid blading the marked dust control areas unless potholes over 1” in depth or washboarding develop.
Obligation of County – It is the Washington County Secondary Road Department's responsibility to maintain the road system in Washington County. If a dust control section should become rough or potholed, Washington County will do corrective blading to repair the rough areas without compensation to the resident for damage to the dust control surface. In October, the County will prepare the dust control areas for winter which may include scarifying, blading and rocking.
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