These regulations apply to both incorporated and unincorporated areas of Mendocino County. Violations of these regulations can result in fines and penalties and/or legal action.

• Rule 1-400(a) -
  Prohibits activities that "cause injury, detriment, nuisance or annoyance to a considerable number of persons...or which endanger the...health or safety of...the public…"
• Rule 1-430(a) -
  Prohibits activities which "...may allow unnecessary amounts of particulate matter to become airborne..."
• Rule 1-430(b) -
  This rule requires that "...reasonable precautions shall be taken to prevent particulate matter from becoming airborne…"

Fugitive dust is caused by grading, track-out from equipment and vehicles, exposed stockpiles, unpaved roads, staging areas, parking lots, etc.

Emissions of fugitive dust from grading operations can become subject to Rule 1-400(a).

The District usually hears about fugitive dust problems from the public who live or work near a project.

The best way to avoid fugitive dust complaints is to implement preventative measures.

Fugitive Dust violations are subject to enforcement action by the District which may include halting activity on a site until the problem can be solved.

Regulation 1, Rule 1-430 requires the following mitigation measures to reduce the amount of fugitive dust generated by construction and grading activities:

1. All visibly dry disturbed soil and road surfaces shall be watered to minimize fugitive dust emissions.
2. All unpaved areas shall have a posted speed limit of 10 mph.
3. Earth or other material tracked onto neighboring paved roads shall be removed promptly.
4. Approved chemical soil stabilizers shall be applied to exposed earth surfaces in inactive construction areas and exposed stock piles (i.e. sand, gravel, dirt).
5. Dust generating activities shall be limited during periods of high winds (over 15 mph).
6. Access of unauthorized vehicles onto the construction site during non-working hours shall be prevented.
7. A daily log shall be kept of fugitive dust control activities.

Following the recommendations should reduce conflicts with project neighbors, avoid the possibility of fines and penalties for violations of District regulations, and most importantly, result in cleaner air for all of us.

Copies of the proposed regulation and supporting documents are below: -

Grading Amendment Workshop Presentation
Amendments to Regulation 1 Chapter 1
Amendments to Regulation 1 Chapter 2
Amendments to Regulation 1 Chapter 3