Author Description

This manual provides guidance for dust control methods and materials that can be used successfully at airfields and heliports to stop dust from forming naturally or as a result of man's activities and to control dust in areas directly impacted by man's activities. Dust develops naturally in denuded or sparsely vegetated areas and in most unpaved, sparsely vegetated areas occupied by man. (Man's activities may be detrimental to existing vegetation and create a dust problem.) Dust is created in unsurfaced areas subjected to concentrated foot or vehicular traffic, and is usually a problem on shoulders of surfaced airport and heliport traffic areas. Dust control becomes desirable when man needs to occupy land areas adjacent to the dust producing areas or is required to conceal military activities. The control of dust is also an important factor to consider for lengthening the life of vehicles and their engines. This manual discusses dust control methods and materials that have proven effective for treating soil surfaces to reduce dust; provides suggestions for rates and methods of application of materials for various soil types and environmental conditions; and discusses factors, such as availability, curing time, durability, logistics, and economics, that may be significant in the ultimate choice of material. Economic solutions for dust control of very large areas with little or no vegetation and no direct impact from man are presented in an appendix.