Template Best Management Practices of Fugitive Dust Control Plans for the Ledge Rock
Quarry and Industrial Sand Mining Industries 1
The control of fugitive dust is required under section NR 415.04, Wisconsin Administrative Code, for all
affected facilities. Section NR 415.075(2), Wis. Adm. Code, has specific requirements for fugitive dust
control for ledge rock quarries and industrial sand mines. This template has been developed to help the
facility reduce or eliminate fugitive dust emissions from these operations. It is recommended that the
facility use the template as a guide to develop a comprehensive plan for their specific site and
operations. This plan shall include the criteria when specific dust suppression activities will be
implemented and the records of those dust suppression activities. The sand industry standard for adequate
fugitive dust control is accomplished by applying water or other suppressants on wind exposed sand piles,
excavation areas, conveyors, drop points and truck travel routes. Water and/or other suppressants must be
present in abundant supply at the mine and processing sites. Covering or enclosure of conveyors and
covering of truck transport, especially when shipping dried sand product, may be necessary for adequate dust
control. For the control of fugitive dust emissions from truck traffic on facility unpaved haul roads, the
option of paving these haul roads must be considered. To reduce emissions from facility paved haul roads,
sweeping and cleaning of these paved roads must be addressed. The standard for fugitive dust emission
quantification is by visual observation. If visible dust emissions are observed they need to be
suppressed.
1. Site Roadways/Plant Yard
A. The dust on the site roadways/plant yard shall be controlled by applications of water, calcium
chloride or other acceptable and approved fugitive dust control compounds, provided the
application does not create a hydrocarbon, odor or water pollution problem (Section NR
415.075, Wis. Adm. Code). Applications of dust suppressants shall be done daily and whenever
fugitive dust is observed to control emissions. After application, a follow-up observation shall
be performed to ensure the effectiveness of the control measures.
B. All paved roadways/plant yards shall be swept daily and whenever fugitive dust is observed to
control emissions. After control measures are taken, a follow-up observation shall be performed
to ensure the effectiveness of the control measures.
C. Any material spillage on roads shall be cleaned up immediately.
D. Speed limits shall be kept within the quarry and haul roads to 10 miles per hour or less. Speed
limits shall be posted on haul roads. (Section NR 415.075, Wis. Adm. Code)
E. Fugitive emissions from haul roads will not exceed 20% opacity at the source. (Section NR
415.075, Wis. Adm. Code)
F. Even though some equipment and activities are allowed up to 20% opacity at the source, no
visible emissions of dust should ever be allowed to cross the property boundary.
1 This document is intended solely as guidance and does not contain any mandatory requirements except
where requirements found in statute or administrative rule are referenced. This guidance does not establish or
affect legal rights or obligations and is not finally determinative of any of the issues addressed. This guidance
does not create any rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the State of Wisconsin or the
Department of Natural Resources. Any regulatory decisions made by the Department of Natural Resources in
any matter addressed by this guidance will be made by applying the governing statutes and administrative
rules to the relevant facts.
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G. Berms and/or other windbreak methods such as fences and treelines shall be used surrounding
all or parts of the yard where practical.
2. Plant
A. The drop distance at each transfer point shall be reduced to the minimum the equipment can
achieve. The transfer point from the re-circulating belt to the feed belt shall be equipped with an
enclosed chute.
B. Plant equipment and enclosures shall be inspected on a regular basis (daily, weekly, monthly, or
per manufacturers recommendation) for physical integrity. Any equipment or seal leaks shall be
repaired as soon as practicable and not later than 48 hours after being indentified.
3. Storage Piles
A. Stockpiling of all nonmetallic minerals shall be performed to minimize drop distance and
control potential dust problems.
B. Stockpiles shall be observed daily and watered whenever fugitive dust is observed to control
emissions. After application, a follow-up observation shall be performed to ensure the
effectiveness of the control measures. Equipment to apply water or dust suppressant shall be
available at the site, or on call for use at the site, within a given operating day.
C. Encrusting agents approved by the Department or covering shall be used on piles intended for
long term storage or inactivity.
4. Truck Traffic
A. Vehicles shall be loaded to prevent their contents from dropping, leaking blowing or otherwise
escaping. This shall be accomplished by loading so that no part of the load shall come in
contact within six (6) inches of the top of any side board, side panel or tail gate. Otherwise, the
haul trucks shall be covered, treated or secured to prevent the escape of materials likely to
become airborne during transport, prior to any transportation off site. (Section NR 415.075, Wis.
Adm. Code)
B. Excess dust and/or spillage of material off-site shall be cleaned up and returned to the facility or
properly disposed of.
5. Drilling & Blasting Activities
A. All drilling activities will be performed using a wet method or other means to reduce fugitive
emissions. Fugitive emissions from drilling will not exceed 20% opacity at the source. (Section
NR 415.075, Wis. Adm. Code)
B. All blasting shall use blast hole stemming materials that have been approved by the Department
or the Department of Commerce. (Section NR 415.075, Wis. Adm. Code)
6. Inspections
A. List the maximum intervals for inspection and routine maintenance of fugitive dust control
equipment, including a description of the items or conditions that will be checked.
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B. List the schedules for watering, treating and periodic cleaning of roads, trafficable areas and
storage piles.
C. The provisions and procedures of this plan are subject to adjustment if following an inspection
and written notification, the Department finds fugitive dust management practices do not meet
requirements and/or permitted emission limits are not being met.
7. List of Staff Responsible for Implementation of Plan
All staff members will be required to notify the operations manager of excessive fugitive emissions
when observed. This will include a description of the source of the excessive emission. The
operations manager will be responsible for directing dust control measures. The plan shall include
the names and contact information for the operations manager and secondary contacts when the
manager is not available or not on site.
8. List of Equipment, Materials and Spare Parts
The following is a list of equipment onsite or readily obtainable for control and cleanup to reduce
fugitive dust.
A. Watering truck/wagon or dedicated sprinkler systems.
B. Frontend loader/trucks (cleaning up spillage)
C. Brooms
D. Sweeper
E. Sealant for buildings
F. List of chemicals and/or additives for dust control and the MSDS.
9. Excessive Fugitive Dust Plan
In the event that excessive dust is generated at the facility, operations creating the dust problem shall be
shut down until they can be rectified. At that time, operation may recommence. An investigation as to
the cause of the excessive dust shall be conducted, and the plan revised to avoid any future fugitive dust
emissions.
10. Control During Freezing Weather
Use of water amended with non-toxic antifreeze additives approved by the Department shall be used
to control dust during times when the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
11. Records
Records of daily inspections, visible emission observations, equipment repairs, and dust suppressant
activities shall be kept on file and be made available to the Department upon request. The plan shall
include a draft copy of the daily fugitive dust control reporting forms and other regular checks. The
forms shall be dated and initialed by the person performing the checks.
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