In the past, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride have been perceived as cost-effective measures for controlling dust on unpaved roads. At the time, they were preferable to water truck dispersal, as the chloride agents required less total man-hours in the application. In some regions, water access could also have been an issue. Unfortunately, chloride-based dust control agents also have their... read more »

Fugitive dust emanating from an unpaved road is widely known as being a costly nuisance. However, many people are not aware that the same small soil/aggregate particles responsible for the dust can also be a major source of stream sedimentation. This can be detrimental to adjacent trout and salmon streams. When heavy rains occur and flow over an unpaved road,... read more »

Dust control and maintenance of unpaved roads is a significant concern in many locations throughout the United States (and even Hawaii and Alaska) and various locations around the globe including parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. When fugitive dust particles are released into the air they can pose safety hazards, impair visibility, and potentially cause respiratory distress. Some agencies,... read more »

Dust control is a significant concern for maintaining unpaved roads. This can apply to mining operations, road construction, rural municipalities, military base training, and general construction. In the past, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride were popular with many entities for trapping fugitive dust particles in an unpaved roadbed. In recent years, ecologically conscious agencies, businesses, and government entities have become... read more »

The caprices of winter weather can swing wildly with wind, rain, sleet, and snow. If you maintain a year-round quarry, open pit mine, or a construction operation with unpaved roads, maintaining a stable roadbed can have a significant impact on your seasonal profits. Fugitive dust particles, unmitigated erosion, and washboard corrugation from the presence of excess water can cause safety... read more »

Military training and operations often call for moving vehicles, equipment, and personnel on unpaved roads. Controlling dust and roadbed degradation play an important with safety and overall efficiency. Using water trucks to periodically dampen a road surface can be messy, and an inefficient use of manhours. While calcium chloride and magnesium chloride dust control agents might be able to help... read more »

Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride based dust control agents once enjoyed popularity with road maintenance operations and rural municipalities for controlling fugitive dust on unpaved roads. As time has gone on, these substances have drawn increased scrutiny for their negative ecological impact and potential application hazards. The mineral content added to the road can sometimes attract unwanted wildlife to the... read more »

EnviRoad® started in the early 1970’s selling, hauling, and distributing dust control products throughout the Pacific Northwest. Working with the Forest Service we helped to spread lignin and magnesium chloride dust abatement products on unpaved roads throughout the region. Eventually, this led to us branching out to service municipal locations all around the world. During the 1980’s the American social... read more »

Fugitive dust particles that are released by passing traffic and local weather conditions can cause several different complications. Beyond safety and respiratory health concerns, a dusty road is also at increased risk of suffering washboarding, potholes, and general deterioration of the road bed. In dry conditions, frequent water truck applications and chloride based dust control agents can often prove expensive... read more »

Late in the summer and early fall, it is possible for dry conditions to affect many regions throughout the United States and internationally. While this might be a short-term problem, it often requires a better solution than the daily application of water by a water truck. The excessive man hours and fuel costs required to apply water to an unpaved... read more »