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Air Quality Management District        405 Observatory Ave.
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Dust Control

Grading Information

Regulation 1 of the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District has three rules relating to the control of fugitive dust :


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


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.


Control Measures

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.

Grading Rule Amendments Summary and Available Documents


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


Naturally Occurring Asbestos


State of California Air Resources Board Air Toxic Control Measures for Naturally Occurring Asbestos. This tends to effect new construction and grading activities.


If you have any questions or would like more information please call the District office at 707-463-4354.


Burn Day Status

For todays burn day status please call 707-463-4391. .

Burn Permit Application> Click Here
SMP Online Burn Request> Click Here

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Air Quality for Mendocino

Current Air Quality Index for county:
Observed on --/--/-- at --:00

Ozone:
NA

PM2.5:
NA

More Air Quality Information:

Map data is collected from AirNow.gov.

News / Advisories

Mendocino County: Burn Suspension Lifted. - All open burning requires a fire and air quality burn permits.

Air Quality Advisory For Mendocino County covering smoke impacts from wildfires in California. Click Here for More Information

AB 617 Community Air Protection Incentive Projects - AB 617 Community Air Protection Incentives to Reduce Emissions. Click Here for More Information

Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust - provides about $423 million for California to mitigate the excess nitrogen oxide emissions caused by VW's use of illegal emissions testing defeat devices in certain VW diesel vehicles.. Click Here for More Information

Air District Relaxes Portable Diesel Engine Enforcement - ARB has determined the standards for DPM may not be feasible. Click Here for More Information

The District Mission

  The mission of the Mendocino County Air Quality Management District is to protect and manage air quality, an essential public resource upon which the health of the community depends. 

  Mendocino County Air Quality Management District is one of 35 local Air Districts in California.

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