MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Road Dust Suppression: Effect on Maintenance, Stability, Safety and the Environment, Phases 1-3
Authors:	Jonathan Q. Addo, Melanie Chenard, and Thomas G. Sanders
University:	Colorado State University
Publication Date:	May 2004
Report #:	MPC-04-156
Project #:	MPC-217, MPC-197, MPC-176
TRID #:	00975834
Keywords:	base course (pavements), chlorides, dust control, environmental impacts, heavy metals, highway safety, leaching, lignosulfonate, maintenance, organic compounds, soil stabilization, unpaved roads

Abstract

This report describes a research project conducted at Colorado State University to evaluate the effect of road dust suppression on unpaved road maintenance schemes. A field-based method was used to measure the effect of road soil physical characteristics on the effectiveness of some of the commonly used dust suppressants. The study also evaluated the stabilization of unpaved road base material because of the use of dust suppression. The effect of dust suppression on safety and driving conditions on unpaved roads was examined. The chloride compounds and ligninsulfonate commonly used as dust suppressants are water soluble and can be leached into the environment. They contain chlorides, heavy metals, and organic compounds that are regulated. Their potential to have adverse environmental impact was examined.