Dust control products are applied to gravel roadways when the vehicle traffic count exceeds 150 vehicles per day. These products may be applied when there is a residence within 500 feet of these roadways.
Boulder County Road Maintenance uses two different products for dust control:
- Magnesium Chloride: is an environmentally-friendly dust control and soil stabilization product. It attracts moisture to provide maximum control of dust. Each year previously treated roads must be retreated with magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride is a good intermediate solution to reducing dust on low volume roads.
- Lignin Sulfonate: is a water soluble, non-toxic chemical, otherwise known to most people as “tree sap.” Lignosulfonates are left over after the pulping process removes cellulose material from wood. This solution work best in arid regions or regions where there are substantial periods of drought.
Either one of these products may occasionally be used for base stabilization on some sections of roadway in Boulder County.
During the warmer months, we use water on gravel roads, which helps compact the surface. Tankers that place water are labeled with as carrying “non-potable water.” During winter months, several tankers apply a de-icer to paved roads. The material tends to leave a film on vehicles, but this is easily removed with a soap and water wash. It is recommended that you wash your vehicle frequently during winter months due to de-icers and salts used during icy conditions.