Dust suppressants may be used to minimize fugitive dust emissions, control erosion, and reduce maintenance costs on unpaved roads and lots. How suppressants abate dust varies by product type. Some form crusts or protective surfaces on the soil; others act as binding agents causing particles to stay together; and some attract moisture to the soil particles. IDEM maintains a list of vendors [ZIP] that have shown an interest in providing dust control products or services in Indiana. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement of these firms or their products by IDEM or the state of Indiana.
Effective July 1, 1989, Indiana Code (IC) 13-30-2-1 (formerly IC 13-7-4-1) prohibits the application of used oil to any ground surface based upon environmental concerns. The dust control products or services provided by vendors in the supplied list have not been evaluated by IDEM with respect to environmental hazards or other objectionable characteristics, but based on current knowledge do not contain used oils.
Technical and compliance assistance is available for persons who wish to discuss best practices for fugitive dust control and the use of dust suppressants. Indiana has experienced situations where pollution problems have occurred because of the use of dust suppressants. As with any product applied to the land, the product should be carefully evaluated as to its formulation, application location, and manner of application to prevent problems from being created. Spills that have the potential to threaten groundwater or surface water should be immediately reported to IDEM Emergency Response.