Reducing road dust emissions

ARRB Transport Research in September 1996, completed a study into various dust control techniques with the results provided in Special Report 54. That report encompassed a worldwide literature search on various measures to control dust and a survey of municipal councils and other road authorities across Australia and New Zealand to ascertain what experiences they have had with the use of dust suppressants. The data has been analysed, in particular for those cases which have reported successes, to try to ascertain the basis for this result. The outcome of this study is to provide a guide to the reported effectiveness of particular dust suppressants under given circumstances and other methods to better control dust emissions. This paper provides highlights from the Report to advise practitioners on cost effective ways to control road dust.