Unpaved Road Fugitive Dust Control and Road Stabilization using Processed Installation Solid Waste

Abstract

Fugitive dust generated from military vehicle maneuvers is a serious issue that affects military readiness, human health and safety, and environmental quality. In landing zones and on unpaved roads and trails, excessive amounts of fugitive dust particles generated by helicopters, airplanes, wheeled vehicles, and tracked vehicles reduce operator visibility and safety, allow for enemy remote identification of tactical positions and impair operating performance of ground support teams and equipment. These factors increase the likelihood of accidents and injury. Additionally, dust acts as a respiratory irritant and is considered a health, safety, and air quality hazard that affects the soldiers and civilians that work and live nearby. Furthermore, dust migration from unpaved roads to nearby surfaces impairs plant growth, degrades stream quality and decreases road stability throughout unpaved road corridors. Recently, a study was conducted that evaluated the effectiveness of processed installation solid waste (ISW) for dust suppression and road stabilization on unpaved roads. Initially, laboratory investigations using sand and Drummer soil were utilized to determine the physical characteristics of the processed installation solid waste and to identify the appropriate treatment additives for dust suppression. Three treatment plots replicated at three sites were installed at an orchard near McMinnville, Tennessee. Additionally, a control plot within the study site received no treatment and was typical of unpaved roads in the area. On the basis of the laboratory results the three treatment plots consisted of 1) processed ISW 2) processed ISW plus calcium chloride 3) processed ISW plus vegetable oil. The sites were then subjected to multiple vehicle passes while dust emission measurements were recorded. Results from the study and fugitive dust measurements at the site over several months are discussed..