Fugitive Dust Handbook

4.0   MATERIAL HANDLING

Inherent in materials handling operations that use minerals in aggregate form is the handling and transfer of materials from one process to another (e.g., to and from storage). Outdoor storage piles are usually left uncovered, partially because of the need for frequent material transfer into or out of storage. Dust emissions occur at several points in the storage cycle, such as material loading onto the pile, disturbances by strong wind currents (discussed elsewhere under the section addressing storage pile wind erosion), and loadout from the pile. The movement of trucks and loading equipment in the storage pile area is also a substantial source of dust. Dust emissions also occur at transfer points between conveyors or in association with vehicles used to haul aggregate materials. The PM emission estimation methodology presented in the fugitive dust handbook is taken from Section 13.2.4 of AP-42 (last updated in January 1995). The sample control measure cost-effectiveness calculation spreadsheet presented for this source category involves applying a continuous water spray at conveyor transfer points.