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U.S. EPA CITES TWO PHOENIX DEVELOPERS FOR DUST CONTROL VIOLATIONS

Release Date: 10/21/1999
Contact Information: Paula Bruin U.S. EPA, (415) 744-1587

     Actions Part Of U.S. EPA and Maricopa Co Dust Control Enforcement
 
     SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) today announced that it has filed complaints against two Phoenix-area developers for violating Maricopa County's dust control regulations.  The Agency issued a notice of violation against CHI Construction Co., a Scottsdale developer, filed an administrative complaint against Maracay Homes , a Phoenix developer, and settled seven enforcement actions originally filed in September 1998.  The violations of  Maricopa County's fugitive dust rules were discovered by EPA inspectors as part of their continued enforcement of the county's dust rules.
     
     Cases were settled against Joe E. Woods, Inc., Dick Corp., United Metro Materials, Inc., Evergreen Builders, Inc., USA Waste of Arizona, Phoenix Demolition Co., Inc., and the city of Phoenix.  The final settlements assess combined penalties of $120,040.  

     "Dust in the air is a serious health threat, especially to children, older people, and those with respiratory illnesses.  Facilities that generate dust must work to minimize it in their operations," said David Howekamp, director of U.S. EPA's air division for the western region. "We plan to continue our efforts with Maricopa County to enforce the County's dust control requirements."
 
     The most recent dust control violations occurred at new residential housing developments in Mesa.  Arizona and federal law require permits for earth moving at construction sites, which include plans to control dust emissions. Control measures include such simple practices as watering down construction and demolition sites, as well as preventing dust from being tracked out onto adjacent roads.  In addition, Arizona and federal law require dust controls on sources such as vacant lots, unpaved parking lots, and unpaved roads.  Control measures for these sources include paving, gravel, or stabilizing the surface with water or other dust suppressants.