Dust control

Times Contributor

 

Every year, dust control measures stir up discussion in Wheatland County council. Last year, councillors calculated the cost of funding the service and determined it would be too expensive to deliver free to the entire county.

This year, the issue has resurfaced in Lakes of Muirfield, with residents requesting dust control application for two miles of roadway surrounding the subdivision. To provide dust control for that amount of area, council approximated a cost between $80,000 and $100,000. Community perimeters are not usually done. 

Council argued if dust control was provided for the Lakes of Muirfield, it would set a precedent for other communities. Last year, council voted to charge for dust control materials, but provide application equipment and manpower free of charge. They debated whether esthetics and financial concerns increased a municipality’s responsibility to provide the service.

“A lot of farmers have crop and cattle concerns. This is no different than any other concern. They should have to pay like anyone else,” said councillor Ben Armstrong. “We understand the issues, it has been discussed before.”

Six councillors voted against approving dust control for Lakes of Muirfield, with councillor Brenda Knight casting a supporting vote for the residents in her zone. The action was defeated by majority vote. Knight said she would continue to advocate for county-paid dust control and was sure the issue would resurface in the county again.

Although the county won’t pay for the dust control, residents will be happy to know that product costs haven’t risen. The cost will be the same as last year. 

“The market is subject to fluctuations, but it is good for now,” said Tom Schutz, Wheatland County Public Works manager. 

Residents need to submit a request form, so that crews can schedule time to apply product to road fronts. The order deadline is June 10, with a second order deadline by Aug. 12. 

Calcium Chloride prices for country roads are $2 per linear foot. Two applications are suggested for most effective control. The new application of oil on country roads is $7.56 per linear foot, or reapplication is $6.56 per linear foot. For gravel on secondary highways, add $1 to the oil rate. Orders must be for a 400 feet minimum and all applications proceed, only if there is sufficient interest. Forms can be found online at www.wheatlandcounty.ca or obtained at the office.