State highway roading projects can generate dust which has the potential to affect health and become a nuisance to the surrounding public and environment.
Potential sources of dust include:
The adverse effects of dust depend on the size of the particles emitted. Human health effects of airborne dust are mainly associated with fine particles (eg smaller than 10 micrometres, PM10). Nuisance effects are most commonly associated with coarser particles (eg larger than 20 micrometres, PM20) and include:
Dust emissions can be mitigated by adopting best practice in construction site management, such as covering exposed areas, using water trucks and wheel washes, and minimizing the number of truck movements.
Guidance on assessing, managing and monitoring construction dust emissions is available in the resources listed below. The Erosion and sediment control guidelines for state highway infrastructure covers dust control and includes complementary guidance about the control of erosion caused by wind.
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz.