Dust Abatement and Air Quality

New laws have been adopted across the Phoenix metropolitan area in response to air quality concerns.

• Fugitive dust from unstable or disturbed dirt surfaces (such as construction areas, vacant lots, dirt roads, and dirt tracked onto paved surfaces) is the largest man-made contributor to the county’s non-attainment of air quality standards.
• All sites with disturbed surface areas, regardless of size, must maintain compliance with air quality rules.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s Dust Compliance Division is responsible for improving air quality by protecting the public from airborne particulate matter and enforcing air quality standards.

OHV operation that creates dust and particulate matter outside of acceptable air quality standards is subject to regulation and has resulted in past area closures.

Motor vehicle use on unpaved surfaces is limited in Maricopa County. Before driving, riding, or parking on any land, check with the appropriate land management agency regarding the rules and requirements.

• You may be subject to fines and penalties if you violate the rules and requirements.
• On days when a high-pollution advisory for particulate matter has been issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), OHV activities on unpaved surfaces will not be permitted in Area A.
• If you are planning to drive or ride an OHV within Maricopa County, check first to see if an advisory has been issued by calling 1-800-234-5677, visiting www.maricopa.gov/aq, or signing up to receive a text message at http://www.azdeq.gov/sms.html.
• In addition, cities in Area A now restrict the operation of motorized vehicles on many unpaved roads and vacant lots. Check with your local law enforcement or city office to find out if recreational use is permissible.

Note: Additional restrictions also may be in effect. For example, access restrictions vary according to local, county, or state regulations. Always check for complete information on legal OHV use before you ride.

High-Pollution Advisory (HPA) Notification

In Area A during days when HPAs have been called for particulate matter, it is illegal to use an off-highway vehicle (including an all-terrain vehicle or an off-road recreation motor vehicle) on an unpaved surface that is not a public or private road, street, or easement—except at designated locations and events where dust controls are in place.
ADEQ is now offering a text-messaging service to inform people when an HPA is being issued for the Greater Phoenix Area. If you sign up for this service, you will receive a text message on your cell phone or small-message service (SMS) wireless device by mid-afternoon on the day before the HPA is issued.

While ADEQ charges no fee for this service, the fees set under your cell phone or wireless device plan will apply.

To sign up or for more information contact:

Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality
Phoenix Main Office
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
1-800-234-5677
http://www.azdeq.gov/sms.html