Road & Bridge proposes formal dust-control policy; commissioners to seek township input

Road & Bridge presented a proposed dust-control policy that would formalize longstanding but informal practices, set a maintenance window and add a public FAQ explaining how magnesium chloride-based dust control behaves when bladed or exposed to moisture.

Interim Road & Bridge superintendent Emily Sternsorf said the county has operated informally for years but that written guidance would reduce confusion. She explained that blading over treated areas creates surface dust but that subsequent moisture or water-truck application reactivates the magnesium chloride and restores dust control. "If we bleed through it, it does create a surface dust. However, if it rains or we wet it back down with our water truck, it'll reactivate the magnesium chloride," Sternsorf said.

Staff proposed an April 1 to Oct. 31 maintenance window for written policy language and recommended posting an FAQ and sharing draft policy with townships before adoption. Commissioners asked staff to gather data on how many residents participate in cost-shared dust control (staff estimated 5070 across townships) and to present the proposed policy at township meetings before final action.

Next steps: Staff will post the draft policy and FAQ as proposed changes, send the draft to townships for comment, and return to the commission with any revisions following township feedback.