Ask The Advocate: Dirt pits

Advocate staff photo by Richard Alan Hannon. Photo shot on 11/11/2003. Richfield Riversilt employee Stanley Chatman uses a track hoe to dump river silt into a costumers awaiting truck. River silt is commonly used around new home foundations throughout southern Louisiana. Keyword Vehicle Land Environment

Q. Are there any U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality regulations for dirt pits concerning air pollution and the amount of dust they are allowed to emit into the air? Also what are the laws concerning tracking mud onto the road?

A. Rodney Mallett, spokesman for the Department of Environmental Quality, said there are air regulations that limit fugitive dust emissions. For example, open-bodied trucks transporting materials that could give rise to airborne dust are supposed to be covered while in motion.

The state Department of Transportation and Development oversees the condition of roadways.

DOTD spokeswoman Lauren Lee said tracking mud onto a roadway falls under a prohibition against gross littering.

“Contractors must satisfactorily maintain the condition of the roadway,” Lee said.

First-time violations are punishable by a minimum $500 fine.

Send questions to Ask The Advocate, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0588; or fax to Ask The Advocate, [phone]; or email [e-mail].