Dealing with Dust

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is crediting the long-term dust-reduction efforts of production agriculture with helping to bring the San Joaquin Valley air basin in compliance with federal PM10 standards.

There is no doubt almond growers over the last decade have significantly changed the way they harvest almonds, and have taken other steps, such as oiling roads, chipping and shredding prunings, and converting to cleaner diesel or electric pump engines, to help clean up Valley air.

Because of these and other efforts, the EPA in 2006 declared the Valley was no longer in violation of Clean Air Act PM10 standards—a declaration recently upheld in federal appeals court.

Almond growers can feel proud of their commitment and accomplishments, but this is no time to become complacent. Given the risk, it's important we take extra precautions during harvest to reduce dust and particulate matter emissions.

Almond industry studies have pinpointed a few practical steps almond growers can take to minimize dust emissions this harvest season: Set sweeper heads at proper levels and use the minimal number of passes to get the job done; use optimum fan speeds; reduce harvester speed; and direct plumes into the orchard when operating pick-up machines.

Make sure to use practical applications to reduce dust throughout your operation as much as possible.

Dave Baker, Chairman
Environmental Committee