Rio Vista Municipal Code Ch. 8.04 Dust, Sand and Debris Control

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, welfare and safety by limiting and regulating activities which cause or contribute to blowing dust, sand and debris resulting in dust, sand and debris spreading to public and private property adjacent and downwind of such activities and to ensure adequate equipment is provided and measures taken to prevent blowing dust, sand and debris at all necessary times.

(Prior code § 28-1)

It shall be the responsibility of all owners and/or developers of land located within the city to take all necessary measures to prevent windblown dust, sand and debris from spreading to property downwind of the property where activities producing such conditions are occurring, which measures shall include, but are not limited to, those set out in this chapter.

(Prior code § 28-2)

Development of subdivisions shall be scheduled and phased so as to limit, to the greatest extent possible, the exposure of bare ground leading to the creation of dust, and loose sand.

(Prior code § 28-3)

All streets in a subdivision phase under construction shall have a dust-free surface coat prior to the installation of any building foundations, unless prior written approval is granted by the city engineer.

(Prior code § 28-4)

All project perimeter fencing and landscaping for the phase or unit under construction shall be in place prior to opening any model units to the public and offering any units for sale, unless prior written approval is granted by the city engineer.

(Prior code § 28-5)

It shall be the responsibility of each owner and/or developer of land located within the city (hereinafter referred to as "responsible party") engaging in excavation, grading or other activity which creates and/or leaves loose soil exposed to the wind resulting in dust and/or loose sand to take the following measures whenever dry conditions exist creating the possibility of windblown dust and/or sand:

A. To maintain at the location where such activities are occurring (hereinafter the "location") or immediately available at all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays, water trucks capable of dispersing water over a large area to prevent dust and loose sand and to be prepared to use the equipment for this purpose at any time including having available personnel to operate the equipment during normal business hours and on call during evenings, weekends and holidays. The responsible party shall wash down streets and other public thoroughfares adjacent to the construction site on a regular basis to prevent the accumulation of dust and sand which can be spread by the wind;

B. To restrict vehicular traffic across all unpaved areas and limit vehicle parking, to designated areas where creation of dust and loose sand by such traffic can be strictly controlled, except for vehicles and equipment actually necessary for construction activity, and to establish on location haul roads which shall be the sole course of vehicle travel across the site and which shall not be changed without the written permission of the city engineer;

C. To use environmentally safe soil stabilizing agents to prevent the creation of dust and/or loose sand;

D. To post conspicuously at all entrances to the location, the telephone number of the police department and name and telephone number of a responsible employee or agent of the responsible party who can be notified by members of the general public between the hours of eight a.m. and eight p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays when problems of blowing dust and/or sand affecting property downwind of the location exist, and to ensure that employees or agents of the responsible party are available during those hours to receive calls and respond to complaints;

E. To provide security, if requested by the city, on the location during evenings, weekends and holidays to ensure that adequate dust and sand control measures are employed and that restricted work hours are observed.

(Prior code § 28-6)

It shall be the responsibility of each responsible party who engages in any projects of construction and/or excavation to take adequate measures to prevent windblown debris including, but not limited to cardboard, paper and other construction materials capable of being carried by the wind from being carried off the location by the wind or otherwise.

(Prior code § 28-7)

The police chief, building official or city engineer or any employee of the city under their direction and control may issue a citation for failure to provide adequate dust and/or sand control measures as described in this chapter or for allowing dust, sand and/or debris to be blown onto downwind property.

(Prior code § 28-8)

In addition to citation, an order to stop work may be issued and further work on the location shall be prohibited if it is determined that dust, sand and/or blowing debris is adversely affecting property downwind of the location, or if the measures described in Sections 8.04.060 and 8.04.070 are not being followed, and the lack thereof creates the immediate possibility of dust and/or sand contamination.

(Prior code § 28-9)

If, after giving of notice to the responsible party that dust and/or debris control measures must be taken, the corrections are not accomplished, the city may cause appropriate corrective action to be accomplished at the responsible party's expense.

(Prior code § 28-10)

Penalties for violation of this chapter may be assessed by the city. Such penalties may include, but not be limited to, fines, stop-work orders, corrective-action orders or revocation or suspension of the permit.

(Prior code § 28-11)