September 2, 2008
Three nominees with a local concrete batch plant receive admirable mention in this month’s Air Quality Honor Roll. These individuals prove to be a positive example to their company and to others in reducing dust pollution.
Here are the names of the following individuals nominated for this month’s Air Quality Honor Roll:
Al Benjamin, BJ Kerstiens and Ed Pierce
Maricopa Ready Mix LLC, Plant #3
4405 S. Litchfield Road
Avondale, AZ
Last inspected on August 4, 2008, these three nominees at Maricopa Ready Mix LLC and their team displayed above average business practices when it came to controlling dust pollution. Part of the agency’s success in reducing particulate (dust) pollution stems from having an excellent baghouse which serves to filter particulates before they can become airborne. Other documented efforts towards keeping our air healthier to breathe is a result of no fugitive dust being visible from any of the company’s various operations that were taking place while dust inspector Bob McPeek was on site.
“Here is a perfect example of a company that can operate in this region’s dry desert and still be in compliance,” stated Andy Kunasek, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. “This location’s efforts to reduce dust is worthy of an honorable mention and is the very reason why we have this important program.”
McPeek noted the entire site location is fully paved with concrete, including the employees’ parking areas, which is one major contributor to reducing dust. In addition, there is a water truck on-site that washes away any dust that is collected at least three times per day. These nominees have also added extra dust-controlling measures at the exit of the concrete lot. Even though the Rule 316 requires they add a 5 MPH sign at the exit, the sign they use says 3 MPH.
“Our nonmetallic mineral processing rule (Rule 316) was recently revised on March 12, 2008,” stated McPeek. “It included significant changes to operational standards and recordkeeping requirements. All sites operating under Rule 316 were given until June 12, 2008 to revise their Dust Control Plans (DCP) and while this new requirement presented many challenges, this site location revised their forms with the new Rule 316 requirements within the deadline. In addition, all site personnel received the required Comprehensive and Basic Dust Control Training as needed. These nominees are setting the example for Rule 316 sites to follow.”
“The Maricopa County Air Quality Department is pleased that companies who are worthy of this nomination are receiving the positive recognition they deserve,” adds Joy Rich, interim director for the department. “Highlighting a company’s extra efforts to achieve dust control is a valuable program to the department and even more important to the public’s health.”
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The Air Quality Honor Roll was created by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in association with the Maricopa County Air Quality Department in an effort to recognize persons or entities for going “above and beyond” air pollution rules and regulations.
Qualifying nominees to the Air Quality Honor Roll will be announced on a monthly basis at the first of each month. Please visit Maricopa County’s website at www.maricopa.gov to learn more about Maricopa County news and events.