It's Called Fugitive Dust

Fugitive Dust

Although we make fun of it in our flyers and posters, fugitive dust is a serious problem. When fly ash escapes confinement and enters the air it is called fugitive dust. The following is what the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) says about it.

Fact Sheet - January 2008

There are many reasons, both environmental and health related, why you should control fugitive dust. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) investigates all complaints alleging fugitive dust. Not all instances of fugitive dust constitute a violation. However, when a violation is found, the DEQ takes action.

What is fugitive dust?

By definition, fugitive dust means solid airborne particulate matter emitted from any source other than a stack or chimney. Allowing fugitive dust to cross the property line and interfere with the use of adjacent properties constitutes a violation.

How does fugitive dust affect public health?

Fugitive dust is made up of fine particles. When inhaled, fine particles can accumulate in the respiratory system causing various respiratory problems including persistent coughs, wheezing and physical discomfort. Additionally, breathing these fine particles can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and can aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Even short term exposure* to dust can increase the severity of respiratory problems.

*Since opening in 1991, the AES plant has been disposing of fly ash in the area.

Haze in the air caused from fly ash on a windy day.

Radiation levels rising.

Slow death is in the air.

Every thing’s mutating but nobody seems to care.

Now our children have to live with the changes that we make.

The whole earth has suffered from the chances that we take.

We say that’s the price of progress and we have no other choice.

Can we make an honest effort? Can see beyond our greed?

B.E. Cause

Bokoshe, Oklahoma 74930

flyash@intheairwebreathe.com

: Bokoshe's Story : : Press Release : : Media Clips : : What is Fly Ash? : : What is In Fly Ash ? : : It's Called Fugitive Dust : : Where Does It Go? : : Where It Really Goes? : : In Our Words By Carlan : : ABC World New : : CBS Investigates : : Inhofe & Boren Say : : What About The EPA? : : EPA Cease & Desist : : What About The OMB? : : Invitation to OMB : : What About The DEQ? : : DEQ Can't See Dust : : What About The ODM? : : ODM Can't See Water : : What About The OCC? : : Oil & Gas Waste Water : : It's Salt Water or Is It? : : Letter To The Govenor : : Kids Take On AES : : Letter To The President : : Health Impacts : : Something Is Wrong : : I'm Worried : : FAQs : : The Press : : CBS Coal Ash Story : : Photo Gallery : : Location : : About Us : : Residents Speak Out : : Contact Us :