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:- ~ M In June of 1983 Colorado Yampa Coal Company (CYCC) initiated a dust suppressant study to determine the best method for controlling fugitive dust on the haulroads and access roads of its present mining operation. Three chemical dust suppressants : Dustguard (MgCI), Dowguard (CaCI), and Coherex, and water were evaluated and compared for there effectiveness in controlling fugitive dust over a four month period. A 3,000 foot section of haulroad that receives continuous use by heavy equipment and light duty vehicles was chosen as the application site. The haulroad is made up of a sandy gravel and clay roadfill base and runs in an east-west direction. The site is relatively level allowing easy application and maintenance. Dustguard, Dowguard, and Coherex were applied in 1000 foot sections with water application adjacent to both sides of the test pattern. Ail application concentrations and amounts were based on recommendations from the chemical dust suppressant companies to meet the physical characteristics of the road material. Technical representatives for the respective companies supervised the application of the dust suppressant chemicals. Prior to application of the dust suppressant chemicals the road was graded and watered to obtain maximum penetration of the chemicals. The three dust suppressants were applied during the third week of June with normal operations maintained the life of the study. The study was monitored on a weel<1y basis with visual observations of relative amounts of dust being recorded. Dustguard (MgCI) was applied by a manufacturers spreader truck on the first 1000 foot section. A 3585 concentration of MgCI was applied at 0.5 gallons/sq. yard. Coherex was applied by a CYCC water truck to the second 1000 foot section. A 4:1 (water-oil emulsion) dilution of Coherex was applied at 1.0 gallons/sq. yard. Dowguard (CaCI) was applied to the third 1000 foot section by a CYCC water truck. A 30% concentration of CaCI was applied at 0.36 gallons/sq. yard. A summary of suppressant application rates, method of application, and producer is presented in Table 1. A comparison of three chemical dust suppressants tested in the study showed the use of Dustguard was the most effective in controlling fugitive dust on haulroads. Dustguard set up well maintained stability during the study period. Dowguard demonstrated good stability, but released more dust than Dustguard. Coherex was the least effective of the chemical suppressants tested. In comparison with water, any of the three chemical dust suppressants studied were superior in controlling fugitive dust on haulroads. Currently, the three chemical dust suppressants tested are being evaluated, to insure that the most effective and economic chemical suppressant is selected. Dustguard, Dowguard, or Coherex will be applied by CYCC in the Spring of 1483 for control of fugitive dust.