photo by: Douglas County

Trucks apply liquid calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to rock roads to control dust created by vehicles.

The deadline for Douglas County Public Works’ 2025 dust control program, which helps reduce dust on rock roadways, is approaching.

The dust control program applies liquid calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to rock roads for residents in Douglas County to reduce the dust created by vehicles driving by rural homes. The cost to participate in the program is $1.65 per linear foot of roadway treated plus an administrative fee of $60 per location. The expected life of dust reduction by this method is about one year, depending on weather, road and traffic conditions.

The products consist of a “brine solution” that are found naturally in various regions of the United States, according to a county news release. The solution works by attracting moisture from the atmosphere and causing dust to clump, which helps a hard crust to form on the road surface.

The program is available to all county residents living adjacent to public roadways. If the road is maintained by a township, cooperation with the township’s board is needed to prepare the road prior to application, the press release said.

Applications for the program are available online and at the Douglas County Public Works Department, 3755 E. 25th St. Pre-payment must be received in the Public Works office by the deadline to apply: 5 p.m. Friday, March 7.