NOVEMBER 1, 2024|
Photo – Beet juice – Courtesy clarifygreen.com
The governing body of Medicine Bow debated the best way to reduce dust in town. The solution could be used elsewhere.
During the October 14th Medicine Bow town council meeting, a resident complained about the amount of dust in town. The resident asked the governing body to spray water on the streets to limit the dust. Mayor Justin George explained that water spraying, while effective in small areas, is too costly to use throughout the entire town.
Mayor George said most of the dust blowing into Medicine Bow comes from the western areas between the town and Hanna.
The mayor pointed out that the majority of dirt roads in Wyoming, including those here in Carbon County, are treated with the anti-dust chemical, magnesium chloride. However, Mayor George said people believe that the chemical is harmful.
Exposure to magnesium chloride may lead to respiratory depression, hypothermia, and a significant decrease in blood pressure. Mayor George acknowledged that while the chemical previously had higher levels of magnesium, modern versions now contain less. The mayor said the chemical industry offers an alternative dust control agent to magnesium chloride: sodium chloride, more commonly known as rock salt.
Mayor George said he recognizes the need for dust control, but costly government fines have left the town without enough funds to perform the job.
Public Works Director Brian Lashley said even if the town could afford to buy magnesium or sodium chloride, he currently lacks the means to apply the chemicals. However, Lashley said he believes the chemical supplier may provide a sprayer truck.
Instead of expensive chemicals, Public Works Director Lashley recommended using sugar beet juice to seal the town’s roads. Lashley said more research is needed because the beet juice may make the roads too hard.
Mayor George raised concerns about sugar beet juice attracting insects. Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer explained that the juice is not sweet and smells very unpleasant.
Mayor George agreed that corrosive chemicals aren’t the only method for dust control. The mayor said excess pine oil is used to reduce dust by logging communities in Idaho.
Mayor George said he might be able to arrange a deal with local contractors next summer to supply the town with leftover magnesium chloride from the treatment of Fetterman Road.
Until that time, the council asked Public Works Director Lashley to investigate the possibility of using sugar beet juice as a dust reducer for the town.
