Dust is categorised as any fine particles of sand, soil, organic or manufactured materials that can be carried by the wind and subsequently drop onto surfaces. Excess dust can become an annoyance and cause frustration to businesses and residents however dust is unavoidable and, in some circumstances, can be difficult to fully control.
Officers from the Environmental Health Team can investigate dust complaints. They will assess the frequency of dust falling, the source of the dust, the amount and type of dust and how it is impacting the enjoyment of the home and the health of the occupants.
Areas Environmental Health do cover:
Dust from business, trade, construction, demolition, and industrial premises affecting residential properties.
Examples of potential dust sources:
- Construction work (Please note that we would only investigate excessive amounts of dust from construction where it seems good practice such as using water bowsers to dampen the dust levels are not being undertaken in drier conditions)
- Biomass or some oil heating systems
- Quarries
- Agricultural activities
- Sawmills
Areas Environmental Health do NOT cover:
- Pollution Prevention and Control regulated industrial activities already controlled by SEPA
- Dust from traffic on public roads
- Dust on outdoor personal property or belongings
- Short term agricultural activities
Possible action by Environmental Health:
- Officers will recommend in the first instance that you speak to the person or business causing the source of your dust complaint to resolve the issues informally.
- Officers may request you to keep a detailed record of the dust in the form of monitoring sheets (this record may be used if legal action is taken later, and you should be prepared to go to court in such cases).
- Officers may contact the person(s)/business being complained about, advising them of the complaint and ask them to take steps which may be necessary to reduce the dust.
- A visit from the investigating officer(s) to witness the disturbance. Please note that it is very difficult for officers to witness dust so several visits may be necessary.
Information collated from the investigation by the officers will determine what action they may then take.
If you concerns regarding the above, contact Environmental Health at eh@pkc.gov.uk or 01738 476476.
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