Nuisance Dust

What is Nuisance Dust?

Nuisance dust refers to dust from various materials like dirt or sand that doesn't have specific safety limits. While it's not usually harmful in small amounts, it can still cause discomfort or minor health issues like irritation to your eyes, skin, or lungs if exposed to it in larger quantities. Basically, it's dust that's more of an annoyance than a severe hazard.

“No person shall discharge from any source whatsoever one or more air contaminants or combinations thereof, in such concentration and of such duration as are or may tend to be injurious to or to adversely affect human health or welfare, animal life, vegetation, or property, or as to interfere with the normal use and enjoyment of animal life, vegetation, or property.” — Texas Administrative Code 30 TAC § 101.4

NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). They define Nuisance Dust as “dust from solid substances without specific occupational exposure standards.”

TCEQ described this in their response to a similar air permit request for a concrete crusher:

“When a company operates in compliance with the Standard Permit requirements, there should be no deterioration of air quality or the generation of dust such that it impacts visibility. While these conditions are not expected if the plant is operated in compliance with the terms of the permit, operators must also comply with 30 TAC § 101.4, which prohibits nuisance conditions. The applicant has represented in their application materials that their operations will be protective of human health and the environment and meets the protective requirements of the Permanent Rock and Concrete Crusher Standard Permit

Individuals are encouraged to report any concerns about nuisance issues or suspected noncompliance with the terms of any permit or other environmental regulation by contacting TCEQ Dallas/Fort Worth Regional Office at 817-588-5800 or by calling the 24-hour toll-free Environmental Complaints Hotline at 1-888-777-3186.” —Texas Commission on Environmental Quality