8

June 28, 1999

Mr. Charles Johnson
Flathead County Road Department
800 S. Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59457

RE:     Dusty Road Complaints (CVID 3395 and CVID 3409)

Dear Mr. Johnson:

The Enforcement Division (ENFD) of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has received two complaints regarding dust on North Fork Road. This unpaved road is reported to be maintained by Flathead County. Mr. Carl Pittman alleges that the dust generated by traveling on this road is affecting his health. Mr. Pittman also stated that it is extremely hazardous because of all the dust. Visibility is so bad that driving is unsafe. In addition to the above complaint. Mr. Art Green contacted ENFD stating the dust from the road is very bad. Mr. Green stated the dust is affecting his health and poor visibility from the dust makes it unsafe to drive. On June 18, 1999. I spoke with you concerning these complaints. You stated that there was money available to pave a portion of the road. however special interest groups were trying to stop the paving.

The Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.8.308(2) state “No person shall cause or authorize the use of any street. road. or parking lot without taking reasonable precautions to control emissions of airborne particulate matter.” DEQ has had a long-term understanding with Montana counties that the responsibility for addressing dust complaints on county roads lies w ith the county.

Because this is a county issue. ENFD is informing you that we have received these complaints. Due to the fact that Mr. Green lives in Whitefish, and only visits a friend on the North Fork Road. information concerning a RID would not be helpful to him. Mr. Pittman stated that the road in front of his home is paved. He is concerned about the unpaved portion because he travels that portion of the road frequently and the dust makes driving very hazardous.

Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this matter. Please call me at 444-5328 if you have any questions. I have provided Mr. Green’s and Mr. Pittman’s addresses below.

Sincerely,

[signature]

Lawrence P. Alheim, Jr.
Environmental Enforcement Specialist

 

cc:	Mr. Art Green, 160 Haskill Dr., Whitefish, MT 59937 Mr. Carl Pittman, 9340 North Fork Rd., Polebridge, MT 59928

8