A Manitoba company has found a more environmentally friendly replacement for a common dust suppressant.
Many farmers use calcium chloride to control dust on roads and farmyards during dry summers, but Norm Burns, president of Cypher Ltd. in Winnipeg, is concerned about how it can affect the environment.
His company has developed Dust Stop, which he says is more environmentally friendly than some of the products now in use.
“Traditionally, what the government would allow is calcium chloride and that type of thing. They’re classified by the Canadian Environmental Protection (Act) as toxic. Anything with chlorides is not eligible for an eco logo,” Burns said.
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“Our product is 100 percent environmentally friendly. It’s produced in Western Canada, the formulation is primarily mineral and it’s food grade, so you can eat it. So I feel confident putting it down around crops.”
Burns said the product forms a film over the road, which dust can’t get through.
“Part of the formulation of this product has ingredients in it that absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which is important when you’re trying to control dust. Some of the minerals in this will absorb moisture, so it lasts for an extended period of time.”
Burns said the product is mixed with water and applied to roads with a tanker truck. The product is sold in 50 pound bags or totes.
“You mix it into the water tanker, then spray it on. We suggest you do part of the shoulders, too. When vehicles go by they blow up dust from the shoulders and they think it’s the road but it’s not.”
Burns conducted a trial with the product on a farm near St. Adolphe, Man.
“It was the worst form of dust you’d ever seen – crushed limestone. We put it on the farm roads and the farmer absolutely loved it. We’ve been selling it ever since.”
Burns said the product is used in coffee plantations in Central and South America for dust suppression and soil stabilization. It’s also used in construction sites and mines to suppress dust.
