The SCAQMD Rule 1466 and How Eco-Rental Solutions has the Equipment You Need

What is the South Coast Air Quality Management District?

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is responsible for regulating air quality in Southern California. In addition to its regulation on emissions, SCAQMD also has a rule in place to control dust emissions. This rule, known as Rule 1466, sets standards for the control of dust from construction and other activities.

SCAQMD Rule 1466

SCAQMD Rule 1466 applies to a range of activities, including construction and demolition activities, excavation, grading, and earth-moving operations. The rule sets standards for the control of dust emissions from these activities, with the goal of reducing air pollution and protecting public health.

Dust is a common air pollutant that can have negative health impacts, particularly for those with respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dust can also contribute to the formation of smog and other air pollutants, leading to poor air quality.

Under Rule 1466, contractors and other responsible parties must take steps to minimize dust emissions during construction and other activities. This includes measures such as using water or other dust suppression methods, covering piles of materials to prevent dust from becoming airborne, and using equipment with appropriate filters and other controls to reduce dust emissions.

Compliance with rule 1466 of SCAQMD

To ensure compliance with Rule 1466, SCAQMD conducts regular inspections and testing of construction sites and other activities. Contractors and other responsible parties who fail to comply with the rule can face fines and other penalties.

The implementation of Rule 1466 has had a significant impact on air quality in Southern California. According to SCAQMD, the rule has helped to reduce dust emissions by more than 90 percent in some areas. This has led to improvements in air quality and reduced the negative health effects associated with air pollution.

Eco-Rental Solutions’ partner, TSI Incorporated, assisted the SCAQMD in the evaluation of sensor technology and helped establish the minimum monitor requirements set forth in Appendix 1 of Rule 1466. The evaluation was performed in conjunction with California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), who provides regulatory oversight for many of the remediation contamination sites in the state. TSI was one of the first two companies to be accepted to the list of SCAQMD pre-approved monitors and as such, Eco-Rental Solutions offers one of the best solutions accepted among any manufacturer to meet each site’s specific needs.

Under South Coast AQMD’s Rule 1466, the owner/operator at any remediation site that is deemed contaminated by certain toxics must conduct continuous direct-reading, near real-time, ambient particulate monitoring at upwind and downwind remediation contamination site locations. The monitors must measure concentrations of PM10 (10 microns or less) and the site contribution of PM10 (upwind values subtracted from downwind values) must not exceed 25 ug/m3 averaged over 2 hours. If an exceedance occurs, the site owner/operator must cease all earth-moving activities until additional dust control measures are employed.

Get the Dust Monitoring tools you need

Real-time dust monitoring solutions from Eco-Rental Solutions using the Netronix cloud solution offer time-saving automatic differential calculations between upwind and downwind values.

Rent from Eco-Rental Solutions & Comply with Rule 1466 in Three Easy Steps:

1. PM10 Monitoring

Using two monitors, log real-time measurements for PM10, wind speed and wind direction. Monitors must be positions in opposite corners of the site near the property line. One upwind and one downwind.

2. Dust Control

Minimize fugitive dust emissions with proper controls. Use dust suppressants such as wetting and install fencing that is at least 6’ tall. Clean the soil from all vehicles leaving the site; do not allow track-out to extend beyond 25’ of the property line.

3. Notifications

Notify SCAQMD at least 72 hours prior to earth-moving activities and when an exceedance occurs. Install appropriate SCAQMD signage around the project perimeter. Log readings and project data, then maintain accurate records for at least 3 years.

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Eco-Rental Solutions’ TSI DustTrak monitors have already been evaluated and are in compliance with Rule 1466

Hardware Requirements:

• PM10 monitors must be capable of logging data every 1 minute (down from 10 min)
• PM10 monitors must have a heated inlet

Software Requirements:

• PM10 site contribution must be calculated as a 2-hour rolling average (previously was 2 hourlies on the hour)
• Upwind & downwind monitors are designated based on real-time wind direction (previously just prevailing wind)

Multi-Use Packages:

• (8530-1466): PM10 Only – DustTrak™ II Aerosol Monitor, Weatherproof Pelican case enclosure, and Heated Inlet with Autozero Module
• (8533-1466): PM10 plus PM1, 2.5, 4 and total PM  – DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor, Weatherproof Pelican case enclosure, and Heated Inlet with Autozero Module

Eco-Rental Solutions Has Rule 1466 Covered

Eco-Rental Solutions also offers weather stations for determining upwind and downwind locations which is part of the requirements for Rule 1466.  Additionally, Eco-Rental Solutions’ EnviroNet cloud solution has been customized to meet the needs of Rule 1466, and has the capability to automatically calculate the difference between upwind and downwind monitors as the rule states, sending alerts if the difference exceeds 25 ug/m3. This eliminates a significant amount of work and time. Eco-Rental Solutions also offers local app communication and standard direct connect downloading to a laptop. Data collection and usage is plug-and-play as well. The DustTrak monitors and optional sensors will start reporting to the cloud immediately when powered on or plugged in, for a truly remote monitoring solution that can be viewed from a smartphone or computer anywhere, anytime.

Eco-Rental Solutions also offers other plug-and-play air quality monitoring solutions to compliment the DustTrak monitors, such as Honeywell RAE MiniRAE 3000, MultiRAE and power options, such as solar panel solutions and batteries. All of these solutions can be easily set up as they are designed to work together. Additionally, Eco-Rental Solutions direct technical staff will assist with field set up and staff training.

Overall, SCAQMD Rule 1466 is an important regulation that has helped to improve air quality in Southern California. By setting standards for the control of dust emissions from construction and other activities, the rule has helped to protect public health and reduce the negative impacts of air pollution. 

Have an upcoming project that will require dust monitoring equipment for Rule 1466 air monitoring? 

Contact one of our California locations by clicking here. If your project is 12+ months in duration, ask about our Eco-Rental Plus Program to learn how you can save up to 50% on equipment rental fees over the course of your project!