BARRHEAD - The Town of Barrhead will experiment with a new dust control treatment in a small portion of its industrial area.
On June 10, councillors unanimously approved a recommendation from public works to test an alternative dust control treatment, MG30, as part of a three-year pilot project on a portion of 46th Street between 61st and 62nd avenues as well as 48th Street starting at 62nd Avenue to the south going to the Ripple Connection Thrift Store.
If the test proves successful, the municipality estimates it would result in a cost savings of roughly 13 per cent on the product alone.
Public works estimate that the cost of the traditional oil product in the test area over three years is $28,518 compared to $24,585 for the MG-30.
Additionally, the public works believe there would be additional savings as the product is more easily applied.
Funding for the project would come from public works dust suppression budget earmarked at $228,500 for 2025.
Public works Director Sheldon Flett stated that the municipality currently uses an oil-based product for dust control in the industrial area and on select residential roads.
"We notice that because of the heavy traffic up there, with [Barrhead Transit Mix, LaPrairie, Mech Jager, All Around Manufacturing, Redline Transport], it really beats those roads down," he said.
Flett added that while there are benefits to oiling, such as its effectiveness in reducing dust, preventing mud buildup, and generally providing a smooth driving surface, it is far from a perfect process.
Specifically, he stated that the process contributes to road softening, rutting, and washboarding, leads to frost heaving during freeze-thaw cycles, and leaches in extreme heat, resulting in pooling and splashing onto vehicles.
Flett said oiling is also labour-intensive as it requires frequent maintenance to keep roadways in acceptable condition.
Mayor Dave McKenzie said council had discussed the need to improve the roads in the industrial section on multiple occasions over the years.
"But the funding has never been available. This might be a show of goodwill demonstrating that we are taking the first step," he said.
Coun. Ty Assaf wondered why the issue was before council, saying he believed it to be an operational issue.
"[It is up to public works] to decide what treatment they want to use on the roads and if they're going to change it. As a council, we put the money in the bank account, and they spend it. I don't see why we should be telling operations how they should be doing their job," he said.
Chief administrative officer Collin Steffes mostly agreed, adding the reason why they opted to bring the decision to council is that it had the potential to become "political".
"I can speak from experience," he said.
Before Steffes joined the Town of Barrhead, he worked for Sturgeon County, Lamont County, and Westlock County.
"When you move [away from oiling] to other calcium products, there are some strong feelings about it. We are confident in testing this area, but it is precisely that," he said, adding there is a strong likelihood that the municipality will like the product. "Even if it works out the way we would like, there is the possibility that people won't like it, whether it is the way it looks or how it rides, and then it could become a political issue."
Steffes added during the budget deliberation process; the discussion centred around road oiling.
"Even though this is a test, we felt this was a significant enough change from what was previously discussed to warrant council should be consulted."
Coun. Don Smith asked if MG-30 was the same product used for dust control on the MacGill Estates road, inquiring about how often the product needed to be applied.
It should be noted that although the road services County of Barrhead residents, it is owned by the town.
Flett said it was the same product used on the MacGill Estates road and that it was usually applied annually.
"It all depends on how wet it gets or how dry the season is," he said.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
