Monsoon Season, Dust Control and NM 811: Keeping an Albuquerque Demo Site Under Control

Albuquerque demolition sites deal with two opposites: months of dry, windy air, then monsoon downpours that can turn a bare lot into a runoff problem within minutes. Before either, there is a more basic issue: what is buried under the ground. This article covers both. Stormwater and dust rules depend on project size and location, so confirm what applies to yours.

Start with NM 811

New Mexico 811 (NM One Call) is the free service that notifies utility owners to mark underground lines before digging. It is generally expected before excavation, including foundation removal and grading. Marks are valid for a limited time and positions are approximate, so hand-dig or pothole near marked lines rather than assuming they are exactly where the paint is. Call or submit your request ahead of the work and confirm current lead times with NM 811.

Dust in a windy, dry climate

• Wet it down: Water material before and during demolition, and wet loads before they move.
• Limit drops: Lower fall heights reduce plume size.
• Watch the wind: On high-wind days, dust-heavy tasks may need to wait or stop.
• Stabilize stockpiles: Cover or wet piles, and haul out promptly.

Local air-quality rules can also address dust from construction and demolition. Ask the City's Environmental Health Department Air Quality Program or the relevant county whether a dust-control plan or permit applies to your site.

Monsoon runoff and stormwater

Summer monsoon storms can wash loose soil and debris off a cleared site and into streets, arroyos and storm drains. Depending on the disturbed area and location, federal, state or local stormwater requirements may apply, including erosion-control plans. Requirements vary by size and jurisdiction, so check with the City or county stormwater program and with your engineer before demolition starts.

• Keep silt fence, wattles or similar controls in place before heavy rain.
• Avoid leaving open excavations or bare stockpiles when storms are forecast.
• Keep debris and fluids away from arroyos, ditches and drains.
• Plan a safe response for flash flooding, since arroyos can fill quickly.

Albuquerque Demolition Co plans utility locates, dust control and runoff measures into every job. Call (714) 333-0178 to discuss your site.