Letter: What does the Benton Clean Air Agency really do?

What does the taxpayer-funded Benton Clean Air Agency really do? The wind blows and the dust flies. The wind blows again and more dust from the same location flies.

When reported to the agency a violation occurring within a mile of their office (Desert Hills Middle School construction site), the answer is “we have talked them several times, but never issued a fine.” And yet the dust continues to blow, with little or no dust control measures in place.

So I ask again, what does this agency do for the money we give them? With blowing dust being the number one contributor to our dirty air, I would think this would be a number one priority, with rounds being made by staff — unannounced — to make sure not only a water truck is on site, but actual steps are being implemented to mitigate blowing dust. And yes, this means Saturday and Sunday as well.

There is no break from the wind, and there should be no break given to those who create the issue. The dust generators are generally in business to make money. A proactive approach versus the current reactive approach should be required by the taxpayers.

This story was originally published September 23, 2016 at 4:28 AM with the headline "Letter: What does the Benton Clean Air Agency really do?."