PENDLETON – A RV trailer manufacturing plant in west Pendleton has taken action to control dust from the property around the plant, earning the praise of the state Department of Environmental Quality.

Keystone RV took over a mothballed assembly plant next to the state prison, opening in January 2000. In addition to the work and expense of getting the building ready, Keystone inherited 7.5 acres of weeds on the property around the plant.

The weeds were eliminated so the ground could be used for storing trailers. Officials at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution appreciated the weed abatement efforts, since before Keystone moved in EOCI had to contend with tumbleweeds blowing into the perimeter fence. But the bare ground left after the weeds were removed created another problem: dust.

Pendleton residents began submitting complaints about excessive dust from the storage area to DEQ. Since the plant is next to Interstate 84, blowing dust across the freeway was a safety concern as well.

“This area is naturally prone to strong winds and dust devils,” said Tom Hack, DEQ air quality inspector. “However, under Oregon environmental law, windblown dust from commercial and industrial operations must be controlled as much as practicable.”

City and DEQ officials began working with Keystone in June to seek a solution. Options included using commercial dust suppressants and paving, but the goal was finding a solution that could avoid the expense of paving the entire yard.

Keystone’s solution: Apply 200 cubic yards of gravel to the yard. Hatley Construction of Pilot Rock began applying gravel early this month. Oak Creek Housing Corporation of Texas, which owns the property, shared the expense with Keystone.

“The city of Pendleton commends Keystone’s proactive approach to solving the dust problem,” said Karen King, regulatory specialist for Pendleton. “We appreciate DEQ’s willingness to work through the issue in a cooperative manner.”

Hack agreed. “Keystone and the city of Pendleton have been excellent to work with,” he said. “Once the dust problem was brought to their attention, Keystone responded immediately by completing the dust-abatement project. Keystone has presented itself as a good neighbor.”