Published on June 03, 2025
HELENA, Mont. – The City of Helena is preparing to start a new dust mitigation program in early July to help control air pollution caused by dirt roads within City limits. In 2024, the City Commission requested the creation of a new program to treat all dirt streets with magnesium chloride to help reduce dust. In the City’s fiscal year 2026 budget, $100,000 has been allocated to fund the dust mitigation program.
Because rain is common throughout June, the City will not commence dust mitigation treatment until July. Rain can significantly reduce the lifespan of the magnesium chloride application. The City hopes that by waiting until drier summer months, the application will have a longer impact and be more cost effective.
Prior to this year, magnesium chloride was periodically applied to high traffic dirt streets when there was excess from street projects. Moving forward, the City will assess all dirt streets every year and apply magnesium chloride as it is needed. High traffic streets will be treated each summer, while low traffic neighborhood streets may need magnesium chloride applied less frequently.
Questions about dust mitigation can be directed to the City Streets Division at 406-447-1566 or citystreetsdivision@helenamt.gov.