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Residents press county for written verification after dust event near Arena Solar project; county and Air District say mitigation carried out
Summary
Boron residents called for verification that the Arena Solar project followed dust‑control permit conditions after a high‑wind event; county planning staff said mitigation measures and extra water trucks were used and the independent Air Pollution Control District reported compliance; public health staff said no abnormal valley fever case spike was found in Boron.
Residents from Boron asked the Kern County Board of Supervisors to investigate a May 17 dust event they say sent dust into homes and near schools, raising concerns about Valley Fever exposure.
Mitchell Makahiki described dust moving through a neighbor's air vents and urged planning and natural resources to verify in writing that the solar contractor complied with required dust‑control measures. He specifically asked staff to determine whether permit conditions were followed on May 17 and to return findings in writing.
Craig Murphy, director of Planning and Natural Resources, said the Arena Solar Project is an approved development with a required fugitive dust control plan overseen by the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District (an independent agency). Murphy described mitigation measures used at the site — phased grading, six‑foot wind‑direction barriers, watering trucks (three on site during the high‑wind event) and later application of a granular stabilizer approved by state fire authorities — and said the Air District reported the applicant in compliance with their requirements. He noted the weekend in question had a regional high‑wind advisory and that dust was occurring across the desert region, not only at the project site.
A public‑health representative told the board staff reviewed Valley Fever cases in Boron and did not find an abnormal spike tied to the site; county public health representatives said Valley Fever is endemic in Kern County and emphasized public education and mitigation at many kinds of wind events.
Supervisor Parlier asked county staff to send inspectors and to coordinate with the Air Pollution Control District; the County indicated inspectors had already visited after winds subsided and that the Air District planned additional inspections. Residents said one Boron resident had since tested positive for Valley Fever this year and urged stronger site‑specific monitoring and clearer communications with nearby schools.
What happens next: Planning and the Air Pollution Control District will follow up with inspections and staff said they will return findings; supervisors encouraged written verification be provided to the complainants.
