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Resident says county dust-control application damaged vehicles, requests SDS
Summary
Paul Barnard told the Good Thunder council that a recent calcium chloride dust-control application is 'not breaking down' and has damaged vehicle components; he asked the city to review SDS materials and consider applying class 5 gravel before future chloride treatments.
Paul Barnard, a Good Thunder resident who spoke during public comment, said a recent dual application of calcium chloride on local gravel streets is sticking to vehicle undercarriages and causing costly repairs. "Last year, it cost my cell $660 for complete brake job on a front end of pickup," Barnard said, adding that his daughter-in-law paid about $800 for similar work and that the material contains a high amount of fatty acid and "just doesn't break down." He asked council to review safety data sheets (SDS) for the products used and to consider alternative treatments.
Councilors and staff discussed mitigation steps, including placing class 5 gravel before chloride application and adjusting application timing. One councilor noted the town used class 5 prior to an application in a neighboring township with good results; staff confirmed SDS forms were available. The council agreed to "address that issue" and to test additional rock or binding methods in problem stretches of road rather than immediately changing the county's program.
Barnard's comments raised a practical question for public works: how to balance dust control with preservation of roadbeds and classic-car owners' concerns. Council members said they would follow up with staff and the contractor, obtain SDS documentation, and consider targeted gravel spreading ahead of future chloride applications.
