Dust Control Update: What We Know and What We’re Working On
As we prepare to reopen the Kern County Swap Meet on Friday, October 9, we want to provide our vendors and customers with an update regarding the dust-control work planned for the Fairgrounds.
Before the Fair closure, we were advised that the market area would be graded and treated with magnesium chloride to help control dust. At the time, we were not certain whether the dust-control treatment would take place before or after the Fair.
The good news is that the grading was completed before the Fair, and the grounds are already noticeably smoother than they were before the closure.
Unfortunately, we have now learned that the dust-control application may be delayed. We are currently waiting for additional information regarding when that portion of the project may be completed.
We Are Looking at Other Options
Rather than simply waiting, we have also started looking into other possible solutions.
We have contacted Tripple E Trucking regarding the possible use of asphalt grindings and are currently awaiting a quote.
With help from the owner of Tripple E Trucking, we were also referred to a local company that may be able to perform the dust-control treatment. We have reached out to that company and are waiting to hear back.
We are still hopeful that everything can come together quickly enough to have the dust-control treatment completed before we reopen.
Timing Is Important
One of the challenges is that this type of dust-control treatment cannot simply be applied and immediately driven on.
Once the material is applied, the lot needs several days to properly set before vehicles can begin driving on it. With hundreds of vehicles entering the market, it is important that the treatment be given enough time to work properly.
If the work cannot be completed in time for our reopening, we will look at scheduling the treatment for another week.
Depending on when the work can be scheduled, that may require us to temporarily relocate the Tuesday market to the parking lot for one week. This would allow the main market area to be treated and remain undisturbed long enough for the material to properly set.
We Must Have Fairgrounds Approval
We also want to clarify something that is important when discussing possible solutions.
The Kern County Swap Meet does not own the Fairgrounds property.
While we operate the Swap Meet on the property, we cannot independently bring in contractors, spread material, apply dust-control products, or make changes to the grounds without first receiving permission from the Fairgrounds.
We are willing to explore solutions and, where possible, work toward getting the project completed. However, before any work arranged by us can move forward, it must first be approved by the Fairgrounds.
Have a Recommendation?
If you know of a local company that provides commercial dust-control services, magnesium chloride application, or another appropriate solution for a large dirt parking and market area, we would be happy to hear from you.
Please email your recommendations to:
We are open to exploring any reasonable option that may help us get this taken care of as soon as possible.
We Share Your Concern
We know the dust has been a concern for many of our vendors and customers. It is a concern for us as well.
We are actively exploring the options available to us and are crossing our fingers that we can get something arranged as soon as possible.
As soon as we receive confirmed information, we will share another update with everyone.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support of the Kern County Swap Meet.
Kern County Swap Meet Owners
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