frequently asked questions

Dust: Mastered

Liquid Calcium Chloride has long been recognized as a superior compound for dust control. MCS Mineral Well Brine is a liquid chloride product derived from naturally occurring salt obtained from the Sylvania reservoir – one mile below ground level. It is odorless and has a freeze point of -25° F or lower.

Why Liquid Calcium Chloride is effective:

Binds aggregate particles together by attracting moisture from the air and ground
Has a stabilizing effect to reduce frost damage and overall road wear
Most cost effective way to reduce dust versus alternatives (Lignosulfonates, asphalt emulsions, water, clay additives)

Why provide a Dust Control Program for your unpaved roads?

Increased Safety – helps improve driver visibility
Decrease health risks by reducing airborne particulates
Reduces Aggregate loss by up to 80% - unpaved roads lose as much as 300 tons per mile per year
Lessens overall maintenance costs

How MCS Delivers:

With the largest fleet in the Unites States, MCS promises quick, responsive service. Our trucks’ applicators use a pressurized pump system with calibrated nozzles that allow a targeted application in 4, 8, and 10 foot paths. This flexibility for delivery controls dust better as well as increases costs effectiveness.

What is the difference between 9% calcium chloride, 16%, 24.5%, and 38%?

  • The higher the number, the higher the calcium and/or magnesium chloride content
  • Third party scientific studies have shown that it takes approximately 1.7 gallons of MCS 24.5% Mineral Well Brine to equal the chloride content of 1 gallon of 38% Calcium Chloride
  • It takes 5.3 gallons of 9% Oil Field Brine to equal the chloride content of 1 gallon of 38% Calcium Chloride
  • It takes 3.1 gallons of 9% Oil Field Brine to equal the chloride content of 1 gallon of MCS Mineral Well Brine


When is it best to apply liquid calcium chloride?

  • After a rain or during a light rain
  • During sustained periods of dryness (spring through fall)
  • Following grading


What is a typical application rate?

  • 1,000 gallons per mile per 8-foot pass
  • 2,000 gallons per mile per 16-foot pass


What are the risks associated with the use of Oil Field Brine?

  • The dust palliative concentration varies a great amount and is typically less than 9%
  • Can contain known carcinogens
  • Has been known to contaminate drinking water supplies


Are Mineral Well Brine dust control treatments eco-friendly?
Yes, they reduce the amount of aggregate being mined from gravel quarries and reduce airborne particulates.