Abstract: A novel dust and debris removal and collection system including a distributed vacuum transport system is provided for connection to a plurality of machines located in one or more shop areas. The central vacuum airflow generation equipment is preferably remotely operated to ensure vacuum generation when a machine is being operated for which dust and debris removal is desired. In order to prevent undesired loss of vacuum, a central valve is used having a outlet port for connection to one or more vacuum sources, and a plurality of inlet ports, each associated with one of a plurality of machines located in the one or more shop areas. The central valve is operated to apply vacuum from the one or more vacuum sources to only that one of the plurality of machines which is in operation, thereby preventing a loss of vacuum to other, non-operating machines.