The importance of noise and dust monitoring in quarries
Dust is generated by many processes, including blasting, excavation, size reduction, processing and transportation, with the latter being perhaps the most common cause of complaint from local communities.
In addition, the effects of noise and vibration can play a further detrimental impact on the local environment and wider community. It comes as no surprise then that quarries continue to be one of the most disliked forms of development in the UK.
Nevertheless, the aggregates industry has taken huge steps to embrace more sustainable working practices in recent years, and quarry operators are now managing their quarries more responsibly.
Dr Toby Hill, principal acoustician at environmental consultancy STATS Ltd, commented: ‘There is a broad range of legislation and guidance in place to aid the planning of quarrying activities to help control and minimize environmental impacts. With due care and planning, site activities can be managed and monitored to reduce dust emissions and the effects of noise and vibration.’
BS 5228 is the principal British Standard for providing guidance on monitoring and controlling noise/vibration from open sites, such as quarries. It also includes methods of performing calculations on noise levels and mitigation measures.
Dr Hill explained: ‘It is possible to accurately predict noise levels around a site. Modern noise and vibration prediction algorithms, topographical data, quantities of each type of plant, their hours of operation and vehicle movements within the site are just some of the issues to consider when monitoring noise and vibration.’
Environmental monitoring is a leading example of good management practice and it can be a requirement of internal management systems (eg ISO 14001, planning/license conditions etc). Monitoring is generally undertaken to achieve the following:
Dust may be measured in terms of airborne concentration of particles by mass, the number of particles and deposition on specified surfaces, such as glass sides and directional- or non-directional gauges.
‘Different techniques will yield different information and will have varying capital and operating costs,’ said Dr Hill. ‘In order to track dust deposition from site processes in short duration, it might be necessary to install a real-time monitoring station with remote data relay costing around £10,000. If dust deposition over a longer period is the concern, a passive device costing £250 may be suitable.
‘It is important to be clear on the reasons for monitoring, so that a programme can be established to yield appropriate information in the most reliable and cost-effective manner.’
STATS have a long history of consulting on dust and noise monitoring issues, and the company’s team of highly experienced engineers are available for assistance.
For more information visit www.stats.co.uk
In addition, the effects of noise and vibration can play a further detrimental impact on the local environment and wider community. It comes as no surprise then that quarries continue to be one of the most disliked forms of development in the UK.
Nevertheless, the aggregates industry has taken huge steps to embrace more sustainable working practices in recent years, and quarry operators are now managing their quarries more responsibly.
Dr Toby Hill, principal acoustician at environmental consultancy STATS Ltd, commented: ‘There is a broad range of legislation and guidance in place to aid the planning of quarrying activities to help control and minimize environmental impacts. With due care and planning, site activities can be managed and monitored to reduce dust emissions and the effects of noise and vibration.’
BS 5228 is the principal British Standard for providing guidance on monitoring and controlling noise/vibration from open sites, such as quarries. It also includes methods of performing calculations on noise levels and mitigation measures.
Dr Hill explained: ‘It is possible to accurately predict noise levels around a site. Modern noise and vibration prediction algorithms, topographical data, quantities of each type of plant, their hours of operation and vehicle movements within the site are just some of the issues to consider when monitoring noise and vibration.’
Environmental monitoring is a leading example of good management practice and it can be a requirement of internal management systems (eg ISO 14001, planning/license conditions etc). Monitoring is generally undertaken to achieve the following:
- demonstrate the efficacy of impact mitigation measures
- reduce costs by targeting control measures
- demonstrate compliance with regulatory or other standards
- demonstrate commitment to reduction of environmental impacts
- reduce complaints from site staff and the public
- reduce potential conflict with regulators
- facilitate the resolution of disputes.
Dust may be measured in terms of airborne concentration of particles by mass, the number of particles and deposition on specified surfaces, such as glass sides and directional- or non-directional gauges.
‘Different techniques will yield different information and will have varying capital and operating costs,’ said Dr Hill. ‘In order to track dust deposition from site processes in short duration, it might be necessary to install a real-time monitoring station with remote data relay costing around £10,000. If dust deposition over a longer period is the concern, a passive device costing £250 may be suitable.
‘It is important to be clear on the reasons for monitoring, so that a programme can be established to yield appropriate information in the most reliable and cost-effective manner.’
STATS have a long history of consulting on dust and noise monitoring issues, and the company’s team of highly experienced engineers are available for assistance.
For more information visit www.stats.co.uk
