Noise and Dust Monitoring: Copar Quarry - … · Dust and Noise Evaluation Noise and Dust Monitoring: Copar Quarry Westerly, Rhode Island Prepared for Town of Westerly 45 Broad Street

Dust and Noise Evaluation

Noise and Dust Monitoring:

Copar Quarry

Westerly,

Rhode Island

Prepared for Town of Westerly

45 Broad Street

Westerly, Rhode Island

Prepared by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

Providence, Rhode Island

November 2013

\\RI-DATA\projects\72552.00\reports\Final Noise and Dust Report\Report\Privileged and Confidential Dust and Noise Evaluation_112013.docx

i Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1 Noise Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Noise Analysis Background ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Town of Westerly Noise Standards ............................................................................ 3 1.3 Noise Evaluation Methodology .................................................................................. 4 1.4 Measured Sound Levels and Noise Analysis ............................................................. 4 1.5 Westerly Noise Ordinance Comparison ................................................................... 11 1.6 Noise Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 11

2 Dust Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 12

2.1 Equipment and Monitoring Locations ....................................................................... 13 2.2 Approach .................................................................................................................. 15 2.3 Background, Regulatory Standards and Applicability .............................................. 15

2.3.1 Ambient – PM10 .......................................................................................... 15

2.3.2 Occupational – Crystalline Silica and Nuisance Dust ................................. 18

2.3.3 Ambient Crystalline Silica and Wipe Samples ............................................ 20

2.3.4 Summary of Applicable Regulatory Criteria ................................................ 22 2.4 PM10 Monitoring Results – September 16 through September 25, 2013 ........................ 23

2.4.1 Highest 24-Hour PM10 Average ................................................................. 25

2.4.2 Copar Quarry Blast – September 18, 2013 at 1:05 p.m. ............................. 25

2.4.3 Nighttime PM10 Example ............................................................................ 30

2.4.4 Comparison of PM10 24-Hour Averages .................................................... 32 2.5 Total Dust Monitoring Results – September 25 through October 4, 2013 ............... 33

2.5.1 Highest 24-Hour Total Dust Average .......................................................... 34

2.5.2 Nighttime Total Dust Example ..................................................................... 34

2.5.3 Comparison of Total Dust 24-Hour Averages ............................................. 38 2.6 Crystalline Silica Analysis ........................................................................................ 38 2.7 Wipe Sample Analysis ............................................................................................. 40 2.8 Dust Evaluation Study Summary ............................................................................. 41

3 Conclusions .................................................................................................................... 42


ii Table of Contents

List of Tables

Table No. Description Page

1-1 Common Outdoor and Indoor Sound Levels.................................................... 2

1-2 Town of Westerly Noise Standards, dB(A)....................................................... 3

1-3 34 Quarry Road: Maximum Sound Levels During Quarry Operations

(4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) .................................................................................... 6

1-4 65 Quarry Road: Maximum Sound Levels During Quarry Operations

(4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) .................................................................................... 7

1-5 34 Quarry Road: Maximum Nighttime Sound Levels During Quarry

Operations (4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.) ................................................................. 8

1-6 65 Quarry Road : Maximum Nighttime Sound Levels During

Quarry Operations (4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.) ..................................................... 9

2-1 24-Hour PM10 Averages................................................................................ 32

2-2 24-Hour Total Dust ......................................................................................... 38

2-3 Total and Respirable Dust Crystalloine Silica Analysis Results ..................... 39

2-4 Wipe Sampling Results .................................................................................. 40


iii Table of Contents

List of Figures

Figure No. Description Page

1 Noise Receptor Locations and Possible Noise Reduction Measures .............. 5

2 Dust Monitoring and Sampling Locations – Westerly, Rhode Island ............. 14

3 PM10 – September 16 through September 25 .............................................. 24

4 Highest 24-hour Average ............................................................................... 26

5 Copar Dust Monitoring Station and Blast Face Locations .............................. 28

6 Blast Detail – 24-hour Average ...................................................................... 29

7 Nighttime Example – Wind Direction NNW – 24-hour Average ..................... 31

8 Total Dustfall – September 25 through October 4.......................................... 34

9 Highest 24-hour Average – Total Dust .......................................................... 36

10 Nighttime Example – Wind Direction N – 24-hour Average ........................... 37

List of Photographs

Photograph No. Description Page

1 Dust Study – Week 1 –

Blast Captured September 18, 2013 @ 1:05 p.m. ......................................... 27


1 Noise Evaluation

1 Noise Evaluation

The purpose of this noise report is to evaluate the sound levels associated with the

operations of the Copar Quarry (Quarry). The quarry is located in Westerly, Rh ode

Island and is bordered by residences to the north, west and east. The Town of Westerly

has indicated that residences, located to the north and west, have expressed concern with

noise associated with the quarry, which is made up of truck noise and impact noise.

The noise assessment includes noise monitoring to determine existing sound levels

within the study area and recommends potential noise mitigation measures.

1.1 Noise Analysis Background

Noise is defined as unwanted or excessive sound . Sound becomes unwanted when it

interferes with normal activities such as sleep, work, or recreation. The ind ividual

human response to noise is subject to considerable variability since there are many

emotional and physical factors that contribute to the d ifferences in reaction to noise.

Sound (noise) is described in terms of loud ness, frequency, and duration. Loudness is

the sound pressure level measured on a logarithmic scale in units of decibels (dB).

For community noise impact assessment, sound level frequency characteristics are

based upon human hearing, using an A-weighted [dB(A)] frequency filter. The

A-weighted filter is used because it approximates the way humans hear sound .

Table 1-1 presents a list of common outd oor and indoor sound levels. The duration

characteristics of sound account for the time-varying nature of sound sources.


2 Noise Evaluation

Table 1-1 Common Outdoor and Indoor Sound Levels

Outdoor Sound Levels

Sound

Pressure

Pa*

Sound

Level

dB(A)**

Indoor Sound Levels

6,324,555 - 110 Rock Band at 5 m

Jet Over-Flight at 300 m - 105

2,000,000 - 100 Inside New York Subway Train

Gas Lawn Mower at 1 m - 95

632,456 - 90 Food Blender at 1 m

Diesel Truck at 15 m - 85

Noisy Urban AreaDaytime 200,000 - 80 Garbage Disposal at 1 m

- 75 Shouting at 1 m

Gas Lawn Mower at 30 m 63,246 - 70 Vacuum Cleaner at 3 m

Suburban Commercial Area - 65 Normal Speech at 1 m

20,000 - 60

Quiet Urban AreaDaytime - 55 Quiet Conversation at 1 m

6,325 - 50 Dishwasher Next Room

Quiet Urban AreaNighttime - 45

2,000 - 40 Empty Theater or Library

Quiet SuburbNighttime - 35

632 - 30 Quiet Bedroom at Night

Quiet Rural AreaNighttime - 25 Empty Concert Hall

Rustling Leaves 200 - 20

- 15 Broadcast and Recording Studios

63 - 10

- 5

Reference Pressure Level 20 - 0 Threshold of Hearing

Source: Highway Noise Fundamentals. Federal Highway Administration, September 1980.

* PA – MicroPascals, which describe pressure. The pressure level is what sound level monitors measure.

** dB(A) – A-weighted decibels, which describe pressure logarithmically with respect to 20 Pa (the reference pressure level).

Sound level d ata can be presented in statistical terms to help describe the noise

environment. A near infinite variation in sound levels (various intensities and

temporal patterns) can be combined into the same value. The following is a list of

sound level descriptors:

Leq is the A-weighted sound level, which averages the background sound

levels with short-term transient sound levels and provides a uniform method

for comparing sound levels that vary over time.

Lmax is the maximum A-weighted sound level measured during the time

period and ,

L90 is the A-weighted sound level that is exceeded for 90 percent of the time

during the time period . The L90 is generally considered to be the background


3 Noise Evaluation

sound level since the L90 d oes not include transient noise events. During a

100-minute period , the L90 would be the sound level that was exceeded by

other sound levels for 90 minutes of the 100-minute period .

The following general relationships exist between noise levels and human

perception:

A 1 or 2 dB(A) increase is not perceptible to the average person.

A 3 dB(A) increase is a doubling of acoustic energy, bu t is just barely

perceptible to the human ear.

A 10 dB(A) increase is a tenfold increase in acoustic energy, but is perceived as a

doubling in loudness to the average person.

1.2 Town of Westerly Noise Standards

The Town of Westerly has developed noise standards that establish noise thresholds

deemed to result in adverse impacts. The noise analysis used these standards to evaluate

whether the quarry is generating sound levels that exceed the noise standards.

Under Chapter 171, Section 171-1 through 171-7 of the General Code/ Town

Ord inance for the Town of Westerly, RI , the Town has adopted regu lation for the

control of noise.1 These regu lations establish maximum allowable sound levels based

upon the land use of the site. Table 1-2 summarizes the noise standard for the various

land uses. These maximum allowable sound levels should not be exceeded during

the corresponding time period .

If a site is located in a resid ential zoning d istrict, the maximum noise level affecting

residential uses shall not exceed the Residential Noise Stand ard . The residential land

use noise stand ard is 65 dB(A) for daytime periods (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and

60 dB(A) for all other time periods (10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.).

Table 1-2 Town of Westerly Noise Standards, dB(A)

Land Use Zone District

Daytime

(8:00 a.m. – 10:00 PM)

All Other Times

(10:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.)

Residential 65 60

Business/Professional 75 75

Manufacturing 70 60

Source: General Code/Town Ordinance Regulations for the Control of Noise in the in the Town of Westerly, RI (July, 2013)

1 Town of Westerly, RI, General Code (Town Ordinance)for the Town of Westerly, Chapter 171 Noise, Thursday, July 18, 2013.


4 Noise Evaluation

1.3 Noise Evaluation Methodology

Noise monitoring data was collected at two locations, 65 and 34 Quarry Road ,

Westerly, RI (Locations 1 and 2, respectively, on Figure 1), over a continuous one

week period . The noise evaluation used the noise monitoring data to identify the

highest sound levels on a d aily basis from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., which includes all

operational hours of the quarry. These sound levels were then grouped into 5 dB(A)

increments. Audio files recorded for the highest sounds levels were used to identify

noise sources, both quarry and non-quarry, as best as possible.

The results of the noise monitoring programs were compared to the Town of Westerly’s

noise standards to determine if the quarry is in compliance with the regulations. If the

operation of the quarry exceeds the Town of Westerly’s noise standards, noise mitigation

is proposed to reduce the sound levels associated with the quarry.

1.4 Measured Sound Levels and

Noise Analysis

A noise monitoring program was conducted for a continuous one week period

beginning from 3:38 p.m. on Wednesd ay, August 14, 2013 and ending at 2:20 p.m. on

Thursd ay, August 22, 2013. The noise monitoring program followed the procedures

outlined by the American National Stand ards Institute’s Stand ard Methods (ANSI).

A Type 1 noise monitor (Larson Davis 831) was used to cond uct the measurements.

The noise monitors were located at 65 Quarry Road and 34 Quarry Road , as shown in

Figure 1 as Locations 1 and 2, respectively.

Data from the noise monitoring program was used to identify and group the highest

sound levels into 5 dB(A) increments on a d aily basis. Each sound occurrence was

identified as non-quarry, quarry, or unknown. Non-quarry sounds include natural

sounds, such as animals, birds and insects, and neighborhood sound s, such as local

vehicular traffic, motorcycles and airplanes (Naval Auxiliary Air Station,

Charlestown and Westerly State Airport). Quarry sounds were broken into two

categories, quarry truck sounds, which can be attributed to truck traffic specific to the

quarry, and quarry impact sounds, which in cludes any sounds attribu ted the

handling and processing of the materials extracted at the quarry. The unknown

category includes sounds that could not be identified based on the aud io record ing,

or instances for which no aud io record ing was available.

Tables 1-3 and 1-4 show the maximum sounds levels from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,

which includes all operational hours of the quarry, for 34 Quarry Road and

65 Quarry Road , respectively. Tables 1-5 and 1-6 show the maximum sound levels

from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., which is considered the nighttime period accord ing to the

Town of Westerly Noise Ord inance.

Church Street

Quarry Road

Woody H i l l Road Extended

Niantic Highway

Peckham Hollow Road

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Noise Receptor Locations andPossible Noise Reduction Measures

Westerly, Rhode IslandOctober 2013

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6 Noise Evaluation

Table 1-3 34 Quarry Road: Maximum Sound Levels During Quarry Operations

(4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

Number of Incidents at High Sound Levels

Date of Measurements Sound Origin

Sound Level =

70+

(dB(A))

Sound Level =

65 to 70

(dB(A))

Sound Level =

60 to 65

(dB(A)) Subtotal

8/14/2013 Non-Quarry 1 0 0 1

Wednesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0 0 0

Unknown 0 0 0 0

Total 1 0 0 1

8/15/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 6 6

Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 1 1


Unknown 0 0 0 0

Total 0 0 7 7

8/16/2013 Non-Quarry 1 1 2 4

Friday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 1 1

Total 1 1 3 5

8/17/2013 Non-Quarry 0 1 5 6

Saturday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 1 1


Unknown 0 0 0 0

Total 0 1 6 7

8/19/2013 Non-Quarry 2 2 1 5

Monday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 1 1

Total 2 2 3 7

8/20/2013 Non-Quarry 0 1 6 7

Tuesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 1 1


Unknown 0 0 3 3

Total 0 1 10 11

8/21/2013 Non-Quarry 0 1 1 2

Wednesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 1 1


Unknown 0 0 2 2

Total 0 1 4 5

8/22/2013 Non-Quarry 1 0 2 3

Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 1 1

Total 1 0 3 4


7 Noise Evaluation

Table 1-4 65 Quarry Road: Maximum Sound Levels During Quarry Operations

(4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

Number of Incidents at High Sound Levels

Date of Measurements Sound Origin

Sound Level = 70+

(dB(A))

Sound Level = 65 to 70

(dB(A))

8/14/2013 Non-Quarry 1 1

Wednesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 0

Total 1 1

8/15/2013 Non-Quarry 0 1

Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 0

Total 0 1

8/16/2013 Non-Quarry 1 3

Friday Quarry (Truck) 0 1

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 1

Total 1 5

8/17/2013 Non-Quarry 1 2

Saturday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 0

Total 1 2

8/19/2013 Non-Quarry 2 3

Monday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 0

Total 2 3

8/20/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0

Tuesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 0

Total 0 0

8/21/2013 Non-Quarry 0 1

Wednesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 0 1

Total 0 2

8/22/2013 Non-Quarry 1 0

Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0

Unknown 1 0

Total 2 0


8 Noise Evaluation

Table 1-5 34 Quarry Road: Maximum Nighttime Sound Levels During Quarry Operations

(4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.)

Number of Incidents at

High Sound Levels

Date of

Measurements Sound Origin

Sound

Level = 70+

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

65 to 70

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

60 to 65

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

55 to 60

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

50 to 55

(dB(A)) Subtotal

8/14/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 0 0 0

Wednesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Quarry (Other) 0 0 0 0 0 0

Unknown 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 0 0 0 0 0 0

8/15/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 1 1 1 3

0Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 0 1 1

Total 0 0 1 1 2 4

8/16/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 0 0 0

Friday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 0 2 2

Total 0 0 0 0 0 2

8/17/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 0 1 1

Saturday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 0 1 1

Total 0 0 0 0 2 2

8/19/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 1 4 5

Total 0 0 0 1 4 5

8/20/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 1 1 2 4

Tuesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 0 2 2

Total 0 0 1 1 2 6

8/21/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 1 1 0 2



Unknown 0 0 0 0 3 3

Total 0 0 1 1 3 5

8/22/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 2 1 3

Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 0 1 1

Total 0 0 0 2 2 4


9 Noise Evaluation

Table 1-6 65 Quarry Road : Maximum Nighttime Sound Levels During Quarry Operations

(4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.)

Number of Incidents at

High Sound Levels

Date of

Measurements Sound Origin

Sound

Level = 70+

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

65 to 70

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

60 to 65

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

55 to 60

(dB(A))

Sound

Level =

50 to 55

(dB(A)) Subtotal

8/14/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 0 0 0



Unknown 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 0 0 0 0 0 0

8/15/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 1 1 2

0Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 1 1 2

Total 0 0 0 2 2 4

8/16/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 3 0 3

Friday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 1 1 2

Total 0 0 0 4 1 5

8/17/2013 Non-Quarry 1 0 4 3 0 8

Saturday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 0 0


Unknown 0 0 0 2 0 2

Total 1 0 4 5 0 10

8/19/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 2 2 4

Monday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 1 1


Unknown 0 0 0 1 3 4

Total 0 0 0 3 6 9

8/20/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 1 2 6 9

Tuesday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 0 0 2 2


Unknown 0 0 0 0 3 3

Total 0 0 1 2 11 14

8/21/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 3 5 8



Unknown 0 0 0 0 2 2

Total 0 0 0 3 11 14

8/22/2013 Non-Quarry 0 0 0 4 7 11

Thursday Quarry (Truck) 0 0 1 1 0 2


Unknown 0 0 0 0 2 2

Total 0 0 1 5 9 15


10 Noise Evaluation

Tables 1-3 and 1-4 show maximum sound levels from 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. This time

period is made of both nighttime (4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.) and daytime (8:00 a.m. to

7:00 p.m.) period s (accord ing to the Town standards). The Town designates d aytime

as 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and nighttime as 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. periods. The Town

of Westerly Noise Stand ard s have maximum sound levels of 65 dB(A) during the

daytime and 60 dB(A) during the nighttime (Table 2). As shown in Tables 3 and 4,

the majority of noise sources were associated with non-quarry sounds; either

attributed to natural or neighborhood sounds. A total of nine sound occurrences can

be attribu ted to the quarry and are all within the 60 dB(A) to 65 dB(A) range. Eight

occurrences can be attribu ted to truck traffic specific to the quarry and one can be

attributed to the impact caused by the processing or handling of materials extracted

at the quarry. Of the eight occurrences attributed to truck traffic, four were record ed

at 34 Quarry Road with sounds levels over 60 dB(A) lasting for a total of 37 second s

over the week period , and four were recorded at 65 Quarry Road with sounds levels

over 60 dB(A) lasting for a total of 33 seconds over the week period . Only one impact

related quarry sound occurrence was recorded at 34 Quarry Road at sound levels

over 60 dB(A) and lasted for a total of 3 seconds. It is important to note that eight of

the nine quarry sound occurrences occurred during the daytime period and are

therefore in compliance with the Town of Westerly Noise Stand ards. The one sound

occurrence that d oes not comply with the stand ards occurred at 65 Quarry Road , is

attributed to truck traffic, and sound levels over 60 dB(A) lasted for only one second .

None of the quarry sound occurrences at 34 Quarry Road and 65 Quarry Road are

duplicates.

Tables 1-5 and 1-6, present a subset of Tables 1-2 and 1-3 and show the maximum

sound levels du ring the 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. period , which is considered nighttime

and has a maximum sound level of 60 dB(A) accord ing to the Town of Westerly

Noise Stand ards. These tables identify two additional ranges of sound occurrences,

50 dB(A) to 55 dB(A) and 55 dB(A) to 60 dB(A), levels which can be considered a

nuisance. It is important to note that sound occurrences within these ranges are in

accord ance with the Town of Westerly Noise Stand ard s.

Mitigation was considered to address the noise concerns of the local residents.

Figure 1 graphically depicts the proposed mitigation to reduce noise d isturbances at

the residences. As shown in Tables 3 through 6, the primary source of noise from the

quarry is associated with truck traffic. Truck traffic is p rimarily isolated to the

northeastern corner of the quarry where a partial earth berm currently exists.

Construction of an extension to the existing earth berm to wrap around the area used

by trucks is proposed to provide noise blockage for the local residences.


11 Noise Evaluation

1.5 Westerly Noise Ordinance Comparison

VHB evaluated residential sound criteria in other communities for comparison to the

Westerly standard . The following table presents some other community standard s in

relation to Westerly’s:

City/Town Residential Sound Criteria

Daytime Nighttime

Westerly, RI 65 60

Warwick, RI 60 50

North Smithfield , RI 53 43

Boston, MA 60 50

Charlestown, NH 56 49

Enfield , CT 61 51

As can be seen from the table, Westerly’s sound ord inance criteria are high in

comparison to these com munities.

1.6 Noise Conclusion

The noise analysis evaluated the sound levels associated with the operation of the

Copar Quarry and identified noise mitigation measures to substantially reduce the

sound levels. In August of 2013, VHB collected noise measuremen ts over a

consecutive week period at two locations. Analysis of the noise data identified sound

occurrences specific to quarry operations, and based on aud io record ings the cause of

the each occurrence was id entified as best as possible. Truck traffic specific to quarry

activities was found to be the primary source of noise occurrences attributed to the

quarry. Based on the noise analysis there was only one quarry -related sound

occurrence that d oes not comply with the stand ards which occurred at 65 Quarry

Road , and is attributed to truck traffic. The sound levels for this occurrence was over

60 dB(A) and lasted for only one second .

An extension to an existing earth berm was identified as an appropriate noise

mitigation measure. The earth berm will provide noise blockage to local residences

and provide substantial sound level reductions. Consideration should also be given

to ad justing the noise ord inance level to criteria more consistent with other rural

communities.


12 Dust Evaluation

2 Dust Evaluation

The purpose of the dust study was to evaluate the presence and frequency of “dust”

in and around the Copar Quarry in Westerly, Rhode Island . Dust was monitored on

a daily basis as particu late matter less than 10 microns in d iameter (PM10) and as

total particulate matter greater than 10 microns in d iameter (total dust). Respirable

samples of particu late matter less than 4 microns (PM4) were collected for analysis of

crystalline silica. As mentioned in Section 1.0, the quarry is located in Westerly,

Rhode Island and is bordered by residences to the north, west and east. The Town of

Westerly has ind icated that residents, located to the north and west, have expressed

concern with the amount of dust migrating from the Copar Quarry onto their

properties.

The dust evaluation was conducted between September 16, 2013 and October 4, 2013

and consisted of the following activities:

Monitoring PM10 at 5 Locations (3 residences, Bradford School, Copar

Quarry) for One Week;

Collection of Total Dust Data at 4 Locations (3 residences and Bradford

School) for One Week;

Collection of One 8-hr PM4 Sample and One 8-hr Total Dust Sample for

Analysis of Crystalline Silica (quartz) at 5 locations (3 residences, Bradford

School, Copar Quarry) in Week One;

Collection of One 8-hr PM 4 Sample and One 8-hr Total Dust Sample for

Analysis of Crystalline Silica (quartz) at 4 locations (3 residences and Bradford

School) in Week Two;

Collection of Surface Wipe Samples for Analysis of Crystalline Silica (quartz)

at five Locations (3 residences, Bradford School, Bradford Water Tank) on

Two Occasions;

Monitoring of Wind Speed and Direction; and

Installation of motion-activated Cameras to Document Activities/ Disturbance

at Stations.


13 Dust Evaluation

2.1 Equipment and Monitoring Locations

Dust monitoring and / or weather stations were located at the following locations as

shown on Figure 2:

Copar Quarry: Dust Monitoring Station, Weather Station, and Camera (Week

1);

34 Quarry Road: Dust Monitoring Station and Camera (Weeks 1 and 2),

Weather Station (Week 2);

170 Church Street: Dust Monitoring Station and Camera (Weeks 1 and 2);

180 Church Street: Dust Monitoring Station and Camera (Weeks 1 and 2);

Bradford School: Dust Monitoring Station, Weather Station and Camera

(Weeks 1 and 2).

Wipe samples were also collected at the residential p roperties, the Bradford School,

and the Water Tank on Woody Hill Road .

The equipment utilized during the study included the following:

TSI DustTrak 8520 Aerosol Monitor and Environmental Enclosure;

PM10 measurements every minute;

Date, Time, PM10 (mg/ m3);

TSI AM510 SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitor and Environmental Enclosure :

Dust measurements (independent of particle size) every minute;

Vantage Pro2 Weather Station:

Wind Speed , Wind Direction, Date, Time, Temperature, Dew Point,

Gusts, Rain;

Field Cameras:

Date, Time, Day/ Night Vision, Motion Sensor Activated ;

Respirable Dust Cyclone Sampler (PM4) for Crystalline Silica Analysis; and

Surface Wipe Samples for Total Crystalline Silica Analysis.

Figure 2 Dust Monitoring and Sampling Locations

Westerly, RI


15 Dust Evaluation

2.2 Approach

Monitoring stations were installed and allowed to run 24 hours/ d ay every day for

the duration of the field program. Data collected from the dust stations and the

weather stations was downloaded d aily and exported into Excel Spread sheets for

data calcu lations, evaluation and graphing. The weekly data was graphed

collectively and evaluated for highest measurement intervals and / or most activity.

These intervals were segregated into 24-hour increments based on the highest

recorded measurements and the 24-hour average PM10 or total dust values were

calculated . The camera footage and weather station data corresponding to the weekly

highs and the highest ind ividual and 24-hour averages were reviewed in an effort to

correlate quarry activities with the identified highs.

2.3 Background, Regulatory Standards and

Applicability

The term “silica” refers to silicon d ioxide (SiO2 Chemical Abstract Service (CAS)

Number 7631-86-9) which occurs naturally in a variety of crystalline and amorphous

(non-crystalline) forms.2 Unless otherwise stated , silica as used in this report refers to

crystalline silica. Silica exists primarily as quartz . Crystalline silica is a recognized

occupational hazard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and other similar

organizations, and is used in a variety of industrial and commercial operations.

Stud ies regard ing non-occupational exposure (ambient) to silica are limited . Ambient

crystalline silica is emitted into the environment as a fractional component of

particu late emissions. The critical regulatory particle size is < 10 microns (μm) mass

median aerodynamic d iameter (MMAD).3 The U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (U.S. EPA) has established a National Ambient Air Quality Stand ard

(NAAQS) for particulate matter < 10 μm identified as PM10.

2.3.1 Ambient – PM10

Environmental emissions of silica (i.e. ambient levels) can occur from natural as well

as industrial/ commercial operations, however; ambient samples have not been

routinely analyzed for crystalline silica content. The U.S. EPA and the Rhode Island

Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) publish national, regional and

local ambient PM10 levels. The U.S. EPA information regard in g PM10 can be found

2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Health Issue Assessment EPA/600/R-95/115: Ambient Levels and Noncancer Health Effects of Inhaled Crystalline and Amorphous Silica: Health Issue Assessment (Washington, DC, November 1996), 1.1.

3 Ibid., p. 3-1.


16 Dust Evaluation

at http:/ / www.epa.gov/ airtrends/ aqtrnd 95/ pm10.html. The U.S. EPA PM10

NAAQS is app licable ambient air. Relevant information from the U.S. EPA website

regard ing regulation of PM10 is paraphrased below:

Particulate matter is the term for solid or liquid particles found in the air;

The PM10 stand ard focuses on smaller particles that are likely responsible for

adverse health effects because of their ability to reach the lower r egions of the

respiratory tract;

The PM10 stand ards includ e particles with a d iameter of 10 micrometers or

less (0.0004 inches or one-seventh the wid th of a human hair);

U.S. EPA’s health-based NAAQS for PM10 measured as a daily concentration

(24-hour average) is 150 micrograms/ cubic meter (μg/ m3);

Major human health concerns from exposure to PM10 include: effects on

breathing and resp iratory systems, damage to lung tissue, cancer, and

premature death;

New scientific stud ies suggest that smaller particles m ay cause serious

adverse health effects and as such the U.S. EPA is considering whether setting

new stand ards or revising the current PM10 standard is warranted .

The NAAQS PM10 stand ard is a 24-hour average concentration that cannot be

exceeded more than once/ year on average for 3 years.

The RIDEM is requ ired , under federal regulation, to monitor ambient concentrations

of pollu tants for which the U.S. EPA has established NAAQS, includ ing PM10. The

RIDEM annually publishes their Monitoring Network Plan which describes the air

monitoring network in the state and the trends associated with sampling, analysis,

and measurement of NAAQS across the state. The most recent RIDEM report is

entitled “Rhode Island 2013 Annual Monitoring Network Plan” dated June 11, 2013,

which is available for download on the RIDEM’s internet website.

The RIDEM has been cond ucting PM10 measurements at stations throughout the

state since approximately 1988. For approximately the last 10 years, the following

stations have been being monitored for PM10:

Alton Jones (Background Location began PM10 monitoring in 1994);

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) (Dorrance Street Roof);

Prairie Avenue (Providence); and

Vernon Street (Pawtucket).

http://www.epa.gov/airtrends/aqtrnd95/pm10.html


17 Dust Evaluation

Twenty-four hour PM10 measurements are recorded every 6 days throughout the

year. These results are reported to, and available on the U.S. EPA website previously

referenced . The following information was obtained from the U.S. EPA website for

the Rhode Island monitoring stations:

Rhode Island Highest 24-Hr Average September 2012

Alton Jones= 11 ug/ m3 (September 6)

Providence= 25 ug/ m3 (September 18)

Rhode Island Highest 24-Hr Average 2012

Alton Jones= 22 ug/ m3 (May 27)

Providence= 51 ug/ m3 (January 12)

The RIDEM also has a series of state-specific air regulations enumerated as Air

Regulation Numbers 1 through 49. Particulate matter is regulated as an air

contaminant by the RIDEM. RIDEM Air Resources Regulations that may be

applicable to the operations at Copar Quarry (depending on emission rates,

equipment, pollu tion controls, etc.) include, but may not be limited to the following:

Air Pollu tion Control (APC) Regulation No. 3 “Particulate Emissions from

Industrial Processes;”

APC Regulation No. 5 “Fugitive Dust;”

APC Regulation No. 7 “Emission of Air Contaminants Detrimental to Person

or Property;”

APC Regulation No. 9 “Air Pollution Control Permits;”

APC Regulation No. 16 “Operation of Pollution Control Equipment;”

APC Regulation No. 22 “Air Toxics;”

APC Regulation No. 34 “Rhode Island Motor Vehicle

Inspection / Maintenance;”

APC Regulation No. 42 “Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Stand ards;” and

APC Regulation No. 45 “Rhode Island Diesel Engine Anti-Id ling Program.”

VHB was not asked to evaluate or comment on Copar’s regulatory compliance with

these or other Rhode Island Regulations as part of this project. Compliance with

many of these regulations is dependent on calculations of processing rates associated

with the business operations, in add ition to the types of pollution control equipment

available on the processing equipment. APC Regulation Nos. 5 and 7 are more

d irectly app licable to the operations of Copar Quarry. Specifically, APC Regulation

No. 5 is applicable as follows:


18 Dust Evaluation

Applicable to the generation of airborne particu late matter from activities

includ ing, but not limited to:

Material stockpiles and earth moving activities which cause airborne

particu late matter;

Vehicles transporting materials that cause airborne particulate

matter;

Paved roads onto which earth or other material has been deposited

by trucking or earth moving equipment, by erosion by water, by

sanding/ salting road ways or by other means; and

Commercial mining and / or quarrying operations includ ing the

construction, maintenance, and operation of a commercial mining

and / or quarrying facility, as well as activities which involve the use

of explosive materials which cause airborne particu late matter;

Regulation No. 5 states that “no person shall cause or permit any materials,

includ ing bu t not limited to sand , gravel, soil, aggregate and any other

organic or inorganic solid matter capable of releasing dust, to be hand led ,

transported , mined , quarried , stored or otherwise utilized in any way so as to

cause airborne particulate matter to travel beyond the property line of the

emission source without taking adequate precautions to prevent particu late

matter from becoming airborne;

No numerical stand ard is associated with Regulation No. 5.

APC Regulation No. 7 is applicable as follows:

No person shall emit any contaminant which either alone or in connection

with other emissions, by reason of their concentration or duration, may be

injurious to human, plant or animal life, or cause damage to property or

which unreasonable interferes with the enjoyment of life and property.

The determination of compliance with this regulation is referenced as

compliance with the NAAQS.

2.3.2 Occupational – Crystalline Silica and Nuisance Dust

The U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA was created to “assure safe and healthful

working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing stand ards

and by provid ing training, outreach, education, and assistance.”4 OSHA Standard s

4 United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, About OSHA, https://www.osha.gov/about.html (November 2013).

https://www.osha.gov/about.html


19 Dust Evaluation

are applicable to work places and , therefore, are not d irectly app licable to the

residential and school properties stud ied during this p roject. OSHA Stand ard s are,

however, d irectly app licable to measurements made at the Copar Quarry property.

OSHA has established a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for “Silica: Crystalline

Quartz” as both respirable and total fractions. OSHA PELs are 8-hour, time weighted

averages (TWA). OSHA regulates silica exposure using the PEL which is “the

maximum amount of airborne dust an employee may be exposed to during a full

work shift.”5 The PEL is dependent on the amount of crystalline silica in the dust as

calculated by the equation below:6

PELrespirable

=

PELtotal

=

Respirable crystalline silica samples are collected through a cyclone , while the total

dust sample was taken by removing the cyclone. For respirable samples that contain

100% SiO2, the PEL

respirable equals approximately 100 μg/m

3. For total dust samples that

contain 100% SiO2, the PEL

total equals approximately 300 μg/m

3.

OSHA issued a Proposed Rule Change in the September 12, 2013 Federal Register to

reduce the PELrespirable

for crystalline silica to 50 μg/m3,.7 The rulemaking also proposes

eliminating the PEL for crystalline silica in total dust and clarifies definitions and

methodologies consistent with the American Conference for Governmental

Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), the National Institu te for Occupational Health

(NIOSH), and the European Committee for Stand ard ization (CEN). The comment

period is open until December 11, 2013.

OSHA Table Z-3 Mineral Dusts also lists a PELrespirable

and PELtotal

for “Inert” or

“Nuisance Dust” of 5 mg/m3 (5,000 μg/m

3) and 15 mg/m

3 (15,000 μg/m

3), respectively.

Inert/ Nuisance Dust is defined in a footnote to the table as “All inert or nuisance

dusts, whether mineral, inorganic, or organic, not listed specifically by substance

name are covered by this limit, which is the same as the Particu lates Not Otherwise

Regulated (PNOR) limit in Table Z-1.”

5 U nited States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, eTools Silica Advisor, https://www.osha.gov/dsg/etools/silica/compare_to_limit/pel/pel.html (November 2013).

6 Ibid., (November 2013). 7 “29 CFR Parts 1910, 1915, and 1926 Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica; Proposed Rule,” 78

Federal Register 177 (September 12, 2013), p. 56274.

10

[% quartz + (% cristobalite x 2) + (% tridymite x 2) + 2]

30

[% quartz + (% cristobalite x 2) + (% tridymite x 2) + 2]

https://www.osha.gov/dsg/etools/silica/compare_to_limit/pel/pel.html


20 Dust Evaluation

2.3.3 Ambient Crystalline Silica and Wipe Samples

There is currently no RIDEM or U.S. EPA ambient regulatory enforcement stand ard

established for crystalline silica, or for a concentration of total crystalline silica

obtained via wipe sampling.

California

California has established a chronic Reference Exposure Level (REL) for respirable

crystalline silica of 3 μg/m3 which is described as a continuous, lifetime exposure with

the “exposure metric” being an annual average exposure. Respirable refers to PM4.8

The California REL is not applicable in Rhode Island or on a federal level but is

provided for informational purposes.

New York City, World Trade Center

In 2003, the U.S. EPA, Region 2 issued an Interim Final Report d ated April 2003 and

entitled “World Trade Center Background Study Report” (hereinafter the WTC

Background Report). The WTC Background Report was prepared by the U.S. EPA,

Region 2, New York City Response and Recovery Operations Division. In response to

the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center the EPA was tasked with

establishing procedures/ protocols for cleaning dust/ debris from the streets, and

sampling ambient air, among other things. Accord ing to the WTC Background

Report, residents of lower Manhattan were concerned about the efficacy of methods

being used to remove dust and debris from residential areas. As a result, a task force

was developed that included the U.S. EPA, the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA), and New York City (NYC). The task force set about establishing a

voluntary cleanup program for residential units and residents regard ing the

potential risks from exp osure to residual WTC dust and debris.9

One of the first items addressed by the task force was the identification of

Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPCs) for the area. The following COPCs were

selected for study: “asbestos, lead , d ioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs), fibrous glass and minerals includ ing crystalline silica (i.e. quartz,

cristobalite, tridymite), calcite, gypsum, and portland ite.”10

In May of 2003, the report “World Trade Center Indoor Environment Assessment:

Selecting Contaminants of Potential Concern and Setting Health -Based Benchmarks”

was released (the Benchmark Report). The report was prepared by the COPC

Committee of the World Trade Center Ind oor Air Task Force Working Group with

8 California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, “Chronic Toxicity Summary: Silica (Crystalline, Respirable)” (Oakland, California, February 2005), 1.

9 United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2, New York City Response and Recovery Operations, “World Trade Center Background Study Report, Interim Final” (New York, New York, April 2003). 1.

10 Ibid., p.2.


21 Dust Evaluation

contributions from the U.S. EPA, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR), and OSHA. Section 3.0

of the Benchmark Report summarized the final health based benchmarks that were

developed to “be protective of long-term habitability of residential dwellings.” The

approach involved use of “relevant and appropriate environmental stand ards/

regulations; calculation of health -based benchmarks employing environmental risk

assessment guidance, and adaptation of occupational stand ards with ad d itional

safety factors.”11

Relative to silica in indoor air the report concluded “Therefore the

COPC Committee is recommending a benchmark of 5 ug/ m3, which is the lowest

amount that can be reliably reported in a reasonable sampling time.”12

The Benchmark Report and WTC Background Report describe collection of wipe

samples to evaluate the presence of silica and other contaminants in “settled dust.”

Section 3.4 of the Benchmark Report entitled “Health Based Benchmarks (Summary

Table)” describes the benchmarks developed for both indoor air concentrations and

settled dust. The report proposed no stand ard for crystalline silica in settled dust as

described in the following paragraph :

“Benchmarks for asbestos, fibrous glass and crystalline silica in settled du st are

not provided for the following reason. These three minerals exert their toxicity

primarily through the inhalation route of exposure. Therefore, a health -based

benchmark for settled dust would be a function of the relationship between the

mineral content in settled d ust and ind oor air. Limited stud ies (Millette and

Hays, 1994) have described the empirical relationships (referred to be (sic) the

authors as “K factors”) between concentrations of asbestos fibers in settled dust

and indoor air. These K factors were developed by studying matched air and

settled dust samples taken from indoor environments at varying levels of

activity. However, due to the numerous factors that influence the relationship

between fiber concentration in settled dust and indoor air, includ ing surface

porosity, activity patterns, air exchange rates, and interior volume, the COPC

Committee elected against setting benchmarks for COPC in settled dust based on

projected concentrations in indoor air.”13

The Benchmark Report add itionally notes the following relative to crystalline silica:

Settled dust and air samples were taken both in ind oor and outdoor areas of

residential bu ild ings;

These samples ind icated the presence of quartz (no other forms of crystalline

silica were detected);

11 Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPC) Committee of the World Trade Center Indoor Air Task Force Working Group, “World Trade Center Indoor Environment Assessment: Selecting Contaminants of Potential Concern and Setting Health-Based Benchmarks” (May 2003). 8.

12 Ibid., p. 10. 13 Ibid., p. 11.


22 Dust Evaluation

Quartz was found in 49% of the settled dust samples from indoor air of

residential bu ild ings and all of the ou tdoor areas sampled outside the dust

plume are (e.g. uptown Manhattan);

Since quartz is a common material in sand , find ing this mineral in a city

where there is a great deal of concrete is not unusual;

Comparison of quartz levels in dust from residential areas outside the WTC

collapse dust plume (e.g. uptown Manhattan) revealed substantially lower

levels than those in lower Manhattan.

2.3.4 Summary of Applicable Regulatory Criteria

EPA PM10 = 150 μg/ m3 (0.15 mg/ m

3) as 24 Hour Average

Applicable and Enforceable to the Project Area

OSHA Silica: Crystalline Quartz PELRESP

= 100 μg/ m3 (0.10 mg/ m

3)

Applicable and Enforceable at Quarry Location and for Quarry Workers

Not Applicable at Residential Properties

OSHA Silica: Crystalline Quartz PELTOT

= 300 μg/ m3 (0.30 mg/ m

3)



OSHA Inert/ Nuisance Dust PELRESP

= 5,000 μg/ m3 (5 mg/ m

3)



OSHA Inert/ Nuisance Dust PELTOT

= 15,000 μg/ m3 (15 mg/ m

3)




23 Dust Evaluation

2.4 PM10 Monitoring Results – September 16

through September 25, 2013

Figure 3 is a graphical representation of the week long PM10 monitoring results. The

graph plots all of the monitoring locations together. Each location is represented by a

d ifferent line color. Relevant information regard ing the graph is as follows:

Horizontal Axis:

Date;

Day of the Week;

Predominant Wind Direction (over the entire day);

Time (based on a 24-hour clock).

Vertical Axis:

PM10 measurement in milligrams/ cubic meter (mg/ m3);

Graphical scale running from 0 mg/ m3 to 1.0 mg/ m

3 (1,000 μg/ m

3).

Highest 24-Hour Average PM10 Measurement During the Week;

Location of the Highest 24-Hour Average PM10 Measurement (September 20-

21);

Dominant Wind Direction within the 24-Hours Corresponding to the Highest

Average;

Call out of Various Peak Measurements with the Noted Wind Speed and

Direction Corresponding to the Date/ Time;

Ind ication of Peak Associated with Blasting at the Quarry;

Yellow Horizontal Line:

U.S. EPA NAAQS for PM10 = 150 μg/ m3 (0.150 mg/ m

3);

Red Horizontal Line:

Highest 24-Hour Average Concentration Recorded for the Week.

The axes labels, symbols, and designations shown on Figure 3 are also applicable to

Figures 4-7.

0.9

0.561

0.528 0.523

0.133

0.39

0.463

0.322

0.228

0.083

0.386

0.285

0.198

0.219

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

12

:04

14

:37

17

:10

19

:43

22

:16

0:4

93

:22

5:5

58

:28

11

:01

13

:34

16

:07

18

:40

21

:13

23

:46

2:1

94

:52

7:2

59

:58

12

:31

15

:04

17

:37

20

:10

22

:43

1:1

63

:49

6:2

28

:55

11

:28

14

:01

16

:34

19

:07

21

:40

0:1

32

:46

5:1

97

:52

10

:25

12

:58

15

:31

18

:04

20

:37

23

:10

1:4

34

:16

6:4

99

:22

11

:55

14

:28

17

:01

19

:34

22

:07

0:4

03

:13

5:4

68

:19

10

:52

13

:25

15

:58

18

:31

21

:04

23

:37

2:1

04

:43

7:1

69

:49

12

:22

14

:55

17

:28

20

:01

22

:34

1:0

73

:40

6:1

38

:46

11

:19

13

:52

16

:25

18

:58

21

:31

0:0

42

:37

5:1

07

:43

10

:16

12

:49

9/16/2013Monday

NW

9/17/2013Tuesday

N

9/18/2013Wednesday

WSW

9/19/2013Thursday

SW

9/20/2013FridaySSW

9/21/2013Saturday

S

9/22/2013Sunday

NW

9/23/2013Monday

NW

9/24/2013Tuesday

NW

9/25/2013Wednesday

WNW

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

PM 10 September 16 thru September 25

170 Church Street

34 Quarry Road

181 Church Street

Bradford School

Copar Quarry

EPA PM10

SSW @ 5 mph

N @ 9 mph

NNW @ 3 mph

WNW @ 1 mph

SSE @ 4 mph

W @ 1 mph

NW @ 5 mph

W @ 1 mph

WNW @ 2 mph

WNW @ 3 mph

N @ 2 mph

24-Hour Average

Highest 24-Hour Average AVG(170Church) = 0.0285 Dominant Wind SSW

Figure 3


25 Dust Evaluation

2.4.1 Highest 24-Hour PM10 Average

Figure 4 is an enlargement of the highest 24-hour PM10 average during the week.

Relevant information about this interval:

The highest 24-hour PM10 average for the week occurred between 9 a.m. on

Friday morning September 20th and 9 a.m. on Saturday morning September

21st;

PM1024-High

= 0.0285 mg/ m3 measured at the 170 Church Street air monitoring

station;

Dominant Wind Direction within the 24-Hours was from the south-southwest (SSW);

PM1024-COPAR

= 0.024 mg/ m3 (24-hour measurement at Copar Quarry during the

same interval);

U.S. EPA PM10 = 0.150 mg/ m3. Recorded measurements do not exceed the

U.S. EPA PM10 Stand ard .

2.4.2 Copar Quarry Blast – September 18, 2013 at 1:05 p.m.

The camera mounted at Copar Quarry captured the image of a blast that occurred at

1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, September18th. Photograph 1 shows the image captured by the

camera at the quarry. VHB inspected the quarry on August 5, 2013 prior to establishing any

protocols for dust or noise monitoring. VHB was escorted by various Copar Quarry

personnel and legal counsel. During that inspection, VHB observed a blasting crew

preparing the northern working face of the quarry for a blast event. When asked about the

blasting processes, in particular use of blasting mats to minimize dust generation and rock

fly, VHB was informed by Copar that no blasting mats are used during blasting operations.

In the foreground of the photograph, the weather station is the piece of equipment to

the left of the photograph and the dust monitoring st ation is the piece of equipment

to the right. The resultant d ust cloud is also captured in the photograph. Figure 5

shows the approximate location of the monitoring equ ipment and the location of the

blast. Figure 6 is an enlargement of the 24-hour PM10 cycle associated with the blast

occurrence. Relevant information about this interval:

The spike associated with the blast is clearly visible and labeled on the graph;

The corresponding PM10 measurement “at that moment” was recorded as 0.198

mg/ m3;

The corresponding wind speed and d irection was recorded as 4 miles/ hour

(mph) from the south-southeast (SSE);

No corresponding spikes were recorded at the other air monitoring stations;

0.9

0.561

0.107

0.252

0.344

0.239

0.183

0.242

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1

9:0

0

9:3

2

10

:04

10

:36

11

:08

11

:40

12

:12

12

:44

13

:15

13

:47

14

:19

14

:51

15

:23

15

:55

16

:27

16

:59

17

:31

18

:03

18

:35

19

:07

19

:39

20

:11

20

:43

21

:15

21

:47

22

:19

22

:51

23

:23

23

:55

0:2

7

0:5

9

1:3

1

2:0

3

2:3

5

3:0

7

3:3

9

4:1

1

4:4

3

5:1

5

5:4

7

6:1

9

6:5

1

7:2

3

7:5

5

8:2

7

8:5

9

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

24 Hour Time Clock

PM10September 20-21

(9:00-8:59)

170 Church Street

34 Quarry Road

181 Church Street

Bradford School

Copar Quarry

AVG(high) = 0.0285 mg/m3 @ 170 ChurchAVG(Copar) = 0.024 mg/m3

EPA PM10

24-Hour Average

NW @ 5 mph

N @ 2 mph

Figure 4 Highest 24-Hour Average

Figure 5 Copar Dust Monitoring Station and Blast Face Locations

(approximate)

Figure 6 Blast Detail

24-Hour Average

0.054

0.159

0.142

0.228

0.198

0.181

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

11

:00

11

:35

12

:10

12

:45

13

:20

13

:55

14

:30

15

:05

15

:40

16

:15

16

:50

17

:25

18

:00

18

:35

19

:10

19

:45

20

:20

20

:55

21

:30

22

:05

22

:40

23

:15

23

:50

0:2

5

1:0

0

1:3

5

2:1

0

2:4

5

3:2

0

3:5

5

4:3

0

5:0

5

5:4

0

6:1

5

6:5

0

7:2

5

8:0

0

8:3

5

9:1

0

9:4

5

10

:20

10

:55

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

24 Hour Time Clock

PM10September 18-19

(11:00-10:59)

170 Church Street

34 Quarry Road

181 Church Street

Bradford School

Copar Quarry

AVG(high) = 0.017 mg/m3 @ SchoolAVG (Copar) = 0.014 mg/m3

EPA PM10

24-Hour Average

Blast at Quarry

SSE @ 4 mph

ESE @ 1 mph

W @ 1 mph

WNW @ 2 mph

WNW @ 5 mph

WNW @ 4 mph

Trespassers at Quarry


29 Dust Evaluation


30 Dust Evaluation

A read ing of 0.034 mg/ m3 (34 μg/ m

3) was measured at the Bradford School 2

hours later, at approximately 3:05 p.m, and a read ing of 0.054 mg/ m3 (54

μg/ m3) was measured at 170 Church Street 7 hours later at approximately 8

p .m;

All monitoring stations recorded an increase in PM10 read ings on Thursday

morning, September 19th between approximately 7 a.m. and 10 a.m;

The wind d irection associated with this cluster of read ings was from the

west/ northwest (WNW) with speeds ranging from 1 mph to 5 mph;

The 24-hour average PM10 was calculated so as to capture the peak associated

with the blast and the cluster of readings recorded the morning of September 19th;

The highest PM1024

recorded during this interval for all the stations was 0.017

mg/ m3 (17 μg/ m

3) recorded at Bradford School;

PM1024-COPAR

= 0.014 mg/ m3 (24-hour measurement at Copar Quarry during the

same interval);

U.S. EPA PM10 = 0.150 mg/ m3. Recorded measurements do not exceed the

U.S. EPA PM10 Stand ard .

2.4.3 Nighttime PM10 Example

Through evaluation of the recorded data, some elevated dust measurements were

also identified at night. Figure 7 is an enlargement of the 24-hour PM10 cycle from

9:45 a.m. on Tuesday September 17 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday September 18th.

Relevant information about this interval:

Copar Quarry operations are clearly visible in the lower left portion of the

graph which corresponds to approximately 9:45 a.m. through approxim ately 5

p .m. on September 17th;

The highest ind ivid ual PM10 measurement recorded during the operating

hours was recorded as 0.285 mg/ m3 as shown on the graph, with a w ind

d irection from the north and a wind speed of 9 mph;

The cessation of active quarry operations can be seen by the flattened lines on

the graph between approximately 5 p .m. on Tuesday and 10 p.m. on Tuesd ay;

From approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday September 17th until approximately 7

a.m. on Wednesday September 18th a series of PM10 measurements elevated

d isproportionally to the other stations were recorded ;

This series of read ings were recorded at 181 Church Street with the highest

read ing overnight being recorded as 0.463 mg/ m3 (463 μg/ m

3) at 4:19 a.m.

with a correspond ing wind d irection being from the NNW at a speed of 3

mph;

Figure 7 Nighttime Example-Wind Direction NNW

24-Hour Average

0.183

0.463

0.285

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

0.5

9:4

5

10

:20

10

:55

11

:30

12

:05

12

:40

13

:15

13

:50

14

:25

15

:00

15

:35

16

:10

16

:45

17

:20

17

:55

18

:30

19

:05

19

:40

20

:15

20

:50

21

:25

22

:00

22

:35

23

:10

23

:45

0:2

0

0:5

5

1:3

0

2:0

5

2:4

0

3:1

5

3:5

0

4:2

5

5:0

0

5:3

5

6:1

0

6:4

5

7:2

0

7:5

5

8:3

0

9:0

5

9:4

0

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

24 Hour Time Clock

PM10September 17-18

(9:45 - 9:44)

170 Church Street

34 Quarry Road

181 Church Street

Bradford School

Copar Quarry

AVG(high) = 0.025 mg/m3 @ CoparAVG(181Church) = 0.015 mg/m3

EPA PM10

24-Hour Average

N @ 9 mph

NNW @ 3 mph

WNW @ 4 mph

Lawn Mowing at School


32 Dust Evaluation

Between approximately 6 and 7 a.m. on Wednesd ay the graph suggests the

recurrence of activities at the quarry as depicted by the blue lines;

The highest PM1024

recorded during this 24-hour interval for all the stations

was 0.025 mg/ m3 (25 μg/ m

3) recorded at Copar Quarry;

The second highest PM1024

= 0.015 mg/ m3 (recorded at 181 Church Street).

2.4.4 Comparison of PM10 24-Hour Averages

Table 2-1 provides a summary of the highest 24-hour PM10 averages calculated for

the week as compared to the U.S. EPA PM10 Stand ard . The table also includes

read ings taken by the RIDEM at their PM10 ambient air monitoring stations during

the same week but in 2012.

Table 2-1 24-Hour PM10 Averages

The information in this table shows that PM10 measurements recorded at the 5 Westerly

locations on September 18-19, 2013 and September 24-25, 2013 were consistent with PM10

measurements reported by RIDEM for the same dates in 2012. The Kent County/ Alton

Jones Campus is considered to represent background conditions by the RIDEM. The

average of the residential and school properties’ PM10 readings on September 18-19, 2013

was 12 μg/ m3 (Kent County/ Alton Jones = 10 μg/ m

3 September 18, 2012). Likewise, the

Date Sept. 17-18 Sept. 18-19 Sept. 20-21 Sept. 21-22 Sept. 23-24 Sept. 24-25

Time 9:45-9:44 11:00-10:59 9:00-8:59 11:00-10:59 6:00-5:59 7:00-6:59

Dominant Wind Direction N-WSW WSW SSW S-NW NW WNW

Day T-W W-R F-S S-Su M-T T-W

Units (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3)

Copar 25 14 24 9 16 28

170 Church 8 14 29 10 6 9

181 Church 15 2 27 2 0.2 2

34 Quarry NA 15 * 9 3 5

School 5 17 27 8 1 3

RIDEM DATA 2012 Sept. 18 Sept. 24

Kent County/Alton Jones 10 5

Prov Station 1 17 7

Prov Station 2 16 19

Prov Station 3 25 8

*

U.S. EPA National

Ambient Air Quality

Standard (NAAQS)

PM10

2 hour data collection

150

U.S. EPA NAAQS for PM10: 24-hour average not to be exceeded more than once

per year on average over 3 years.


33 Dust Evaluation

average residential and school properties’ PM10 readings on September 24-25, 2013 was

5 μg/ m3 (Kent County/ Alton Jones = 5 μg/ m

3 September 24, 2012).

The PM10 measurements collected at Copar are more consistent with the urban

Providence stations than the Alton Jones station. The average of the Providence PM10

readings on September 18, 2012 was 19 μg/ m3 (Copar = 14 μg/ m

3 September 18-19,

2013). Likewise, the average of the Providence PM10 readings on September 24, 2012 was

11 μg/ m3 (Copar = 28 μg/ m

3 September 24-25, 2013).

Accord ing to the Rhode Island ambient PM10 measurements reported by RIDEM to

the U.S. EPA and available on the U.S. EPA’s website, the highest 24-hour PM10

measurement in September of 2012 was 11 ug/ m3 on September 6, 2012 at Alton

Jones, and 25 ug/ m3 on Sep tember 18, 2012 in Providence. For the entirety of 2012,

the highest 24-hour PM10 read ing at Alton Jones was recorded as 22 ug/ m3 on

May 27, 2012, and in Providence was recorded as 51 ug/ m3 on January 1, 2012.

14

2.5 Total Dust Monitoring Results – September 25 through October 4, 2013

The dust monitoring station and weather station were removed from Copar Quarry

during the second week of monitoring. This was done at the suggestion of the town

and residential property owners due to concerns that Copar Quarry operators may

have been limiting their operations during the week they knew monitoring at

residential properties was going on. The residential property owners also requested

that the Bradford School monitoring stations be moved from the locat ion in front of

the school to behind the school so the station was no longer visible from the road .

Prior to the start of the total dust monitoring, VHB relocated the dust monitoring and

weather station to the back of the school property. The weather station that was

previously used at Copar Quarry was relocated to 34 Quarry Road .

Figure 8 is a graphical representation of the week long Total Dust monitoring results.

The graph plots all of the monitoring locations together. Each location is represented

by a d ifferent line color. Symbolism and axes designations are the same as depicted

on Figure 3 for the PM10 summary with the following exceptions:

Vertical Axis:

Total Dust measurement in milligrams/ cubic meter (mg/ m3);

Graphical scale running from 0 mg/ m3 to 0.3 mg/ m

3 (300 μg/ m

3).

Highest 24-Hour Average Total Dust Measurement During the Week;

Location of the Highest 24-Hour Total Dust Measurement (October 2-3);

Yellow Horizontal Line:

14 United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air Quality Division, Air Data, https://www.epa.gov/airquality/airdata (October 2013).

https://www.epa.gov/airquality/airdata


34 Dust Evaluation

Represents U.S. EPA NAAQS for PM10 = 150 μg/ m3. Stand ard is for

reference only and is NOT applicable to Total Dust measurements.

The axes labels, symbols, and designations shown on Figure 8 are also applicable to

Figures 9- and 10.

2.5.1 Highest 24-Hour Total Dust Average

Figure 9 is an enlargement of the highest 24-hour Total Dust average cycle during

the week. Relevant information about this interval:

The highest 24-hour Total Dust average for the week occurred between 4:30

a.m. on Wednesday morning October 2nd

and 4:30 a.m. on Thursday morning

October 3rd

;

Total Dust24-High

= 0.0347 mg/ m3 (35 μg/ m

3) measured at the 181 Church Street

air monitoring station;

Dominant Wind Direction within the 24-Hours was from the NNW with

limited excursions from the south on October 2nd

;

The U.S. EPA PM10 = 0.150 mg/ m3 (150 μg/ m

3), although not applicable to

Total Dust measurements, was not exceeded by the 24-hour average.

2.5.2 Nighttime Total Dust Example

As with the PM10 d ata, some elevated Total Dust measurements were also identified

at night. Figure 10 is an enlargement of the 24-hour Total Dust cycle from 4:30 a.m.

on Frid ay September 27 to 4:30 a.m. on Saturd ay September 28th. Relevant

information about this interval:

The highest ind ivid ual Total Dust measurement recorded during this time

interval was 0.163 mg/ m3 at Bradford School at 9:30 p .m. as shown on the

graph, with a w ind d irection from the north and a wind speed of 2 mph;

Bookending this read ing are a series of measurements from approximately

7:30 p.m. on Frid ay September 27th until approximately 1 a.m. on Saturday

September 28th at the Bradford School. Although generally low measurements,

they are elevated in comparison to other surround ing measurements;

0.067

0.136

0.036 0.047

0.123

0.063 0.059

0.279 0.277

0.002

0.163

0.081

0.083

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

14

:04

16

:56

19

:48

22

:40

1:3

24

:24

7:1

61

0:0

81

3:0

01

5:5

21

8:4

42

1:3

60

:28

3:2

06

:12

9:0

41

1:5

61

4:4

81

7:4

02

0:3

22

3:2

42

:16

5:0

88

:00

10

:52

13

:44

16

:36

19

:28

22

:20

1:1

24

:04

6:5

69

:48

12

:40

15

:32

18

:24

21

:16

0:0

83

:00

5:5

28

:44

11

:36

14

:28

17

:20

20

:12

23

:04

1:5

64

:48

7:4

01

0:3

21

3:2

41

6:1

61

9:0

82

2:0

00

:52

3:4

46

:36

9:2

81

2:2

01

5:1

21

8:0

42

0:5

62

3:4

82

:40

5:3

28

:24

11

:16

14

:08

17

:00

19

:52

22

:44

1:3

64

:28

7:2

01

0:1

21

3:0

41

5:5

6

9/25/2013Wednesday

N

9/26/2013Thursday

NE

9/27/2013Friday

N

9/28/2013Saturday

ENE

9/29/2013Sunday

NE

9/30/2013Monday

N

10/1/2013Tuesday

NW

10/2/2013Wednesday

WSW

10/3/2013Thursday

SW

10/4/2013Friday

N

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

Total Dustfall September 25 thru October 4

34 Quarry Road

170 Church Street

181 Church Street

Bradford School

EPA PM10

24-Hour Average

NNE @ 7 mph

NNW @ 6 mph

N @ 2 mph

NNE @ 6 mph

NNE @ 7 mph

NNW @ 7 mph NNW @ 1 mph

NNW @ 2 mph

Highest 24-Hour Average AVG(181Church) = 0.0347 Dominant Wind WSW

Figure 8

Figure 9 Highest 24-Hour Average

Total Dust

0.076

0.123

0.06

0.279

0.145

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

4:3

0

5:0

6

5:4

2

6:1

8

6:5

4

7:3

0

8:0

6

8:4

2

9:1

8

9:5

4

10

:30

11

:06

11

:42

12

:18

12

:54

13

:30

14

:06

14

:42

15

:18

15

:54

16

:30

17

:06

17

:42

18

:18

18

:54

19

:30

20

:06

20

:42

21

:18

21

:54

22

:30

23

:06

23

:42

0:1

8

0:5

4

1:3

0

2:0

6

2:4

2

3:1

8

3:5

4

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

24 Hour Time Clock

TOTALOctober 2-3

(4:30-4:29)

34 Quarry Road

170 Church Street

181 Church Street

Bradford School

EPA PM10

N @ 3 mph

NNW @ 7 mph

NNW @ 7 mph

AVG(high) = 0.0347 mg/m3 @ 181 ChurchAVG(School) = 0.0328 mg/m3

24-Hour Average

Figure 10 Nighttime Example-Wind Direction N

24-Hour Average

0.067

0.032

0.05

0.163

0.047

0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.1

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

4:3

0

5:0

6

5:4

2

6:1

8

6:5

4

7:3

0

8:0

6

8:4

2

9:1

8

9:5

4

10

:30

11

:06

11

:42

12

:18

12

:54

13

:30

14

:06

14

:42

15

:18

15

:54

16

:30

17

:06

17

:42

18

:18

18

:54

19

:30

20

:06

20

:42

21

:18

21

:54

22

:30

23

:06

23

:42

0:1

8

0:5

4

1:3

0

2:0

6

2:4

2

3:1

8

3:5

4

Me

asu

rem

en

t m

g/m

3

24 Hour Time Clock

TOTALSeptember 27-28

(4:30-4:29)

34 Quarry Road

170 Church Street

181 Church Street

Bradford School

EPA PM10

N @ 3 mph

NNW @ 6 mph

N @ 2 mph

AVG(high) = 0.0096 mg/m3 @ SchoolAVG(181 Church) = 0.0069 mg/m3

24-Hour Average


38 Dust Evaluation

2.5.3 Comparison of Total Dust 24-Hour Averages

Table 2-2 provides a summary of the highest 24-hour Total Dust averages calculated for

the week. There is no state or federal standard applicable to total ambient dust levels.

Table 2-2 24-Hour Total Dust

The highest Total Dust 24-hour average of 35 μg/ m3 (recorded at 181 Church Street

on October 2-3, 2013) is greater than the highest PM10 24-hour average of 29 μg/ m3

(recorded at 170 Church Street on Septem ber 20-21, 2013).

2.6 Crystalline Silica Analysis

Crystalline silica analysis for both total and respirable fractions was performed by Galson

Laboratories (Galson) of East Syracuse, New York. Galson is a world leader in industrial

hygiene and monitoring solutions that has been in business for over 43 years. Galson

specializes in air monitoring, sampling and analysis programs conducted in association

with occupational and health and safety professionals. Galson is accredited by the

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). All dust monitoring stations,

sampling pumps, cyclones, filters and associated air sampling and analysis equipment

was provided to VHB after proper calibration and inspection by Galson personnel.

Samples submitted for crystalline silica analysis were collected in accordance with

the following general protocols:

1. An SKC Aluminum Cyclone respirable dust sampler was used with a collection

filter loaded into a three-piece cassette to allow for respirable dust sample

collection (Note: For Total Dust sample collection no cyclone was used with the

collection filter/ sampling pump assembly);

2. The cyclone-cassette assembly was attached to a sampling pump calibrated by

Galson;

Date Sept. 26-27 Sept. 27-28 Sept. 28-29 Sept. 29-30 9/30-10/01 Oct 1-2 Oct 2-3 Oct 3-4

Time 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29 4:30-4:29

Dominant Wind Direction NNE NE-S NE/NW/S NNW-S NNW S-NNW S-NNW NNW

Day R-F F-S S-Su Su-M M-T T-W W-R R-F

Units (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3) (ug/m3)

Copar

170 Church 6 6 10 7 9 23 30 17

181 Church 5 7 12 8 9 22 35 12

34 Quarry 6 6 11 7 9 17 31 15

School 5 10 16 11 10 21 33 19

U.S. EPA National

Ambient Air

Quality Standard

(NAAQS)

No Standard

Not Tested


39 Dust Evaluation

3. Samples were collected over an 8-hour duration;

4. After sampling, the filter cassette was removed and sealed for shipment to

Galson for analysis;

5. Pre- and post-sample pump flow rates were measured and recorded on

calculation sheets provided to Galson along with the sample and Chain -of-

Custod y paperwork;

Samples were analyzed for Respirable Dust and Crystalline Silica: Quartz in

accord ance with mod. NIOSH Method 0600/ 7500/ mod. OSHA ID-142; or analyzed

for Total Dust and Crystalline Silica: Quartz in accordance with mod. NIOSH

0500/ 7500/ mod. OSHA ID-142.

One set of Total and Respirable Dust samples for crystalline silica analysis were

collected each week. During the PM10 monitoring week, samples were collected on

September 20, 2013. During the Total Dust monitoring week, samples were collected

on September 27, 2013. It is important to note that highest PM10 24-hour average

occurred across the September 20th date. Table 2-3 summarizes the results of the

Total and Resp irable Dust Crystalline Silica analysis.

The only sample reported as containing any Crystalline Silica (CS): Quartz w as the

Total Dust sample collected at Copar Quarry on September 20, 2013. The sample was

reported as containing 100% crystalline silica (i.e. no crystabolite or tryd amite) and

the result was below the OSHA PEL. OSHA is proposing that the PEL for crystallin e

silica in total dust be eliminated and the PEL for crystalline silica in resp irable dust

be reduced to 50 μg/ m3.

15 All other sample resu lts were reported with no detections

at the concentrations noted in the table.

Table 2-3 Total and Respirable Dust Crystalloine Silica Analysis Results

Sampling

Location

September 20, 2013 September 27, 2013

Respirable Sample

PEL

(ug/m3)

Total Sample

PEL

(ug/m3)

Respirable Sample

PEL

(ug/m3)

Total Sample

PEL

(ug/m3) Dust

(ug/m3)

CS as

Quartz

(ug/m3)

%CS Dust

(ug/m3)

CS as

Quartz

(ug/m3)

%CS Dust

(ug/m3)

CS as

Quartz

(ug/m3)

%CS

Dust

(ug/

m3)

CS as

Quart

z

(ug/m

3)

%CS

Copar < 40 < 8 ND

5,000

< 48 13 100 300 NS NS NS

5,000

NS NS NS

170

Church < 40 < 8 ND < 47 < 10 ND

15,000

< 41 < 8 ND < 49 < 10 ND

15,000

181

Church < 41 < 8 ND < 48 < 10 ND < 42 < 8 ND < 43 < 9 ND

34 Quarry < 40 < 8 ND < 50 < 10 ND < 43 < 9 ND < 48 < 10 ND

Bradford

School < 41 < 8 ND < 49 < 10 ND < 41 < 8 ND < 49 < 10 ND

15 “29 CFR Parts 1910, 1915, and 1926 Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica; Proposed Rule,” 78 Federal Register 177 (September 12, 2013), pp. 56445-56446.


40 Dust Evaluation

2.7 Wipe Sample Analysis

Samples were collected by using a filter media to wipe a 10 centimeter (cm) by 10 cm

wipe-sampling template provided by Galson (100 cm2). The sampling filter media

was sealed , labeled and delivered to Galson under proper Chain -of-Custody

procedures for total crystalline silica analysis by ana lytical method mod. NIOSH

7500/ MOD. OSHA ID-142. One wipe sample was collected during the PM10

monitoring week and the Total Dust monitoring week at each of the residences,

Bradford School, and on top of the Water Tank.

Residential wipe samples were collected at locations requested by the property

owners as follows:

Property Week 1 Location Week 2 Location

34 Quarry Road Interior Dining Room Window Sill Exterior Glass Table Top

170 Church Street Exterior Porch Window Sill Facing

Quarry

Adjacent to Week 1 Sample/

Same Location

181 Church Street Exterior Glass Table Top Adjacent to Week 1 Sample/

Same Location

Bradford School Exterior Top of AC Unit

East Side/ Northern Most Unit

Adjacent to Week 1 Sample/

Same Location

Water Tank Top of Water Tank Adjacent to Week 1 Sample/

Same Location

Table 2-4 Wipe Sampling Results

Sampling Location

September 20, 2013 September 27, 2013

Average

CS as Quartz

(mg/cm2)

CS as Quartz

(mg/cm2)

34 Quarry 0.0027 0.00042 0.00156

Water Tank 0.00072 0.00095 0.000835

Bradford School 0.0019 0.0010 0.00145

181 Church 0.00017 0.0017 0.000935

170 Church 0.0016 0.0023 0.00195

VHB could find no regulatory criteria for concentrations of total crystalline silica in

settled dust. Recommendations made in the WTC Background Study Report and

Benchmark Report which established health-based standards to be used during cleanup

of residential properties in lower Manhattan affected by the WTC collapse recommended

use of airborne criteria for crystalline silica concentrations and recommended no health

based standard for crystalline silica in settled dust. The report noted this

recommendation was made because the health risk posed by crystalline silica is in its

ability to become airborne, or re-entrained in the air, and thus inhaled.


41 Dust Evaluation

2.8 Dust Evaluation Study Summary

The 24-hour PM10 averages recorded and calculated between September 16 and

September 25, 2013 d id not exceed the U.S. EPA NAAQS PM10 Standard of 150

μg/ m3. Results obtained during the PM10 monitoring were consistent with those

levels reported by the RIDEM for the ambient monitoring stations in the State of

Rhode Island .

Respirable Dust crystalline silica samples collected on September 20, 2013 (the

highest 24-hour average PM10 d ay) and on September 27, 2013 contained no levels of

repirable crystalline silica above the laboratory reporting limit (aka not detectable).

Total Dust crystalline silica samples collected on September 20 and 27, 2013 revealed total

crystalline silica in the sample collected at Copar Quarry on September 20 at a

concentration of 13 μg/ m3. The OSHA PEL of 300 μg/ m

3, and the proposed OSHA PEL

of 50 μg/ m3 were not exceeded. The OSHA proposed rule (78 FR 177, September 12,

2013) is recommending elimination of the total dust PEL for crystalline silica.

The dust evaluation d id not identify numeric exceed ances of established and

applicable standard s. Evaluation of the graphs for the study period ind icate that

wind d irection and wind speed during that interval varied over the course of the

weeks, days, and within the course of 24 hours. Cop ar activities during the week

VHB was on-site were observed to include crushing, screening, stockpiling, trucking,

load ing/ unload ing, and blasting. It is important to note that the monitoring resu lts

are affected by the entire combination of activities being conducted , wind speed and

d irection, and mitigative efforts. Therefore, results may be d ifferent at d ifferent times

of the year.


42 Conclusions

3 Conclusions

The noise analysis evaluated the sound levels associated with the operation of the

Copar Quarry and identified noise mitigation measures to substantially reduce the

sound levels. Analysis of the noise d ata identified sound occurrences specific to

quarry operations, and based on aud io record ings the cause of the each occurrence

was identified as best as possible. Truck traffic specific to quarry activities was found

to be the primary source of noise occurrences attributed to the quarry. Based on the

noise analysis there was only one quarry-related sound occurrence that does not

comply with the stand ards which occurred at 65 Quarry Road , and is attribu ted to

truck traffic. The sound levels for this occurrence was over 60 dB(A) and lasted for

only one second . An extension to an existing earth berm was identified as an

appropriate noise mitigation measure. The earth berm would provide noise blockage

to local residences and provide substantial sound level reductions. Consideration

should also be given to ad justing the noise ord inance level to criteria more consistent

with other rural communities.

The dust evaluation d id not identify numeric exceed ances of established and

applicable standard s. Evaluation of the graphs for the study period ind icate that

wind d irection and wind speed during that interval varied over the course of the

weeks, days, and within the course of 24 hours. Copar activities during the week

VHB was on-site were observed to include crushing, screening, stockpiling, trucking,

load ing/ unload ing, and blasting. It is important to note that the monitoring resu lts

are affected by the entire combination of activities being conducted , wind speed and

d irection, and mitigative efforts. Therefore, results may be d ifferent at d ifferent times

of the year. Although dust suppression by means of water spraying is being

conducted at the quarry, the use of other mitigation efforts includ ing, but not limited

to, the following should be considered where appropriate and / or applicable:

Wind Breaks: Natural or constructed barriers that reduce wind velocity

through a site and thereby reduce the possibility of suspended par ticles.

These can include trees or shrubs, w ind fences, tarp curtains, or hay bales;

Stone: Stone can aid in minimizing dust generation on unpaved haul roads;

Tarping: Ensure trucks exiting the site are tarped to minimize dust;


43 Conclusions

Speed Limits: Restrict speeds to 10-15 mph for unpaved haul road s to

minimize dust;

Dust Removal from Tires/ Undercarriage: Implement procedures to remove

mud and/ or d irt from the wheels of vehicles that have traveled through

unpaved quarry areas before leaving the site (i.e. a crushed stone or other

type of rumble strip);

Regrade Haul Road s: Period ically (i.e. monthly) regrade haul road s to

remove/ minimize loose/ fine material;

Wind Monitoring: Monitoring wind speed and d irection and modify/ ad just

quarry operations or increase du st suppression activities if predominant w ind

d irections are from the SSE and wind is gusting at speeds of concern;

Dust Collectors on Drill Bits: Consider the use of dust collectors on rock drills

to minimize emissions of fine dust particles;

Blast Mats: Evaluate the use of blast mats to minimize dust generation

and / or rock fly.

Documents

Noise and Dust Monitoring: Copar Quarry - … · Dust and Noise Evaluation Noise and Dust Monitoring: Copar Quarry Westerly, Rhode Island Prepared for Town of Westerly 45 Broad Street