Dufferin Aggregates, Acton, Ontario

situation:

Dufferin Aggregates is a business unit of St. Lawrence Cement and a major supplier of construction aggregates. One of their larger quarries is located just outside Acton, Ontario. Dufferin applied for extensions to the north and south of the existing operation.

assessment:

Aercoustics was retained to conduct the noise impact study for the extension. The purpose of the study was to aid in the design while satisfying the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) sound level limits. These services are typical of what we provide many quarry and pit operations.

solution:

Noise receptors near the project were identified and appropriate limits established, based on the MOE guidelines. Next, noise predictions were performed at these residential receptors. Where the levels were found to exceed the MOE sound level limits, noise control measures were recommended.

An iterative process of predicting noise was performed modeling various noise controls through discussions with Dufferin to arrive at effective and practical controls that would satisfy MOE guidelines. The results were presented in the noise impact study including extraction directions to utilize the shielding provided by the working face, perimeter berm/barriers, berm/barriers close to equipment, operating time, distance setback restrictions and other controls.