RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AFFECTED BY DUST

Prior to selling a parcel of land, a real estate development company was required, by the Board of Health, to complete a due diligence assessment of the property. SENES Consultants Limited completed dust emissions estimates for the major roadways nearby and CAL3QHC dispersion modelling to demonstrate which parts of the property were most affected by the dust suspended by the traffic. Based on the dispersion modelling results, recommendations were made regarding the types of use to which the different parts of the property could be put (eg. Low-rise residential, high-rise residential or commercial). A modification of this work was completed later, to determine at what height above ground, road dust no longer affected the different parts of the property.


AGGREGATE CRUSHING & SCREENING

Blue Circle Aggregates was seeking to expand operations at their Cambridge pit by bringing a crushing and screening machine to the site. While they had a Certificate of Approval (Air) for this change to the facility, the nearby community was concerned about dust emissions from the new equipment, as well as the trucks passing on and off the site. SENES compiled an emissions inventory for the site, demonstrating that the truck traffic would contribute the bulk of any suspended dust. Dispersion modelling was used to predict where possible impacts would be located, and the frequency of any impacts. Control measures for the road dust were recommended, and expert testimony was given at a public hearing, in support of the expanded pit operations. Blue Circle was given final approval of their plans by the hearing committee.


NICKEL MINE IN CUBA

A dispersion modelling study was completed for the Pinares de Mayari Oeste Project, a mining project in Cuba. Inhalable particulate, from the truck traffic the project was expected to generate, and drilling and blasting operations, was a concern. Emissions from different possible travel routes and pit sites were estimated. The metals content of the dust was also assessed, and dispersion modelling was completed for metals known to have adverse health effects at high dose levels. Recommendations were made regarding preferable travel routes.