final weekly blasting reports: week 7 report … · week 7 final weekly blasting report 12 9 13-12...

From: Colarusso, Phil Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 2:53 PM To: Catri, Cindy Subject: FW: New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal - Weekly Blasting Reports Attachments: Week 7 Final Weekly Blasting Report 12 9 13-12 14 13.pdf; Week 8 Final Weekly Blasting

Report 12 16 13-12 21 13.pdf; Week 9 Final Weekly Blasting Report 12 21 13-12 28 13.pdf

From: Colarusso, Phil Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 10:51 AM To: [email protected]; Sue Tuxbury Subject: FW: New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal - Weekly Blasting Reports

From: John McAllister [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 10:19 AM To: Colarusso, Phil; Lombardo, Ginny; Williams, Ann; Marsh, Michael; Stanley, Elaine; LeClair, Jacqueline; Dierker, Carl; Catri, Cindy Cc: Chet Myers; Bill White; Hines, Eric; Jay Borkland; Christopher Morris; Gregory Dolan; Christen Anton Subject: New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal - Weekly Blasting Reports

Good morning all, Please see the attached blasting reports for Weeks 7‐9 for the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. There will be two more weekly reports coming to cover the remainder of the blasting. Thank you. Sincerely, John

The link ed image cannot be displayed. The file may hav e been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and lo cation. John McAllister, P.E. Senior Project Engineer

Apex Companies, LLC 125 Broad Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02210

O) 617-728-0070 M) 617-936-9024

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Weekly Blasting Report Week: 12-9-13 through 12-14-13

New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal (NBMCT)

This weekly blasting report for the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal is being provided as a summary of the weekly blasting activities. This report is provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to General Comment 3 in the EPA’s October 30, 2013 Memorandum on the Revised Blast Plan for this project.

This is the seventh weekly report that is being issued to the EPA and covers the blasting that occurred from December 9, 2013 through December 14, 2013.

Blasting Safety Protocols and Checks

In compliance with the contract specifications and the requirements for blasting listed in the Second Modification to EPA’s Final Determination for the South Terminal Project, issued on September 30, 2013, the Contractor (Cashman-Weeks NB) has implemented a series of protocols and checks to ensure the safe execution of the blasting program. Some of these actions include:

• The Fish deterrent and protection system is in place and properly functioning. The fish deterrent and protection system is a multi-faceted series of protective measures and actions that keep fish out of the blast areas and includes safeguards and protocols for fish encountered prior to blasting. Components of the Fish deterrent and protection system include:

o A silt curtain has been placed on the north side of the Route 6 Bridge between New Bedford and Fish Island to deflect migrating fish into the main channel in the river. The silt curtain is a geo-synthetic material that acts as a floating barrier extending from the water surface down towards the channel bottom. Silt curtains are used for several purposes including controlling the dispersion of turbidity or silt in the water column. In this case the silt curtain is used as a barrier to deflect the migrating fish into the main channel in the river and away from the blast area.

o Within the vicinity of the blasting area, there are additional silt curtains deployed to prevent fish from entering the vicinity of the blasting area. However, to enable marine traffic to safely navigate through the area (and not become entangled in the silt curtain), a bubble curtain is placed in the vessel channel. The bubble curtain is essentially a perforated rubber hose through which compressed air is pushed. The perforations allow the air to bubble out creating a “curtain” of bubbles that prevents fish from passing through but allows marine traffic to pass.

• Pre-blast monitoring for the presence of fish and mammals within the blast zone is being conducted by Fathom Research of New Bedford, MA (Fathom). If fish are detected within the blast zone, the fish startle system is implemented to drive the fish out of the blast zone and a follow up monitoring event is conducted to verify that the fish were driven out of the blast zone. The fish startle system consists of visual and audio stimulants designed to encourage fish to move out of the blast area.

• There are strict controls on the weight of explosives as authorized by the EPA, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. These controls are put in place to protect marine life and surrounding structures in the area of the blast zone.

• Seismographs are installed in various locations surrounding the blast zone (including on the Hurricane Barrier and the Palmer’s Island Lighthouse) to measure the vibrations of the blasting program. In addition, two piezometers have been installed within the Hurricane Barrier to measure the effects of blasting on the pore pressure of the structure. Geotechnical monitoring of the blasts is being conducted by GZA Geoenvironmental, Inc. (GZA). The vibration and piezometer

Weekly Blasting Report Week of 12/9/2013 – 12/14/2013 New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal Page 2 of 4

monitoring performed is being conducted within the standards, conditions and approvals of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

• The delivery of blasting product is coordinated with the appropriate public safety agencies and safely secured.

• Notifications are issued to local mariners, the US Coast Guard, Public Safety Agencies (New Bedford Police Department, New Bedford Fire Department, Fairhaven Police Department, Fairhaven Fire Department, New Bedford Harbor Development Commission) and the public with regard to the impending blast (a 2-hour, 1-hour, and 15 minute warning are issued).

• Prior to each blast, the area is cordoned off for safety reasons by emergency services personnel and by the Contractor to prevent access to the blast location.

• After the blasting event, Fathom and Apex Companies, LLC (Apex) monitor the area around the blast zone for the presence of stunned or dead fish.

In addition to the measures listed above, the Owner (Massachusetts Clean Energy Center) has had a representative from Apex and CLE Engineering present on the drilling barge to ensure the operations are in compliance with the Blasting Specifications as well as the EPA’s Final Determination.

Locations of Blasting for this reporting period

Blasting continued in the northeastern area of the dredge footprint with respect to the cellular cofferdam layout as depicted on the attached Blasting Progress (FIG-1) Plan. The blasting pattern plan shows the holes that were drilled during this period. Green holes indicate that the holes were “graded” or that the contractor drilled down to the design depth and did not encounter rock, therefore, did not need to blast the hole. Red holes indicate a hole that was blasted. Blue holes indicate a hole where drilling was incomplete and will be returned to at a later date.

Vibration monitoring during blasting events has yielded results within the design and regulatory parameters during this period. The following table is a summary of the results of vibration monitoring conducted during this time period. Please note that vibration readings are reported as PPV or peak particle velocity, and the units of measure for that are Inches per second (IPS). Peak particle velocity is the standard used to measure vibrations, and the velocities are measured in three directions, lateral, transverse and vertical. Peak particle velocity is the best indicator of whether a structure will be affected by ground vibrations.

Blasting Events Conducted during this reporting period

Date Time of

Blast

Holes Loaded

Max Explosives Loaded per delay (lbs)

Max Allowed Explosive

per delay (lbs)

Max PPV Allowable per US

Army Corps of Engineers (ips)

PPV at Palmer’s

Island Monitor

(ips)

PPV at Hurricane

Barrier Monitor

(ips) 12/9/13 13:46 42 122 150 0.5 0.025 0.108

12/10/13 09:00 30 82 150 0.5 0.025 0.067 12/11/13 10:24 59 82 150 0.5 0.020 0.131 12/12/13 10:10 39 82 150 0.5 0.025 0.080 12/13/13 09:05 33 42 150 0.5 0.040 0.054 12/13/13 15:41 13 42 150 0.5 0.045 0.059 12/14/13 09:00 6 42 150 0.5 0.040 0.048 12/14/13 12:50 2 42 150 0.5 0.035 0.048


The Vibration Monitoring Program records the maximum peak particle velocity at each monitor in three directions (transverse, vertical, and longitudinal). The readings shown in this report represent the maximum peak particle velocity recorded at the particular monitor of the three directions for which readings are taken. Please note that the vibration limits imposed on the contractor for this project area as follows: • Historic Structures <0.5 ips • Residential Structures <0.8 ips • Other structures <2.0 ips

As the table demonstrates, the recorded vibrations are far below the allowable limits for these structures.

Separate vibration and monitoring limits have also been set for the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier, as contained within GZA’s Assessment of Blasting Impacts to the New Bedford-Fairhaven Hurricane Barrier, dated October 2012, and revised December of 2012 and August of 2013. The vibration and monitoring program was reviewed and approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Geotechnical review of the vibration monitoring and piezometer data by GZA has been completed, and it has been determined that the values detected are consistent with the limits and tolerances set as a part of the geotechnical modeling process conducted prior to construction.

Marine Monitoring Conducted during this reporting period Fish mortality monitoring has been conducted during all blasting events this period. The following table is a summary of the results of fish inspections conducted prior to each blast during this time period. The table includes the fish/mammal observations and the efforts taken to manage the fish/mammals:

Date Time of Blast Fish/Mammal Observations Notes 12/9/13 13:46 No mammals or schooling fish

observed None

12/10/13 09:00 1 seal observed 1000 ft from barge, swimming away.

Continued Monitoring

12/11/13 10:24 1 Seal observed outside of blast radius, 1 fish observed on depth sounder 2 hours prior to blast

Continued Monitoring, no fish/mammals observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice.

12/12/13 10:10 No mammals or schooling fish observed

None

12/13/13 09:05 1 seal observed 500 ft inside blast radius

Seal moved outside of blast radius, no fish/mammals observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice.


None

12/14/13 09:00 2 seals sighted at 600 feet from barge, 2 hours prior to blast

Sonar deterrent system deployed, seals moved north out of blast radius. No fish/mammals observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice.

12/14/13 12:50 2 seals sighted at 800 feet from barge, 30 minutes prior to blast

Sonar deterrent system deployed, seals moved north out of blast radius. No fish/mammals observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice.


The following table is a summary of the results of fish inspections conducted immediately after each blast during this time period:

Date Time of Blast Fish/Mammal Observations Notes 12/9/13 13:46 None No fish killed, no marine mammals

viewed in blast area. 12/10/13 09:00 None No fish killed, no marine mammals







viewed in blast area. Review of the post blast fish monitoring conducted by both Fathom and Apex Companies indicate that there were no fatalities or stunned fish. Post-blast monitoring will continue after each event.

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NO. DATE DESCRIPTION BY

PROJECT NO. 6690.027

CADD FILE APEX_BLAST...

DESIGNED BY MT

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DRAWN BY

CHECKED BY

DATE 11/26/2013

DRAWING SCALE 1'=40

GRAPHIC SCALE

SHEET TITLE

BLASTING PROGRESS

A

DRAWING NO.

FIG 1 1 OF 1

PLOT SCALE




This is the eighth weekly report that is being issued to the EPA and covers the blasting that occurred from December 16, 2013 through December 21, 2013.




















Date Time of

Blast

Holes Loaded



per delay (lbs)



PPV at Palmer’s

Island Monitor

(ips)

PPV at Hurricane

Barrier Monitor

(ips) 12/16/13 9:00 14 62 150 0.5 0.015 0.044 12/17/13 15:31 35 42 150 0.5 0.035 0.041 12/18/13 9:21 33 42 150 0.5 0.030 0.027 12/19/13 10:51 35 42 150 0.5 0.020 0.022 12/20/13 11:08 55 62 150 0.5 0.025 0.027 12/21/13 13:37 55 42 150 0.5 0.040 0.029

The Vibration Monitoring Program records the maximum peak particle velocity at each monitor in three directions (transverse, vertical, and longitudinal). The readings shown in this report represent the maximum peak particle velocity recorded at the particular monitor of the three directions for which readings are taken. Please note that the vibration limits imposed on the contractor for this project area as follows:


• Historic Structures <0.5 ips • Residential Structures <0.8 ips • Other structures <2.0 ips

As the table demonstrates, the recorded vibrations are far below the allowable limits for these structures.




Date Time of Blast Fish/Mammal Observations Notes 12/16/13 9:00 1 Mature and 1 juvenile seal

spotted 800 ft north of kraken. The mature seal moved south as close as 600 ft from the Kraken before moving north again

Both seals moved 1800 ft from Kraken 15 minutes before the blast

12/17/13 15:31 2 grey seals spotted 500 ft north of Kraken 1.5 hours prior to blast.

Grey seal spotted 800 ft north of Kraken, sound and light instruments deployed to move seal further north, cleared from blast area 15 minutes before blast

12/18/13 9:21 Three grey seals spotted 1000 ft north along fish pier 1.5 hours prior to blast

One grey seal spotted 500 ft north of Kraken, sound and light instruments deployed to move seal north, cleared from blast area 15 minutes before blast

12/19/13 10:51 2 grey seals 500 ft north of barge, 1 hour prior to blast

Continued Monitoring, 2 seals 800 ft north of barge, area clear 15 minutes before blast

12/20/13 11:08 1 grey seal spotted 300 ft north of Kraken, 1.5 hours before blast

Continued Monitoring, no fish/mammals observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice


Continued Monitoring, no fish/mammals observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice



Date Time of Blast Fish/Mammal Observations Notes 12/16/13 9:00 None No fish killed, no marine mammals






viewed in blast area. Review of the post blast fish monitoring conducted by both Fathom and Apex Companies indicate that there were no fatalities or stunned fish. Post-blast monitoring will continue after each event.

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DESIGNED BY MT

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DRAWN BY

CHECKED BY

DATE 11/26/2013

DRAWING SCALE 1'=40

GRAPHIC SCALE

SHEET TITLE

BLASTING PROGRESS

A

DRAWING NO.

FIG 1 1 OF 1

PLOT SCALE




This is the ninth weekly report that is being issued to the EPA and covers the blasting that occurred from December 23, 2013 through December 28, 2013.




















Date Time of

Blast

Holes Loaded



per delay (lbs)



PPV at Palmer’s

Island Monitor

(ips)

PPV at Hurricane

Barrier Monitor

(ips) 12/23/13 13:00 30 42 150 0.5 0.045 0.028 12/24/13 7:51 9 42 150 0.5 0.035 0.021 12/27/13 10:09 65 82 150 0.5 0.075 0.048 12/28/13 9:01 60 62 150 0.5 0.050 0.034

The Vibration Monitoring Program records the maximum peak particle velocity at each monitor in three directions (transverse, vertical, and longitudinal). The readings shown in this report represent the maximum peak particle velocity recorded at the particular monitor of the three directions for which readings are taken. Please note that the vibration limits imposed on the contractor for this project area as follows: • Historic Structures <0.5 ips • Residential Structures <0.8 ips


• Other structures <2.0 ips As the table demonstrates, the recorded vibrations are far below the allowable limits for these structures.




Date Time of Blast Fish/Mammal Observations Notes 12/23/13 13:00 Two grey seals spotted 300 feet

north of Kraken (drill barge), 1 hour prior to blast

Continued monitoring, no fish observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice. Seal located about 400 feet away and then dove underwater at 15 minute to blast notice.

12/24/13 7:51 Juvenile grey seal 250 ft to the north along the fishing pier, Adult grey seal 500 ft north.

Continued Monitoring, no fish observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice. Both seals were noted at a safe distance away from the Kraken at the 15 minutes to blast notice. The juvenile seal was noted moving north away from the Kraken, but was submerged just after the 15 minute to blast notice.

12/27/13 10:09 At least 3 grey seals to the north, one juvenile came as close as 40 ft from the Kraken.

Continued Monitoring, no fish observed in the area at the 15 minute to blast notice. One seal began to head south on the final minute notice before the blast. It was intercepted by the fish observer and turned away from the Kraken using the hydrophone.

12/28/13 9:01 Juvenile and mature grey seals spotted 700 ft north. Juvenile moved to within 250 ft north of Kraken.

Mature grey seal 2,000 ft north of blast area, at a safe distance from the blast. Juvenile grey seal spotted 600 ft north of Kraken at 15 minutes to blast, a safe distance from the blast.



Date Time of Blast

Fish/Mammal Observations Notes

12/23/13 13:00 Juvenile seal was located north away from Kraken (approximately 400 ft) at 15 min blast window, then dove underwater. At the 10 second point of the blast countdown he resurfaced approximately 150 ft away to the north and was moving away from the blast area at a rapid rate.

No fish killed. Marine mammal viewed close to

blast area but confirmed to be unharmed and swam

away

12/24/13 7:51 Adult and juvenile seal observed 200 ft away from Kraken during the blast. The juvenile was submerged at the time of the blast but broke the surface in the seconds after. The animal was 200-250ft to the north at this time, and swam rapidly underwater to the north shortly thereafter.

No fish killed. Marine mammal viewed close to

blast area but confirmed to be unharmed and swam

away.

12/27/13 10:09 One seal began to head south on the final minute notice before the blast. He was intercepted by the vessel observer and turned away with the hydrophone.

No fish killed, no marine mammals viewed in blast

area at time of blast. 12/28/13 9:01 None No fish killed, no marine

mammals viewed in blast area at time of blast.

Review of the post blast fish monitoring conducted by both Fathom and Apex Companies indicate that there were no fatalities or stunned fish. Post-blast monitoring will continue after each event.

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DESIGNED BY MT

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DRAWN BY

CHECKED BY

DATE 11/26/2013

DRAWING SCALE 1'=40

GRAPHIC SCALE

SHEET TITLE

BLASTING PROGRESS

A

DRAWING NO.

FIG 1 1 OF 1

PLOT SCALE

final weekly blasting reports: week 7 report … · week 7 final weekly blasting report 12 9 13-12...

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