Quarry Blasting September 13, 2018

STATEMENT FROM FIRE CHIEF KEVIN GALLAGHER

Two events yesterday have focused the attention of town officials relative to the health and safety of the residents of Acushnet.  First; at approximately 3 pm a scheduled, code compliant blast was conducted at the PJ Keating quarry on South Main Street.  As you may know, blasting permits are issued by the local Fire Chief.  Earlier this year, the town adopted new blasting regulations designed to provide consistency with any blasting events in Acushnet.  While the time of the blast was later in the day than is the normal, the blast met all the conditions found in the regulations.

The fact that the blast complied with the regulations does not mean it wasn’t heard and felt by many residents, some who live a considerable distance from the quarry.  We received several complaints, and rightfully so, the air concussion caused by the overcast conditions shook our fire station.

We are posting on the town’s website (www.acushnet.ma.us) and the Fire Department’s Facebook page some valuable information relative to the September 13, 2018 blast.  First, a video of the blast itself.  The blast occurred in the northeast corner of the quarry near the property line.  This video should help familiarize residents with the blast and how it looks.  Each blast is recorded and forwarded to the fire department as part of the new regulations.

Second, I have posted two seismograph reports from the blast which occurred on September 9th and 13th.  In common language, the line on the “Safe Blasting Level” graph indicates the state approved thresholds.  Above that line is a violation, below the line, is not. While all data points are below the line, you will notice that the report from yesterday indicates an increase in seismic activity.  These reports are from permanent seismograph machines located near the northeast property line and on Lawson Avenue. Again, these reports are required to be sent to the fire department following each blasting event. 

The second event from September 13th is the tragedy which occurred in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover.  Residents have expressed concerns that the aging natural gas infrastructure in the neighborhoods around the quarry may be subject to compromise due to consistent blasts.  On May 30, 2018, we requested that Eversource conduct a survey of their natural gas lines in the following areas:

• South Main Street from Pembroke Avenue south to Laura Keene Avenue
• Pembroke Avenue from South Main Street easterly to end
• Lawson Avenue from South Main Street easterly to end
• Laura Keene Avenue from South Main Street easterly to end
• All sides streets between Laura Keene Avenue and Lawson Avenue
• All side streets southerly off of Pembroke Avenue to end

The report provided to me was that the survey resulted in no leaks being detected.

Given the concerns with yesterday’s quarry blast and the events in the Merrimac Valley, I have requested Eversource officials that a new survey is conducted as soon as possible and include the areas of Wing Lane and all side streets, as well as Green Meadow and Brookside Drive.  Also, I have informed the blasting company to halt all scheduled blasts until the Eversource survey is complete.

We will update the community with all the information as it is received.