Quarry Noise Modeling Software Protects Local Wildlife and Extends Mining Season

PROBLEM

UDOT needed a quarry in the Bluff area. A location was identified by Materials Management, but a NEPA environmental document was needed to clear the pit for use. Two endangered bird species were identified within ½ mile of the quarry site. This prohibited its use during the birds’ nesting season which coincided with the time when the pit needed to be running. The environmental assessment identified that sound from the quarry operation was the largest potential impact for both species. For UDOT to open and operate this quarry for their intended purpose, clearance to run year-round was needed.

Transportation-related construction and maintenance activities along with mining of raw materials from quarries, tend to produce sound at a magnitude that may have negative effects on wildlife, including disruption of communication, habitat abandonment, altered behavior, disruption of breeding patterns, and habitat fragmentation. These issues can impact threatened and endangered species and other species of concern. 

To avoid these potential issues, activities that may impact species are often required to occur outside of their breeding season. Such timing restrictions often negatively impact the summer construction season by increasing costs and/or timelines for project completion.

In the past, UDOT has used 2D noise models to complete Noise Impact Assessments to evaluate the propagation of these noises over distances. These models do not consider the influence of topography, atmospheric pressures, and other relevant factors that can affect noise propagation.