ELMHURST QUARRY CONTROLLED BLASTING

WHEATON – Hi-Tech Rockfall Construction, Inc./Ludwig Explosives, Inc., on behalf of DuPage County, will be performing controlled blasting within the east lobe of the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility.  The blasting is scheduled to occur during the week of August 20^th. 

There is an unstable area of rock along the south highwall of the east lobe adjacent to the approach channel of the east lobe pump sump.  Fractures and joints within the rock on the highwall have opened several inches creating unsafe conditions with potential rock falls.  Rock falls could be hazardous to personnel and equipment working in and around the narrow approach channel and the east lobe pump sump.  

The blasting will occur in one blast, called a decked blast (a sequential delayed blast technique to limit sound and vibration).  A pre-blast survey of existing structures within a 500 ft radius has been conducted.  Blast monitoring will be performed at the closest structure during blasting.  Residents surrounding the quarry can expect to hear the air blast and to feel the shockwave but will not experience physical damage to their homes. 

All activities will follow Mine Safety and Health Administration guidelines.  Public protection and warning procedures will include a blasting siren that will be clearly heard throughout the blasting site and at adjacent homes and buildings. 

The schedule is dependent upon weather conditions and cloud cover.  Blasting will not occur during days where there is a threat of rain or lightning or if there is low cloud cover. 

Blasting will occur in the afternoon between the hours of 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

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