Environmental effects of increased blasting density in Appalachian limestone operations

摘要

Studies have shown that an increased blasting density in Appalachian limestone quarries results in lower overall operational costs. Expanded blasting operations, however, exacerbate environmental side affects including ground vibrations, noise, flyrock, dust and increased nitrates in water discharged from mine sites. A study was made to determine if the environmental problems created were sufficient to negate the mining benefits of increased blasting.