Construction activities within the non-jurisdictional wetland areas continue to progress. The project team received a Superseding Order of Conditions (SOOC) from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) early in November, but the SOOC was appealed by a ten-person resident group, led by Christine Rioux. The project team continues to work through the DEP appeal process, and in the meantime, Maine Drilling and Blasting (MDB), the blasting subcontractor for the project continues to blast throughout the site. MDB is targeted to complete blasting operations at the end of January 2024, and is coordinating efforts with Wakefield Fire Department daily. With the appeal by the ten-person resident group, blasting could continue into February 2024. J.R. Vinagro, the sitework subcontractor continues with processing of blasted rock/ledge to 24 inches or less in size, crushing rock to various sizes as needed for project specifications, and continues with rock removal.
As previously noted, prior to the start of blasting, MDB installed five seismograph instruments to measure and record the ground and air vibrations for each blast at the following locations: 7 June Circle, 9 Stone Way, NEMT, Wakefield High School, and the WMGLD Substation. MDB also installed portable/temporary seismograph instruments at 4 Rivers Lane and 6 Stone Way to record data for select blasts. The project team is happy to report that no blasts have exceeded allowable thresholds. As a reminder, those who would like to sign up for pre-blast notifications can call Esta Falvey, Maine Drilling & Blasting at 508-478-0273. A pre-blast notification text will be issued to those who have signed up prior to each blast.