As many of you know, the Vulcan Materials quarry on River Road has produced some rather large blasts lately. In particular, in April and October, and more recently in November, there were some blasts that caused quite a stir (pardon the pun) in the neighborhood.

The West Meade Neighborhood Association Board has been talking with Vulcan Materials at both a local level, and a corporate level. We have also been in discussions with the local and State Fire Marshal’s office, who are responsible for monitoring blasting to ensure compliance with Tennessee requirements.

We have also consulted experts in the field of geology and explosive impacts on the environment. Here are some key points:

• Despite what Vulcan Materials keeps stating, the vibrations from a blast do NOT dissipate in much the same way water ripples when a rock is thrown in a pond. Our explosion expert informs us that the segmentation and organization of the limestone rock under our homes, and the amount of soil on top of that rock have a large impact on where and how much the vibrations from a blast are felt.
• Continual periodic blasting stresses concrete, block and even metal structures over time. The cumulative effect of blasting can be destructive to any structure.
• With this neighborhood’s many landslides through the years, there is a need for concern that blasting could have serious implications for certain areas within West Meade and Hillwood
• The State requirement is that blasting cannot exceed 2.0 inches/second. Most seismograph readings in the neighborhood show that large blasts in April 10 and October 6 at around 0.2 – 0.6 inches/second. (so according to Tennessee regulations, your house could shake 2 inches and back in a second, and it would be fine. No comment.)
• April 10 Blast
  • The April 10, 2023 seismic reading was ~0.02 inches/second as measured at 7400 Old Charlotte Pike (close to 1000 ft from the quarry – see Yellow arrow in the image below).
  • After April 10, Vulcan Materials’ contractor, Deep Earth Logic began seismic testing near the center of West Meade Farms (Currywood and Robin Hill). This lasted about 7 months.
  • The Deep Earth Logic report (which we have not received yet, but are supposed to receive this week) showed a number of homes that had called with complaints in a path from just east of the quarry down into West Meade.
• October 6 Blast
  • Was measured in West Meade (Currywood and Jocelyn Hollow) at 0.065 inches/sec at 91 Db, which is 3.25% of the maximum allowable vibration according to the state regulations.
• The State Fire Marshal’s office can only publicly state whether or not a blast is within the requirements, but is either unable or not willing to provide the seismograph readings to the public. You can file a complaint (and probably should), as we did, but don’t expect more than that from the State Fire Marshal’s office (I won’t comment right now on where their bias should lean).
• What is WMNA doing?
  • Vulcan Materials Area Manager and Deep Earth Logic management are very respectful of our issues, and are working with us
  • We met with Deep Earth Logic manager in September and discussed our options
  • Have had multiple conversations with the Vulcan Area Manager. He has offered to setup a meeting with their staff geologist and a tour of the quarry.
  • This Druffel is also pursuing this at a Metro and State level
• What can you do?
  • Continue to complain to the quarry directly, and the State Fire Marshal’s office
  • Notify your neighbors who are not aware of the activities in WMNA