``A good neighbors policy``: The evolution of O and G Industries, Inc.`s public relations policy working with the local towns

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:433700

Simms, D R ^[1]

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1. DRS Consultants, Inc., Oxford, CT (United States)

O and G Industries, Inc., owns and operates a number of rock quarries within the State of Connecticut. These rock quarries are surrounded by residences and commercial neighbors who have concerns related to blasting. In addition, local commissions which issue the mining permits to O and G are required to hold public hearings, prior to issuing the annual permits each year. The effort focused on three questions: (1) what is the optimum blasting program which will also yield the fewest complaints; (2) how can one produce documentation which will best illustrate compliance with established regulatory guidelines; (3) what steps can be taken to minimize future potential problems? Discussions with various levels of management within the corporation, together with input from the Quarry and Blasting Superintendents has evolved into an overall, corporate practice of being a good neighbor. This positive approach addresses a typically negative situation. This paper gives a brief history of two of the quarry sites. Blasting program points will revolve around past and current blasting methods. Documentation will deal with the specifics of the seismic monitoring program, along with additional tests performed to reduce problems associated with blasting. Predicting potential problems and diffusing them before they become an issue is cost effective in the long run.

• OSTI ID: 433700
• Report Number(s): CONF-940144--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
BLAST EFFECTS
EXPLOSIVE FRACTURING
MEETINGS
MINERAL INDUSTRY
PUBLIC POLICY
PUBLIC RELATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SURFACE MINING
URBAN AREAS