3.13 Vibration and Blasting

3.
13 VIBRATION AND BLASTING

ES032009021SCO/3.13_VIBRATION.DOC/090970004 3.13-1
LIBERTY QUARRY DRAFT EIR
3.13 Vibration and Blasting
3.13.1 Introduction
This section presents the affected environment and potential impacts of blasting and
vibration. Where appropriate, mitigation measures are proposed to reduce vibration and
blasting impacts associated with the excavation and blasting of rock at the Site. The
alternatives to the Proposed Project are analyzed in Section 6.
Information contained within this section was largely obtained from the following sources.
- Blasting Plan and Impact Analysis, Liberty Quarry, County of Riverside, California, prepared
by Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc., April 2008a (see Appendix J)
- Blast Plan, Granite, September 2007b (see Appendix J, Sub-appendix C)
- Blast Vibration Monitoring Plan, Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc., February 2008 (see
Appendix J, Sub-appendix D)
These reports were reviewed by the Riverside County Chief Engineering Geologist in early
2008. The letter document Blasting Plan and Impact Analysis, Liberty Quarry Response to
Comments was prepared by Vibra-Tech in April 2008, to clarify comments from Riverside
Countys review (see Appendix J-1). The updated April 2008 Blasting Plan and Impact
Analysis, Liberty Quarry, County of Riverside, California (see Appendix J), which incorporated
the Blasting Plan and Impact Analysis, Liberty Quarry Response to Comments was
considered complete by the Riverside County Chief Engineering Geologist in August 2008.
In addition, the Environmental Noise Analysis, Liberty Quarry, Riverside California (BBA, 2008)
(see Appendix I) was reviewed by the Riverside County Department of Public Health (2008)
and deemed adequate.
3.13.2 Affected Environment
3.13.2.1 Policy and Regulatory Setting
Federal
Office of Surface Mining Regulations. The Office of Surface Mining (OSM), in the
U.S. Department of Interior is the federal agency that regulates the blasting effects of mining
operations (Oriard, 2002). The OSM has developed vibration limits recognizing frequency
dependence for vibration associated with distance (Konya, 2003; Oriard, 2002). The OSM
allows mine operators the following three options to assess and maintain vibration below
peak particle velocity (PPV) standards:
- The scaled distance equation. The blasts are designed in accordance with prescribed
scaled distances. This option is more conservative than other options and restricts PPV
to lower intensities. No monitoring is required if this method is implemented.
- The maximum PPV limits. The quarry operator may elect to conform to PPV without
reference to vibration frequency. These limits are as follows:
For 0 to 300 feet, the limit is 1.25 inches per second (in/sec)
3.13 VIBRATION AND BLASTING
3.13-2 ES032009021SCO/3.13_VIBRATION.DOC/090970004
For 301 to 5,000 feet, the limit is 1.00 in/sec
Greater than 5,000 feet, the limit is 0.75 in/sec
- The blasting level chart. The quarry operator may elect to conform to the blasting level
chart. The blasting level chart relates allowable PPV to vibration frequency. The blasting
level chart is presented on Figure 3.13-1. Conformance must be observed by monitoring
the blast with a seismograph.
Riverside County
Policies contained in the Riverside County General Plan (Riverside County, 2003a) pertaining
to minimizing potential adverse impacts of mining operations, including vibration, are as
follows:
- OS 14.4 - Impose conditions as necessary on mining operations to minimize or eliminate
the potential adverse impact of mining operations on surrounding properties and
environmental resources.
- Ordinance No. 555 (as amended through 555.18) - Implementing the Surface Mining and
Reclamation Act of 1975.
The transporting, handling, storage, and use of explosives, blasting agents, and blasting
equipment shall be directed and supervised by a qualified Blast Officer (blasting contractor).
The blasting contractor and/or the explosive delivery company shall be properly trained
and licensed in accordance with all Federal, State, and local agencies and regulations and
must show evidence of compliance with the California blasting license program, U.S.
Department of Transportation hazardous materials (HAZMAT) Certificate of Registration,
California HAZMAT Transportation License, and general liability insurance policy for
explosive transportation. All vehicles and explosive transport magazines are to conform to
all Federal, State, and local regulations associated with the transportation and handling of
explosives.
The use and handling of all explosive materials shall be done by fully trained and
experienced personnel. All blasters shall possess a current blasting license issued by CAL-
OSHA and be experienced in quarry blasting. All of the blasting contractors employees
must be trained in accordance with CAL-OSHA and MSHA requirements and possess
certification of such training. A blasting permit for the site shall be obtained from the
Riverside County Sheriffs Department.
All storage of explosive materials shall be with the approval of the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATF&E), CAL-OSHA, MSHA, and Riverside County Fire
Department (through compliance with the Uniform Fire Code). All permits and licenses
must be formally issued before storage shall be permitted.
LILBURN
C O R P O R A T I O N
U.S. Bureau of Mines Vibration Criteria
Figure 3.13-1
Liberty Quarry Environmental Impact Report
Riverside County, California
Source: Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc., 2008.
20
24
73
Actual Rosemary
Mtn. And Expected
LibertyRange
USBM Range for all Quarry Blasting
3.13.2.2 Existing Conditions
The Site is bordered on the north by privately owned lands (vacant, open-space parcels of
5 to 20 acres) and publicly owned lands managed by the BLM. Directly north of the Site is
the SMER. Land comprising the SMER is managed by the BLM, SDSU, and the Fallbrook
Public Utility District. The area east of the Site is characterized by vacant open space within
a Caltrans ROW that extends to I-15. Directly south of the Site, open space in San Diego
County is privately owned by a single landowner. The Site is bordered on the west by a
vacant, 10-acre parcel owned by SDG&E and the SMER. The southwest boundary of
Temecula is approximately 1 mile north of the Site. Other adjacent communities within
5 miles of the southern boundary of the Site include the unincorporated communities of
Rainbow, Fallbrook, and De Luz. The closest residents (four) are located west of the
southwest portion of the Site, approximately 1,500 feet from the Site boundary.
A Border Patrol checkpoint and a CHP weigh station are located northeast of the Site. A
CHP southbound-truck weigh station is located immediately south of the Site. Developed
parcels consisting of homes, commercial development, a gas compressor station, and
storage yard are located east of I-15 in Riverside County and along Old US 395/Rainbow
Valley Road.
Ambient noise levels for the Site, including measurements taken at nine potentially noise-
sensitive locations representative of the surrounding areas and existing traffic noise from
I-15, are presented in Section 3.10.
3.13.3 Standards of Significance
Criteria for determining the significant impacts associated with vibration and blasting have
been developed in accordance with Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines and threshold
considerations established by Riverside County. For purposes of this EIR, vibration and
blasting occurring from implementation of the Proposed Project would generally have a
significant impact on the public if it resulted in exposure of persons to, or generation of,
excessive ground-borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels.
More specifically, the Proposed Project was determined to have a significant impact if it
could result in any of the following.
- Exposure of persons to excessive ground-borne vibration associated with blasting
activities, including that above the 0.6-in/sec threshold for human response
- Generation of excessive ground-borne vibration associated with blasting activities,
including that above the 0.75-in/sec threshold for structures
- Exposure of persons to excessive air overpressure associated with blasting activities,
including that above the 0.0093-pounds-per-square-inch (psi) threshold for human
response
- Generation of excessive air overpressure associated with blasting activities, including
that above the 0.013-psi threshold for structures
- Ground-borne vibration that would affect movement along local faults or trigger an
earthquake
The rationale for the thresholds of significance is provided in Section 3.13.4.
3.13.4 Methodology
The methods conducted to assess vibration and blasting impacts are discussed in detail in
Appendix J. In summary, three scenarios for blasting at the Site were evaluated for potential
effects to structures and humans. The three blasting scenarios address the three planned
mining phases of the Proposed Project and include the following.
- Phase 1 Blasting associated with the access road from I-15 to the quarry, the settling
pond in the southwest portion of the quarry, and bench development in the north and
central mining areas of the quarry
- Phase 2 Production shots (e.g., daily blasting events) in the central and northern areas
of the Site
- Phase 3 Production shots in the southwest area of the quarry
PPV and air overpressure levels were evaluated at 35 receptor locations, which were based
on the closest blasting areas for each of the three mining phases. The receptor locations,
which are generally within approximately 4.5 miles of Liberty Quarry, include locations in
the SMER, Temecula, and Rainbow and Fallbrook, are shown on Figure 3.13-2. For the
analysis, comparisons were made between the predicted outcome and the significance
criteria for human response to ground vibration and air overpressure. Human response
significance criteria were used because they are lower than the criteria for structures.
The levels of blast-induced ground vibration and air overpressure resulting from the
blasting operations of the Proposed Project were predicted on the basis of scaled distance
equations. The scaled distance for ground vibration is the distance from the explosive
charge to the recording location, in feet, divided by the square root of the charge weight, in
pounds (see Equation 1). The cubed root of the charge weight is used for the prediction of
air overpressure (see Equation 2). The following equations were used to predict PPVs
(ground vibration) and air overpressure.
6 . 1
242
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
W
D
PPV
(Ground vibration) (1)

1 . 1
3
0 . 1
|
|
.
|
\
|
=
W
D
P
(Air overpressure) (2)
Where:
PPV = Peak particle velocity (in/sec)
P = Peak air overpressure (psi)
D = Distance from blast to structure (feet)
W = Maximum pounds of explosives/delay

0.5
0.5
0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5
1.0
1.0
1.5
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
0.5
0.5
0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5
1.0
1.0
1.5
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
#
1
19
10
2
13
18
34
21
20
17
14
12
16
15
11
7
6
35
32
31
33
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
5
8
4
3
9
Access
Road
NAP
15
395
Quarry
Boundary
RI VERSI DE COUNTY
SAN DI EGO COUNTY
79
Casino
Proposed
Project Site
Blasting Impacts All Phases
Peak Particle Velocities and
Air Overpasses
Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve
(SMER)
SMER
BLM
BLM
Proposed Project Boundary
Approximate Center of
Proposed Processing Facility
Distance in Miles from
Processing Facility
Receptor Location
and Number
Peak Particle Velocities
% of Threshold Criteria
Air Overpressure
% of Threshold Criteria
Source: Vibra-Tech Engineers 04/2008
LILBURN
0.5
Mile
0
Source: USGS DOQ, 1998 & SMER/SDSU Cesar Lab, 2005.
Projection: UTM Zone 11
Datum: NAD83
Aerial Date: 07/06
Temecula
Rainbow
L E G E N D
3%
2%
200%
86%
13%
13%
12%
12%
4%
6%
2%
4%
2%
3%
2%
3%
1%
3%
2%
3%
1%
3%
1%
2%
1%
2%
1%
3%
2%
4%
2%
4%
3%
4%
1%
3%
1%
3%
3%
5%
5%
7%
4%
5%
4%
5% 2%
3%
4%
5%
5%
6%
10%
11%
35%
26%
57%
36%
7%
9%
10%
11%
10%
17%
63%
45%
42%
37%
5%
6%
25%
21%
#
Receptor Information
Description
Border Patrol Check Point
Rainbow Exit Weigh Station
Rainbow Residence
Rainbow Residence
North SMER Station
Temecula Residence
Temecula Residence
DeLuz Residence
South SMER Station
Cellular Tower
Call Box/Proposed Wildlife Crossing
Fallbrook Residence
Rainbow Residence
SMER Site 1
SMER Site 2
SMER Site 3
47725 Rainbow Valley Road
2658 Huffstatler
Adjacent Private Property
31320 Via Eduardo
Rainbow Valley Road
Earl Stanley Gardner
Middle School
Temecula Luiseno
Elementary School
Great Oaks High School
Helen Hunt Jackson
Elementary School
Redhawk Elementary School
Joan F. Sparkman
Elementary School
Child Care Center
Child Care Center
Child Care / Private School
Private Schools (2)
Child Care / Private School
Child Care (2)
Vallecitos Elementary School
28816 Pujol
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Note: School locations are from Temecula Valley Unified School District and locations
28-33 are from City of Temecula General Plan - Air Quality Element Figure AQ-2
4.12-18
Figure 3.13-2

3.13.4.1 Rationale for Thresholds of Significance
Ground Vibration. The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) has studied blast-induced ground
vibration from surface mining to assess structural damage and human annoyance potential.
Direct measurements were made of structural response and damage from actual surface-
mine production blasting in 76 residences for 219 production blasts. These data, along with
damage data from six additional studies, were combined with historical data and compiled
into Report of Investigation 8507, Structure Response and Damage Produced by Ground Vibrations
from Surface Mine Blasting (Siskind et al., 1980). The following discusses structural and
human response.
Structural Response. The USBM ground vibration threshold criteria were developed to
protect the weakest portion of the structure regardless of structure type. Threshold damage
is defined by the USBM as the loosening of paint, small plaster cracks at joints between
construction elements, or the lengthening of old plaster cracks. The damage threshold
values are functions of the frequencies of the vibration transmitted into the residences and
the types of construction.
The frequency range for blasting at most quarrying applications is in the 10- to 100-hertz
(Hz) range at the distances that vibrations would be perceptible. Data from USBM indicates
that vibration frequencies from quarry blasting have a predominant number of occurrences
in the 20- to 30-Hz range. Recent seismic data collected by the Applicant at their Rosemary
Mountain Quarry located to the south of the Site shows that the frequency values at the
peak range from 24 to 73 Hz. Given the granitic nature of the geology at the Site, it is
expected that similar frequency-range results would occur at the Site. As shown on
Figure 3.13-1, at a frequency range of 20 to 80 Hz, which encompasses the expected
frequency range for the Site, damage thresholds for all structures range from 1.0 to
2.0 in/sec.
According to the USBM study, the appropriate threshold of significance for impacts to
structures caused by blast-induced ground vibrations from the Proposed Project would be
0.75 in/sec.
Human Response. The majority of the studies conducted on human tolerance to vibrations
have been of steady-state sources, meaning that the amplitude and frequency of the
vibration remain constant over the test period. This type of testing is usually performed
with vibrations lasting much longer than the vibrations from a typical mine or quarry blast
event.
To gain a better insight to the levels of vibration that evoke complaints from homeowners,
the USBM calculated the ground vibrations necessary to produce structure response similar
to that measured during an airblast study. These calculated ground vibrations levels were
then correlated to the human annoyance curves generated through the airblast study. The
result of this correlation is shown graphically on Figure 3.13-3. The 95 percentile curve
represents the level at which there would be 95 percent confidence in the data that if ground
vibration levels reached 0.60 in/sec approximately 5 percent of the population would
consider this to be very annoying. This datum is based on human response to not only
perceived vibration in their homes, but also the house rattle and other noise produced by
vibration in a residential structure. This datum also considered the fear homeowners feel
concerning property damage.
Air Overpressure. The USBM provides airblast research and recommendations in its Report of
Investigation 8485: Structure Response and Damage Produced by Airblast from Surface Mining.
Although the air vibrations produced by production blasting are typically referred to as
noise levels, the USBM report recognizes that airblasts with frequencies below the threshold
of human hearing (infrasonic) are capable of producing human annoyance and structural
response, described in the following sections.
Human Response. Because noise levels from blasting are generally very low frequency
(approximately 2 to 25 Hz), the human ear does not detect the total energy associated with
the overall linear sound energy. According to blasting research, the typical fundamental
frequency (the frequency where the majority of sound energy is located) for a blast is at the
20- to 25-Hz range, below the level of human hearing.
Little research has been done on the subjective human reactions to blast noise, although
annoyance studies have been made for sonic booms and other impulsive sources, and
applied to blasting. As part of the development of the air overpressure criteria by the USBM,
researchers not only had to consider the structural effect of the air overpressure limit but
also determine if the limit would be acceptable in terms of annoyance. In studying the limits
for air overpressure annoyance, the USBM compared blasting to previous government
studies of sonic booms and artillery fire.
Figure 3.13-4 presents the results of one study that was used for comparison by the USBM.
The study was conducted in Oklahoma City and consisted of an average of eight booms per
day for 6 months. The 95 percentile curve represents the level at which there would be
95 percent confidence in the data that if ground vibration levels reached 0.0093 psi,
approximately 5 percent of the population would consider this to be very annoying.
Therefore, the appropriate threshold of significance for human response to blast-induced air
overpressure is 0.0093 psi.
Structural Response. Structural damage as a result of air overpressure is generally
conceded to not be possible without extensive window breakage, because the glass is the
weakest portion of a structures exterior where this pressure acts. Modern windowpanes are
designed to safely withstand changes of 1.0 psi when properly installed, and multiple
studies have indicated damage becomes improbable below approximately 0.03 psi. The
USBM, however, recommended that the air overpressure limit be set at approximately
0.013 psi when using a 2-Hz recording system. This limit was based on a minimal
probability of only the most superficial type damage in residential-type structures
(USBM RI 8485.)
Therefore, the appropriate threshold of significance for air overpressure is 0.013 for
structural response.

LILBURN
Reactions of Persons Subjected
to Blasting Vibration in their Homes
Figure 3.13-3
Source: Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc.
LILBURN
Population Very Annoyed by
Sonic Boom-produced House Rattles
Figure 3.13-4
Source: CH2MHILL, 2008, Ri8485.
5
3.13.5 Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Impact Vibration and Blasting (VB)-1: The Proposed Project could result in the exposure of
persons to excessive ground-borne vibration associated with blasting activities, including that
above the 0.6-in/sec threshold for human response.
Impact: Potentially significant.
The ground vibrations, measured in terms of PPV, would be above the human response
threshold at Receptor Location No. 19 during Phase 1 bench development activities and
Phase 2 production shot activities (see Appendix J). The PPVs at Receptor Location 19,
although not technically residential in character and used intermittently for residential
purposes, are predicted to reach 1.21 in/sec during Phase 1 (see Table 3.13-1) and
0.979 in/sec during Phase 2 (see Table 3.13-2). The Phase 1 PPV would be approximately
twice the human response significance threshold (0.60 in/sec), and the Phase 2 PPV is
greater than one and a half times the human response significance threshold. Therefore, this
impact is considered to be potentially significant.
With the exception of Receptor Location No. 19, which is immediately adjacent to the Site,
all other expected ground vibration associated with the Proposed Project would be below
the human response significance threshold at all other Receptor Locations. The four nearest
residences, which are located 0.4 to 0.8 miles from the quarry, would be below 29 percent of
the annoyance threshold for human response. Vibration levels at locations greater than
2 miles from the blast area should not be perceptible since blasting will be conducted in the
middle of the day when normal daily activities are greatest.
Mitigation: Mitigation Measure VB-1a: The scaled distance equation for ground vibration,
which is presented in Section 3.13.4, correlates the weight of the charge and the distance to
the receptor with the expected vibration. Predicted ground vibrations at a particular
location can be reduced by reducing the scaled distance, which is the distance from the
explosive charge to the recording location, in feet, divided by the square root of the charge
weight, in pounds. By adjusting the blast design to a scaled distance of greater than 43, the
potential ground vibration at Monitoring Station No. 19 would be reduced to below the
human response threshold of 0.60 in/sec. A radius of 1,000 feet from Receptor Location
No. 19 was selected for the implementation distance, because at 1,000 feet and beyond, the
current blast design results in a scaled distance of less than 43.
Mitigation Measure VB-1b: A blast plan has been prepared for the Proposed Project (see
Appendix J, Sub-appendix C) and will be implemented during Phases 1 through 3 of the
Proposed Project. The blast plan specifies procedures for handling of explosives and
blasting, including safety precautions, such as preblast notifications and steps to take in the
event of a misfire. The blast plan specifies the qualifications required of the blasting
contractor. The use and handling of all explosive materials shall be done by fully trained
and licensed personnel with experience in quarry blasting. Blasting is limited to the hours of
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; no blasting is allowed after sunset. The blaster-
in-charge will prepare a blasting record after each blast, detailing the date, time, location,
and specifications of the blast (e.g., drill pattern, hole depth, and products used). With
implementation of the blast plan, the blast would be controlled so that the potential for
exceeding the vibration threshold for human response is minimal.
TABLE 3.13-1
Phase 1 Bench Development, Predicted Values of Peak Particle Velocities and Air Overpressure
Liberty Quarry Environmental Impact Report, Riverside County, California
PMS
Location
Distance
(feet)
Charge Weight
(pounds)
Predicted
PPV
% Criteria
(0.60 in/sec)
Predicted
PSI
% Criteria
(0.0093 psi)
1 2,524 629 0.151 25.19 0.00192 20.67
2 3,524 629 0.089 14.77 0.00133 14.32
3 3,272 629 0.100 16.63 0.00144 15.54
4 2,630 629 0.142 23.59 0.00184 19.75
5 8,501 629 0.022 3.61 0.00051 5.44
6 10,032 629 0.017 2.77 0.00042 4.53
7 8,698 629 0.021 3.48 0.00049 5.30
8 12,497 629 0.012 1.95 0.00033 3.56
9 7,981 629 0.024 3.99 0.00054 5.83
10 7,109 629 0.029 4.80 0.00052 6.61
11 4,089 629 0.070 11.64 0.00113 12.16
12 7,368 629 0.027 4.54 0.00059 6.37
13 4,531 629 0.059 9.88 0.00101 10.86
14 4,468 629 0.061 10.10 0.00103 11.03
15 8,450 629 0.022 3.64 0.00051 5.47
16 3,760 629 0.080 13.31 0.00124 13.33
17 2,202 629 0.188 31.34 0.00223 24.02
18 6,804 629 0.031 5.15 0.00065 6.95
19 691 629 1.201 200.18 0.00799 85.95
20 10,602 629 0.015 2.53 0.00040 4.26
21 7,548 629 0.026 4.37 0.00058 6.19
22 12,680 629 0.011 1.90 0.00033 3.51
23 12,612 629 0.012 1.92 0.00033 3.53
24 14,846 629 0.009 1.48 0.00027 2.95
25 15,438 629 0.008 1.39 0.00026 2.82
26 15,656 629 0.008 1.36 0.00026 2.77
27 18,894 629 0.006 1.01 0.00021 2.26
28 14,873 629 0.009 1.47 0.00027 2.94
29 18,192 629 0.006 1.07 0.00022 2.35
30 11,640 629 0.013 2.18 0.00036 3.85
31 13,408 629 0.010 1.74 0.00031 3.29
32 15,342 629 0.008 1.40 0.00026 2.84
33 15,319 629 0.008 1.41 0.00026 2.84
34 9,472 629 0.018 3.04 0.00045 4.83
35 14,744 629 0.009 1.50 0.00028 2.97
Source: Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc., 2008
Notes:
Shaded data exceed threshold criteria.
BOLD rows are the closest residential receptors.

TABLE 3.13-2
Phase 2 Production Shot, Predicted Values of Peak Particle Velocities and Air Overpressure
PMS
Location
Distance
(feet)
Charge Weight
(pounds)
Predicted
PPV
% Criteria
(0.60 in/sec)
Predicted
PSI
% Criteria
(0.0093 psi)
1 2,728 629 0.133 22.25 0.00176 18.92
2 3,240 629 0.101 16.89 0.00146 15.70
3 3,676 629 0.083 13.80 0.00127 13.66
4 2,989 629 0.115 19.22 0.00160 17.20
5 8,715 629 0.021 3.47 0.00049 5.27
6 10,265 629 0.016 2.67 0.00041 4.41
7 8,904 629 0.020 3.35 0.00048 5.16
8 12,621 629 0.012 1.92 0.00033 3.55
9 8,190 629 0.023 3.83 0.00053 5.70
10 7,348 629 0.027 4.56 0.00059 6.34
11 4,329 629 0.064 10.63 0.00106 11.40
12 7,788 629 0.025 4.15 0.00056 6.02
13 4,702 629 0.056 9.31 0.00097 10.43
14 4,584 629 0.058 9.70 0.00100 10.75
15 8,641 629 0.021 3.52 0.00050 5.38
16 3,998 629 0.072 12.07 0.00116 12.47
17 2,302 629 0.175 29.19 0.00213 22.90
18 6,662 629 0.032 5.33 0.00066 7.10
19 785 629 0.979 163.23 0.00695 74.73
20 10,834 629 0.015 2.45 0.00039 4.19
21 7,782 629 0.025 4.16 0.00056 6.02
22 12,925 629 0.011 1.85 0.00032 3.44
23 12,850 629 0.011 1.86 0.00032 3.44
24 15,009 629 0.009 1.45 0.00027 2.90
25 15,652 629 0.008 1.36 0.00026 2.80
26 15,898 629 0.008 1.33 0.00025 2.69
27 19,137 629 0.006 0.99 0.00021 2.26
28 15,119 629 0.009 1.44 0.00027 2.90
29 18,438 629 0.006 1.05 0.00022 2.37
30 11,878 629 0.013 2.11 0.00035 3.76
31 13,648 629 0.010 1.69 0.00030 3.23
32 15,581 629 0.008 1.37 0.00026 2.80
33 15,556 629 0.008 1.37 0.00026 2.80
34 9,199 629 0.019 3.18 0.00046 4.95
35 14,982 629 0.009 1.46 0.00027 2.90
Notes:
Shaded data exceed threshold criteria.

Significance after Mitigation: Less than significant.
Impact VB-2: The Proposed Project could result in the generation of excessive ground-borne
vibration associated with blasting activities, including that above the 0.75-in/sec threshold for
structures.
Impact: Potentially significant.
The ground vibrations, measured in terms of PPV, would be above the structural response
threshold at Receptor Location No. 19, which is temporarily used for residential purposes,
during Phase 1 bench development activities and Phase 2 production shot activities (see
Appendix J). The PPVs at Receptor Location 19 are predicted to reach 1.21 in/sec during
Phase 1 (see Table 3.13-1) and 0.979 in/sec during Phase 2 (see Table 3.13-2). The Phase 1
PPV is approximately 60 percent above the structure response significance threshold
(0.75 in/sec), and the Phase 2 PPV is approximately 30 percent higher than the structure
response significance threshold. Therefore, this impact is considered to be potentially
significant.
With the exception of Receptor Location No. 19, expected ground vibration associated with
the Proposed Project would be below the structure response significance threshold at all
other receptor locations.
Mitigation: Mitigation Measure VB-2: See Mitigation Measure VB-1. Blasting parameters
will be adjusted by decreasing the explosive charge to comply with a scaled distance greater
than 43 when shots are planned within approximately 1,000 feet of Receptor Location
No. 19. With the reduction in explosive charge and with implementation of the blast plan,
the blast would be controlled so that the potential for exceeding the vibration threshold for
structures is minimal.
Significance after Mitigation: Less than significant.
Impact VB-3: The Proposed Project could result in the exposure of persons to excessive air
overpressure associated with blasting activities, including that above the 0.0093-psi threshold
for human response.
Impact: Less than significant.
The air overpressure resulting from the Proposed Project, measured in terms of psi, would
be below the human response threshold of 0.0093 psi at all receptor locations (see
Appendix J). The maximum predicted air overpressure, which occurs at Receptor Location
No. 19 during Phase 1 bench development activities, is 86 percent of the human response
threshold. Predicted peak air overpressures are less than 40 percent of the human response
threshold level at the four nearest residences. Figure 3-12-1 presents the maximum
percentage of the human response threshold criteria for peak air overpressure that can be
expected during all phases of the Proposed Project at each receptor location. Tables 3.13-3
through 3.13-5 present the predicted peak air overpressures at each receptor location for
each phase of the Proposed Project. These tables also present a comparison of the predicted
peak air overpressures to the human response threshold criteria.
TABLE 3.13-3
Phase 1 Access Road, Predicted Values of Peak Particle Velocities and Air Overpressure
PMS
Location
Distance
(feet)
Charge Weight
(pounds)
Predicted
PPV
% Criteria
(0.60 in/sec)
Predicted
PSI
% Criteria
(0.0093 psi)
1 4,159 125.5 0.019 3.12 0.00061 6.61
2 728 125.5 0.304 50.72 0.00418 44.95
3 3,151 125.5 0.029 4.86 0.00083 8.97
4 3,208 125.5 0.028 4.73 0.00082 8.80
5 10,720 125.5 0.004 0.69 0.00022 2.33
6 13,584 125.5 0.003 0.47 0.00017 1.80
7 12,157 125.5 0.003 0.56 0.00019 2.03
8 14,291 125.5 0.003 0.43 0.00016 1.70
9 8,699 125.5 0.006 0.96 000027 2.94
10 10,536 125.5 0.004 0.71 0.00022 2.38
11 6,906 125.5 0.008 1.39 0.00035 3.78
12 7,118 125.5 0.008 1.32 0.00034 3.66
13 2,062 125.5 0.058 9.59 0.00133 14.30
14 5,548 125.5 0.012 1.97 0.00045 4.82
15 1,1282 125.5 0.004 0.63 0.00021 2.20
16 7,185 125.5 0.008 1.30 0.00034 3.62
17 863 125.5 0.232 38.63 0.00347 37.27
18 4,226 125.5 0.018 3.04 0.00060 6.49
19 3,368 125.5 0.026 4.37 0.00078 8.33
20 11,961 125.5 0.003 0.58 0.00019 2.06
21 10,383 125.5 0.004 0.72 0.00022 2.42
22 14,637 125.5 0.003 0.42 0.00015 1.66
23 14,125 125.5 0.003 0.44 0.00016 1.72
24 15,295 125.5 0.002 0.39 0.00015 1.58
25 16,131 125.5 0.002 0.36 0.00014 1.48
26 17,386 125.5 0.002 0.32 0.00013 1.37
27 21,334 125.5 0.001 0.23 0.00010 1.10
28 17,139 125.5 0.002 0.32 0.00013 1.39
29 20,383 125.5 0.001 0.25 0.00011 1.15
30 15,020 125.5 0.002 0.40 0.00015 1.61
31 16,844 125.5 0.002 0.33 0.00013 1.42
32 18,742 125.5 0.002 0.28 0.00012 1.26
33 18,851 125.5 0.002 0.28 0.00012 1.26
34 6,570 125.5 0.009 1.50 0.00037 4.00
35 18,270 125.5 0.002 0.29 0.00012 1.30
Note:

TABLE 3.13-4
Phase 1 Settling Pond, Predicted Values of Peak Particle Velocities and Air Overpressure
PMS
Location
Distance
(feet)
Charge Weight
(pounds)
Predicted
PPV
% Criteria
(0.60 in/sec)
Predicted
PSI
% Criteria
(0.0093 psi)
1 6,464 125.5 0.009 1.54 0.00038 4.06
2 1,432 125.5 0.103 17.18 0.00199 21.35
3 1,536 125.5 0.092 15.36 0.00184 19.77
4 2,063 125.5 0.057 9.58 0.00133 14.29
5 10,072 125.5 0.005 0.76 0.00023 2.49
6 14,097 125.5 0.003 0.44 0.00016 1.72
7 12,090 125.5 0.003 0.57 0.00019 2.04
8 13,541 125.5 0.003 0.47 0.00017 1.81
9 7,288 125.5 0.008 1.27 0.00033 3.57
10 11,597 125.5 0.004 0.60 0.00020 2.14
11 8,721 125.5 0.006 0.95 0.00027 2.92
12 5,437 125.5 0.012 2.03 0.00046 4.92
13 3,079 125.5 0.030 5.05 0.00086 9.20
14 4,549 125.5 0.016 2.70 0.00056 5.99
15 10,758 125.5 0.004 0.68 0.00022 2.32
16 8,311 125.5 0.006 1.03 0.00029 3.09
17 3,322 125.5 0.027 4.47 0.00079 8.46
18 4,511 125.5 0.016 2.74 0.00056 6.04
19 3,998 125.5 0.020 3.32 0.00064 6.90
20 14,554 125.5 0.003 0.42 0.00015 1.67
21 12,189 125.5 0.003 0.56 0.00019 2.02
22 17,040 125.5 0.002 0.33 0.00013 1.40
23 16,688 125.5 0.002 0.34 0.00013 1.43
24 18,041 125.5 0.002 0.30 0.00012 1.31
25 18,861 125.5 0.002 0.28 0.00012 1.26
26 19,890 125.5 0.002 0.26 0.00011 1.18
27 23,484 125.5 0.001 0.20 0.00009 0.99
28 19,393 125.5 0.002 0.27 0.00011 1.22
29 22,688 125.5 0.001 0.21 0.00010 1.02
30 16,132 125.5 0.002 0.36 0.00014 1.48
31 17,825 125.5 0.002 0.30 0.00012 1.33
32 19,795 125.5 0.002 0.26 0.00011 1.18
33 19,477 125.5 0.002 0.26 0.00011 1.20
34 7,230 125.5 0.008 1.29 0.00033 3.60
35 18,936 125.5 0.002 0.28 0.00012 1.25
Note:

TABLE 3.13-5
Phase 3 Production Shot, Predicted Values of Peak Particle Velocities and Air Overpressure
PMS
Location
Distance
(feet)
Charge Weight
(pounds)
Predicted
PPV
% Criteria
(0.60 in/sec)
Predicted
PSI
% Criteria
(0.01 psi)
1 3,947 629 0.074 12.32 0.00118 12.69
2 1,425 629 0.377 62.88 0.00361 38.82
3 1,520 629 0.340 56.71 0.00336 36.13
4 2,064 629 0.209 34.76 0.00240 25.81
5 9,136 629 0.019 3.22 0.00047 5.05
6 12,559 629 0.012 1.93 0.00033 3.55
7 10,688 629 0.015 2.50 0.00039 4.19
8 12,830 629 0.011 1.87 0.00032 3.44
9 7,277 629 0.028 4.63 0.00060 6.45
10 9,655 629 0.018 2.94 0.00044 4.73
11 6,339 629 0.035 5.77 0.00070 7.53
12 5,413 629 0.045 7.43 0.00083 8.92
13 3,072 629 0.110 18.40 0.00155 16.67
14 4,460 629 0.061 10.13 0.00103 11.08
15 9,606 629 0.018 2.97 0.00044 4.73
16 6,298 629 0.035 5.83 0.00070 7.53
17 1,823 629 0.254 42.40 0.00275 29.57
18 4,478 629 0.060 10.07 0.00102 10.97
19 1,691 629 0.287 47.81 0.00299 32.15
20 12,066 629 0.012 2.06 0.00034 3.66
21 9,832 629 0.017 2.86 0.00043 4.62
22 14,523 629 0.009 1.53 0.00028 3.01
23 14,187 629 0.010 1.59 0.00029 3.12
24 15,743 629 0.008 1.35 0.00026 2.80
25 16,501 629 0.007 1.25 0.00024 2.58
26 17,377 629 0.007 1.15 0.00023 2.47
27 21,018 629 0.005 0.85 0.00019 2.04
28 16,898 629 0.007 1.20 0.00024 2.58
29 20,184 629 0.005 0.90 0.00020 2.15
30 14,176 629 0.010 1.59 0.00029 3.12
31 15,960 629 0.008 1.32 0.00025 2.69
32 17,886 629 0.007 1.10 0.00022 2.37
33 17,868 629 0.007 1.10 0.00022 2.37
34 7,255 629 0.028 4.65 0.00060 6.45
35 17,297 629 0.007 1.16 0.00023 2.47
Note:

Because the predicted air overpressure levels do not exceed human response thresholds, this
impact would be less than significant.
Mitigation: None required. With implementation of the blast plan, the blast would be
controlled so that the potential for exceeding the air overpressure threshold for human
receptors is further reduced.
Impact VB-4: The Proposed Project could result in the generation of excessive air overpressure
associated with blasting activities, including that above the 0.013-psi threshold for structures.
The air overpressure generated by the Proposed Project, measured in terms of psi, would be
below the structural response threshold of 0.013 psi at all receptor locations. The maximum
predicted air overpressure, which occurs at Receptor Location No. 19 during Phase 1 bench
development activities, is 62 percent of the structural response threshold. Predicted peak air
overpressures are less than 50 percent of the structural response threshold level at all other
receptor locations.
Because the predicted air overpressure levels do not exceed structural response thresholds,
this impact is less than significant.
Mitigation: None required. With implementation of the blast plan, the blast would be
controlled so that the potential for exceeding the air-overpressure threshold for structures is
further reduced.
Impact VB-5: The Proposed Project could result in ground-borne vibration that would affect
movement along local faults or trigger an earthquake.
The Elsinore Fault Zone is the closest known active fault to the Site. The Elsinore Fault is a
right lateral, strike slip fault. This means the two crustal blocks move from left to right
relative to each other. The estimated slip rate for the Elsinore Fault is on the order of
5 millimeters per year, and it has an estimated Richter magnitude 6.8 maximum credible
earthquake (CGS, 2003). The rupture plane extends from the ground surface to a depth of
approximately 24 miles below the surface (CGS, 2002).
Stress along a fault occurs in the upper crusts of the earth and results from the constant
motion of crustal plates. These tectonic stresses build up, as the rocks are gradually
deformed. The rock deformation, or strain, is stored in the rocks as elastic energy. When the
strength of the rock is exceeded, rupture occurs along a fault. The rocks on the opposite
sides of the fault slide past each other as the rocks spring back to a relaxed position. The
strain of energy is released partly as heat and partly as seismic waves. The passage of the
seismic waves produces the ground shaking of an earthquake (CGS, 2003).
Blasting and earthquakes both produce ground shaking as the result of energy release.
Ground shaking from blasting is from the sudden release of gases from a controlled
chemical reaction following detonation of an industrial explosive compound. Shaking from
earthquakes is from the buildup of elastic strain within bedrock over long periods of time,
and a sudden release of strain when it exceeds the strength of the bedrock.
When comparing the energy released during sequenced mine blasting to approximately
equivalent naturally occurring energy released during earthquakes, the anticipated ground
shaking during blasting as described above is on the order of a 1.5- to 2.0-magnitude
earthquake. Because of the nature of controlled detonations during blasting operations, the
energy is focused at the blast site, and it dissipates rapidly with distance. A magnitude 2
earthquake is usually detected only by sensitive instruments (CGS, 2002). Most people
would not feel or notice ground shaking from an earthquake or detonation of a
1.5 magnitude.
In terms of units of tons of TNT, the seismic energy (strain) for a 6.5- to 7.5-magnitude event
is equivalent to several million tons of TNT (EIU, 2004). A magnitude 6.8 earthquake, the
maximum credible earthquake for the Elsinore Fault, is approximately 100,000 times more
powerful than a 1.5-magnitude blast or earthquake event and would release an estimated
28 times more energy.
Proposed Project activities would not affect movement along local faults or trigger an
earthquake because the mechanism of elastic strain accumulation and energy release along a
fault is physically different from the energy release during blasting. Additionally, the
energy released during sequenced mine blasting, as compared to approximately equivalent
naturally occurring energy released during the maximum credible earthquake for the
Elsinore Fault, is approximately 100,000 times less powerful. Therefore, potential impacts
associated with ground-borne vibration affecting movement along local faults or triggering
an earthquake are considered less than significant.
Mitigation: None required.

3.13 Vibration and Blasting

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13 VIBRATION AND BLASTING

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