ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING ON WALK BRIDGE
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has implemented environmental protection measures to safeguard the natural environment during WALK Bridge. One of these measures is the installation of monitoring stations and devices near each construction site.
Measuring water quality, NOISE AND VIBRATION
Construction activity can be potentially disruptive, so CTDOT monitors the water quality in the Norwalk River and noise and vibration levels at construction sites to ensure they comply with acceptable federal and state levels. Should any readings spike, the data can be reviewed, reported and resolved quickly.
water quality
The Norwalk River water quality naturally fluctuates throughout the day/year, and the WALK Bridge team verifies that the construction impact remains within acceptable limits beyond what happens naturally and is caused by routine marine traffic.
The data may show high readings due to unforeseen weather events, such as high rainfall and high winds, and during low and high tides.
The WALK Bridge team monitors water quality by measuring turbidity levels, which is water clarity or cloudiness, during construction activities, such as dredging or pile driving.
Monitoring locations may vary as needed to reflect the current in-water work locations.
Vibration Monitoring
The WALK Bridge team monitors vibration during construction activities, such as drilling or pile driving. Monitoring stations continuously collect peak particle velocity (PPV) daily.
Noise Monitoring
The project monitors noise levels not to exceed the maximum permitted state levels (90db). Monitors collect data continuously during project construction-related activities. Noise exceedances may arise from traffic, such as trucks and other social conditions unrelated to the project. Instantaneous readings may sometimes exceed the 90db – but the applicable standard is a time-weighted average.
