There has been no shortage of snow in recent weeks and that means a lot of activity in our snow dump on Marc Chagall Avenue.
I want to thank our Public Works team, notably Director Beatrice Newman and Manager of Operations John Monteiro for taking numerous actions to try and curtail noise from the snow dump.
Over the last two years we have implemented several changes to reduce the noise emanating from the snow dump:
- There are large signs posted at the entrance/exit to the snow dump advising truckers that banging the rear truck gate is strictly prohibited. These signs did not exist in the past.
- The snow wall along Marc Chagall has been increased in height to reduce the sound traveling towards the town houses to the west. In the past the wall was constructed only using the bulldozers. This year a large shovel was used to build the wall that is 50 percent higher.
- The bulldozer operators have been advised to no longer drop the blade onto the ground creating a thumping noise.
- Previously the bulldozer operators would drop the plow in one swift action. Now they drop the blade halfway before allowing the blade to drop onto the ground reducing the loud thump.
- Finally the monitors have always been instructed to advise the drivers who bang there truck gates that this will not be tolerated. Now they also make a note of the truck and if this is a recurring problem, we advise the contractor that the driver is banned from entering the snow dump.
While the complaints are minimal, I have always been of the opinion that if even one person is disturbed then I would take action. I gathered a few of the concerned individuals with Ms. Newman, Mr. Monteiro and Mayor Mitchell Brownstein.
“This is a snow dump,” Ms. Newman began. “Although we try to reduce the noise, it doesn’t always happen: big trucks, 10 tons of snow in each truck and pushing tons of snow uphill with a bulldozer.”
Two dozen no entry/ employees only signs, are going to be installed along the fences and gate. A trailer will be installed at the entrance so that the attendant will see a trespasser immediately and then call dispatch. Automated gates will be installed and the attendant will operate the gates during the working hours of the day. These gates will remain closed unless there is high traffic. We will be installing a new electric pole to provide electricity to the trailer and gates. A generator will be placed there until the electricity is connected;
The tailgate noise may occur, but it’s important to remember that this level of noise has dramatically dropped