Lesson 1/Learning Event 2
WARNING: Drill steels can break or bind and explosive gases can escape
out of rock joints.
Utilities and Facilities. If usable, existing roads, buildings, excavations, hardstands, equipment, and
utilities may significantly reduce site development and operational costs. Clean water is essential in
daily operations for equipment use and maintenance. Large volumes of water are required to wash
aggregate for concrete and bituminous uses. Electricity and communications are also required utilities.
Equipment and Personnel. The availability of engineer equipment and trained personnel is a major
factor to be considered in site evaluation. You should make maximum use of operable equipment found
in-place at existing sites. Consider the state of training and experience of available troops at all times. It
may be necessary, in extensive operations, to institute special training programs to meet acceptable
standards of safety, maintenance and production.
Security. Pit and quarry sites are particularly vulnerable to enemy operations. Any major item of
equipment destroyed at the site may close down the entire operation and the projects it supports until a
replacement is received. Consider also the problems of pilferage, vandalism, and accidental injury to
trespassers, particularly children.
Environmental Factors. Environmental problems and restrictions must be carefully considered before a
final decision is made on the suitability of any potential pit or quarry site. Pit and quarry operations
produce large amounts of noise, dust, vibration, and traffic. These may adversely affect local personnel,
installations, water supplies, or roads. Blasting may limit the use of the airspace over a site or endanger
local structures. In some cases, the suitability of a site may be influenced by its impact on the local
economy or by the cost of restoring the site to a natural condition after operations have ended.
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