ASSESSMENT OF NOISE GENERATED BY OPERATIONS WITHIN THE GUNDUWAWA QUARRY IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Noise levels in a well known quarry located in Gunduwawa village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State was studied on both working days and non-working days to ascertain the ambient noise levels. Specialized Integrating Average Sound Level Meter was used for the measurement. The impact of noise through the action of vibration was conducted to ascertain the integrity of structures 300 m and 600 m respectively away from the quarry site. Results obtained showed that the average morning, afternoon and evening noise levels on Sundays, a typical rest day were 37.83, 45.5 and 41.5 dB(A) respectively. While the corresponding values for successive six working days were 96, 101.4 and 83.6 dB(A) respectively. At break time during the working days the noise level had an average value of 87.16 dB(A). The structural integrity of buildings recorded values ranging from 8 to 36 KPa. The ones with high values were constructed by the construction companies with concrete and sandcrete blocks with good foundation. On the other hand, the local buildings werebuilt with mud and without good foundations. They were found to be generally weak and had cracked, with vey low lifespan. It was concluded that the villagers living within 600m from the quarry site were exposed to excessive and uninterrupted noise which has adverse effect on their health conditions.