Monitoring for the environment & preserving history

Customer: Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD)

Country: Thailand

Application: Noise and vibration monitoring

The Challenge

Wat Tham Phra Phothisat is a Buddhist temple complex situated in a lush forest landscape in the Saraburi province of Central Thailand. This serene location is made up of a series of structures and an ancient cave in the surrounding cliff face. The cave is home to a priceless 7th century bas-relief of Buddha and Hindu gods from the Dvaravati period as well as a stone stela inscribed with religious scripture that is over 1000 years old.

The tranquillity of this area was threatened recently when mining operations began within a short distance of the temple site. The ‘Ajarn’ or Abbot of the temple became increasingly worried about the effect that daily mining blasts would have on these priceless artefacts.

The Solution

Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD), the national agency within Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, has enjoyed a long working relationship with 01dB, initiated and nurtured by Acoem’s Asia Managing Director, Patrice Pischedda. After consultation with Patrice, PCD was quick to recommend Acoem’s new ORION vibration monitoring system as the best way to assess the impact that the mining explosions were having on the site. Orion was used in conjunction with an external sensor, the triaxial seismometer, to capture the most accurate vibration data.

Ultimately, the goal was to establish whether the mining company was adhering to DIN4150 regulation standards and that the resultant peak particle velocity (PPV) was within an acceptable range.

The Outcome

ORION’s portability and ease of use was a great advantage for this monitoring project. Within a few days PCD could assess that the vibration impact on the site was within the legal parameters and report back to the Government and the temple authorities. PCD will carry on maintaining the integrity of this historic site and has already utilized ORION to ensure compliance of environmental regulations by industry at other sites.

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