Cow Bay Environmental Coalition Calls for Independent, Frequency-Based Testing of Donkin Mine Noise

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Morien, Cape Breton — Six years after first reporting sleep disruption and health impacts linked to noise from the Donkin Mine, residents are again calling for provincial action — this time to ensure the noise is measured properly.

Today, the Cow Bay Environmental Coalition will present to CBRM Council, outlining concerns that the Province’s proposed noise monitoring approach will not capture the pure tonal sound that residents say continues to harm them, particularly at night.

“The issue is not whether monitoring will occur,” said Catherine Fergusson, speaking on behalf of the Coalition. “The issue is whether the testing method will actually measure the pure tone that people are hearing and feeling inside their homes.”

According to acoustic experts, pure tonal noise requires narrow-band frequency analysis to be properly identified. Broad-band or 1/3 Octave methodology can mask tonal components, potentially resulting in findings that suggest compliance while residents continue to experience disturbance.

Residents also expressed concern that monitoring has historically been scheduled in advance, during which time the problematic noise has reportedly been absent. The Coalition is calling for event-based testing that occurs when the noise is actively happening, as well as the appointment of a truly independent third-party acoustic engineer.

For six years, residents living near the mine have reported the same experience: persistent low-frequency hum penetrating their homes, waking them during the night, and affecting their health and wellbeing.

Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act recognizes noise and vibration as potential health hazards and provides authority to act in the interest of public health.

“We are not asking for special treatment,” Fergusson said. “We are asking for proper measurement, independent oversight, and transparency. Without an honest assessment, there will be no meaningful solution.”

The Coalition will be requesting that Council formally urge the Province to implement frequency-based pure-tone analysis, ensure independent monitoring, and publicly release methodologies and results.

Residents say they remain hopeful that with accurate data and transparent oversight, a resolution can finally be reached.

Media Contact: Catherine Fergusson / South Port Morien

Calvin Thomas / Long Beach Road, Port Morien

Additional reading:

COMMENTARY: Time to Silence Donkin Mine…Before More Harm Is Done 

The government must act to stop the donkin mine noise.

1000 Days and Counting: A report on the social and health impacts of industrial noise from the Donkin Coal Mine in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.